Our People

Emily graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2023, after which she completed an 18-month internship at a busy referral hospital in Kent. During this internship, Emily rotated through internal medicine, anaesthesia, surgery and orthopaedics, working closely with the specialists in the investigation and management of the cases referred into the hospital, as well as providing care for hospitalised patients. It was during this internship that Emily realised her passion for internal medicine.

She subsequently undertook an internal medicine fellowship at the largest equine hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, based in New South Wales, Australia. The fellowship coincided with the Southern Hemisphere foaling season, giving Emily extensive hands-on experience in the treatment of critically ill neonatal foals and the management of post-foaling broodmares, learning from leading specialists in this field. After a few weeks off to catch up on some sleep following a demanding foaling season, Emily then joined the Surrey Hills Equine team in early 2026 to start her ambulatory career.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys catching up with friends at the pub!

Bryan is a Specialist in Equine Surgery. Hailing from Cork, Ireland, he graduated from University College Dublin, and shortly after undertook a specialist surgical training between a private equine hospital and Glasgow University. Bryan worked in the UK and Ireland, and today, Bryan holds a diploma as RCVS and European specialist in Equine Surgery (ECVS), holds a Masters of Veterinary Medicine and a Certificate in Equine Orthopaedic Surgery.

His study on standing fracture repair in the elbow detailed the first cases in the world performed in this manner and was presented at the 2022 ECVS congress and published on Equine Veterinary Education. Most recently, his work on standing accessory carpal bone fragment arthroscopic removal was presented at the 2023 ECVS Conference.

Bryan’s bread and butter is orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery which he can carry out ambulatorily when is deemed to be safe and in the best interest of horses, so that they can receive the highest level of care at home, in the comfort of their environment. Such procedures can include sarcoid or melanoma removal using diode laser.

At ambulatory level, Bryan has a special interest in poor performance investigation and extensive experience in Dynamic Endoscopy (Overground Endoscopy) and upper respiratory tract surgery (WIND OPS), having worked in several practices in the UK and in his native Ireland.

When Bryan is not at work, he is busy coaching his son’s Rugby team and following his daughter’s pony club activities while chasing his dream of becoming Pony Club Dad of the year!

Safia Barakzai is a highly experienced equine surgeon with an international reputation in the investigation and treatment of complex surgical conditions. Her main areas of clinical interest include equine upper airway disease and “wind” problems, dental and sinus conditions, soft tissue surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Safia graduated from the University of Bristol in 1998 before undertaking specialist surgical training at the University of Edinburgh. She subsequently spent many years at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, where she worked as a senior equine surgeon within the referral hospital. Alongside managing challenging clinical cases, she was closely involved in teaching, specialist training and veterinary research.

She is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and is recognised as a specialist in equine surgery by both the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Safia also holds advanced RCVS qualifications in equine soft tissue surgery and has been awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Following further surgical work in specialist practices across the UK and Ireland, Safia established Equine Surgical Referrals in 2017. She now works collaboratively with veterinary practices, providing specialist assessment and surgical expertise for horses requiring more advanced investigation or treatment.

Safia has made a substantial contribution to equine veterinary research, with more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications as well as textbooks and book chapters. Her research has particularly focused on upper respiratory tract disease and the diagnosis and surgical management of dental and sinus disorders.

She also lectures widely to veterinary audiences and has held senior examining roles within both the RCVS and ECVS.

Dietrich graduated at the University of Georgia (USA) in 1982 and worked as a vet in the USA before moving to the UK in 1989, when he founded an equine veterinary practice on the Hog’s Back near Guildford, Surrey.

Dietrich has wide experience in all aspects of equine practice, ranging from all aspects of ambulatory care to colic and elective surgery.

Dietrich has a special interest in equine acupuncture, which finds its roots in a very successful treatment of a severe kick injury in 1984. From here, Dietrich enrolled in the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course, graduating in 1998. He then progressed to be elected President of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturist (ABVA) and following his mandate, he remained ABVA lecturer and Education director for over a decade.

To date, Dietrich works as referral acupuncturist across the UK, running courses on Equine pain management & rehabilitation for the RCVS.

Dietrich has published much scientific literature on equine acupuncture, exploring the effects of electro-acupuncture on nerve injury and the effects of acupuncture on chronic pain control, pioneering studies proving the impact of acupuncture applied to equine muscular trigger points.

His studies are published in the book ‘Current Therapy in Equine Medicine’ and on scientific journals such as the ‘Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice’, and ‘Acupuncture in Medicine’.

When he is not with horses, Dietrich enjoys playing guitar, tennis, and golf, and riding his motorcycle under any weather conditions. He is also a member of the charity ‘Vets with Horsepower’ (www.vetswithhorsepower.com) which raises funds for children and animal welfare.

Ian qualified from Edinburgh in June 2006 and has been working with horses ever since – first in the New Forest, then at a Hospital in Sussex and latterly in East Sussex.

He worked at the Olympics in 2012 as part of the Vet Team.

He passed his orthopaedic surgery certificate in 2015.

Leire qualified in 2002 and has worked in equine practice in the UK for most of the time since then.

She gained her certificate in Advanced Equine Practice in 2011 and is currently studying towards a VBM certificate.

Leire enjoys equine critical emergency care and outside work she is a keen kite surfer.

James qualified from Sydney in January 2007 and worked in ambulatory practice in Australia.

On returning to the UK he completed an internship in a practice in Essex.

He has been an ambulatory vet since then. He passed his orthopaedic surgery certificate in 2015.

Livvy graduated in 2018 from The University of Liverpool.

After working in a mixed practice in Sussex and then Australia, she moved back to the UK to complete an internship at Liphook Equine Hospital.

Outside of work, any spare time is taken up by ponies and competing regularly on the Mounted Games circuit with the Jack Russel tagging along for the road trip.

Polly is a busy mum of two very sporty boys, so her weekends are spent standing on the sidelines of a rugby pitch or watching cricket. She has three dogs, enjoys reformer Pilates, and, when the sea is warm, paddleboarding.

Rachel’s love for horses goes back to her childhood when she started riding lessons at a young age with her passion leading her to study Equine Management at college and completing BHS stages. Over the years, she has gained a wealth of experience working as a freelance groom and rider, alongside various roles within healthcare administration.

These days, Rachel enjoys spending time caring for and riding her own horse. As well as finding time to help others with their horses.

When she’s not at the yard, Rachel enjoys catching up with friends, getting creative through painting and drawing, and enjoying walks with her dog.