ROB VAN PELT, B.Sc, B.V.Sc, Cert EP, MRCVS

Rob graduated from Massey University, New Zealand in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science and Veterinary Science.

His first job was in Rotorua, New Zealand. Employed as a large animal vet, he soon gravitated towards horses having been involved with them most of his life. He describes his early days as 100% horse work but in the calving season he was expected to pull out 10 calves a day as well. As the practice was directly across the road from the racecourse Rob was employed as the racecourse vet which involved regulatory duties as well as attending to casualties.

After 4 years Rob (with wife Robyn) embarked on their overseas travel. After traveling through Asia, Africa and Europe they landed in England and Rob started work as a locum in Ewhurst, Surrey. After a relaxing summer Rob was keen to move on and gain further horse experience. A chance meeting with a previous partner in the practice resulted in Rob being offered a job at The Equine Veterinary Hospital, Arundel.

He completed his Certificate in Equine practice in 1992 and became a partner in 1994.

Rob has continued to develop his interests in competition horse medicine and surgery.

A keen reader he has published several papers and co-authored a chapter about lameness in National Hunt racehorses in “Lameness in the Horse”. This text is essential reading for all Equine practitioners.

Rob has given numerous lectures on various topics including tendon injuries, drug administration and joint therapy.

Rob was asked to join the presales examination panel for Doncaster National Hunt Sales in 2002. He has also performed this duty at Cheltenham and Ascot Sales.

He was nominated as an F.E.I Veterinary Surgeon in 1996 and as such officiates at Hickstead show jumping, becoming the senior Vet in 2005.

His interest in racing saw him nominated to the committee of the Association of Racecourse Vets and after 4 years acting as secretary was elected chairman.

Rob has acted as examiner for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for the Certificate in Equine Practice, stepping down in 2006 as chief examiner.

He manages to find time to keep fit by riding his mountain bike over the South Downs. He is an avid rugby supporter especially when the All Blacks are playing.