Meet the team

Meet the team behind Rowley Mile Equine. Our veterinarians bring a strong focus on equine sports medicine, with particular expertise in orthopaedics, biomechanics, and performance-related conditions. Working collaboratively, we prioritise accurate diagnosis and considered treatment planning to support soundness and athletic function.

Veterinarians

Gregor Hepburn

DIRECTOR

Gregor is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies. After qualifying, he began his professional journey in the Lake District, working in ambulatory equine practice and developing a strong foundation in day-to-day clinical work and field-based lameness assessment. He later moved to Australia, spending two formative years as an associate at Ballarat Veterinary Practice, where he broadened his experience in managing performance horses across a variety of disciplines and environments.

On returning to the UK in 2020, Gregor joined a prominent ambulatory practice in Newmarket. There, he advanced his skills in complex lameness investigations, gait assessment, and diagnostic imaging, collaborating closely with trainers, farriers, and riders to support horses competing at different levels.

Now a founding partner of Rowley Mile Equine, Gregor brings a progressive, evidence-led approach to equine orthopaedics and sports medicine. His focus is on maintaining long-term soundness, optimising performance, and providing clear, practical guidance to clients and their horses.

Mark O’Sullivan

DIRECTOR

Mark graduated from University College Dublin and began his career in Lexington, Kentucky, where he completed a rigorous internship in equine surgery and performance medicine under Dr. Wes Sutter. This experience exposed him to a high caseload of elite athletic cases and shaped his analytical, performance-focused clinical approach.

He went on to join Randwick Equine Centre in Sydney, progressing from intern to associate and gaining extensive experience with high-performance Thoroughbreds and sport horses within a leading equine sports-medicine centre.

Upon returning to the Europe, Mark spent five years with a leading Newmarket ambulatory practice, refining his expertise in complex lameness diagnostics, advanced imaging, and performance management.

As a founder of Rowley Mile Equine, Mark brings a modern, precision-led philosophy to sports medicine. His clinical focus includes subtle gait analysis, early identification of performance-limiting issues, and tailored long-term management strategies for competition horses. He is known for his clear communication, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care throughout each horse’s athletic career.

Cathal Boland

DIRECTOR

Cathal graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2019 and began his career in a busy mixed practice in the Yorkshire Dales, gaining a strong foundation in clinical medicine and developing a particular interest in sport horses. He then moved to a leading equine practice in Newmarket, where he spent four and a half years focusing on racehorse and performance medicine, working closely with trainers and high-performance athletes across the racing industry.

In 2025, Cathal relocated to Cheshire to co-found Rowley Mile Equine Cheshire. He brings with him extensive experience gained during his years in Newmarket, with particular clinical interests in orthopaedics, lameness investigation, and performance management. Cathal is committed to delivering modern, evidence-based veterinary care and places strong emphasis on building collaborative, long-term relationships with trainers and owners.

Gareth Ryan

DIRECTOR

Gareth graduated from University College Dublin, following in the footsteps of his father, who also practises as a vet in the west of Ireland. He went on to gain extensive international experience with an equine practice operating across Cape Town, Bahrain, and Newmarket, where exposure to diverse performance environments helped him develop a broad skill set across racehorses, sport horses, and youngstock.

In 2023, he relocated to the Cotswolds, joining a predominantly National Hunt practice and further strengthening his expertise in orthopaedics and day-to-day performance management.

Gareth’s main clinical interests include pre-purchase examinations and orthopaedics, with a strong focus on soundness, conformation, and long-term athletic management.

Jack Church

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN

Jack graduated from the University of Surrey before beginning his career in equine practice, gaining early experience at major equine centres in Newmarket, Cape Town, and Lambourn. These internationally recognised hubs of racing and sport-horse medicine provided him with a strong foundation in clinical assessment, lameness investigation, and the management of high-performance horses.

He joined Rowley Mile Equine Scotland in October 2024, bringing a broad and well-rounded skill set to the team. Jack’s clinical interests include lameness diagnostics, performance optimisation, and the day-to-day care of Thoroughbreds and sport horses. He is known for his methodical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering practical, evidence-based veterinary care.

Sarah Simpson

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN

For more than three decades, Sarah has been a highly respected and influential presence in equine veterinary care across the Scottish Borders. She is widely recognised for her exceptional clinical skill, calm professionalism, and unwavering commitment to both horses and their owners.

Throughout her career, Sarah has earned the trust of generations of riders, trainers, and owners who value her sound judgment, compassion, and consistency. Her depth of experience and steady, thoughtful approach make her an integral part of the Rowley Mile Equine team, contributing to the high standard of care delivered across the region.

Julia Crowe

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN

Julia hails from Co. Tipperary and graduated from the University of Bristol before embarking on a career centred around performance-horse medicine. She completed a 13-month internship at the renowned Fethard Equine Hospital, gaining extensive experience in ambulatory practice, clinical assessment, and managing a high caseload of sport and racehorses.

She then spent six months in Cape Town with Baker McVeigh, working within an international racing and sports-medicine environment. This exposure further strengthened her interest in performance optimisation, lameness evaluation, and the management of elite equine athletes.

Julia brings a strong focus on sports medicine, combining detailed gait assessment with practical management to help horses remain comfortable, confident, and capable throughout their training demands.

Max Bembinov

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN

Max graduated from the Royal Veterinary College before completing a prestigious two-year rotating internship at Rossdales in Newmarket, one of the world’s leading equine referral centres. During his time there, he gained exceptional experience across high-performance sports-medicine and advanced diagnostic practice, refining his skills in lameness investigation, diagnostic regional anaesthesia, intra-articular therapies, advanced imaging, anaesthesia, and the management of complex emergency and critical cases.

Now a key member of Rowley Mile Equine Cheshire, Max brings a strong clinical focus on orthopaedics, innovative diagnostic technologies, and equine sports medicine. He is passionate about evidence-based practice and is driven to integrate cutting-edge research and emerging techniques into the care of racing and performance horses.

Support Staff

  • Kerrie Robinson

    ADMINISTRATION

    Kerrie plays an integral role in the smooth, efficient running of Rowley Mile Equine. With many years of experience in professional studs and high-performance yards, she has a strong understanding of the practical demands of caring for elite horses and the needs of the people who support them.

    Known for her excellent organisation and calm, intuitive manner, Kerrie has an ability to anticipate what both clients and horses require to keep the operation running smoothly. She ensures the veterinary team has the time, equipment, and support needed to respond to any situation with confidence and efficiency.

    At Rowley Mile Equine, Kerrie oversees client communication, scheduling, and day-to-day operational support. Her practical knowledge, professionalism, and warm interpersonal approach help build trusted relationships, ensuring clients feel supported from first contact through every stage of their horse’s care.

  • Ewan Simpson

    ADMINISTRATION

    With over three decades of experience in the veterinary profession, Ewan began his career as a mixed-practice veterinarian, building a strong foundation in clinical work, client care, and practice operations. As his career progressed, he naturally transitioned into management roles, complemented by periods dedicated to homemaking and raising his family.

    Across the practices he has supported, Ewan has taken on key responsibilities including accounts, HR, payroll, and health and safety. His unique combination of hands-on veterinary experience and comprehensive management expertise enables him to support the smooth, effective running of the Rowley Mile Equine sports-medicine veterinary group, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to client service, team wellbeing, and the values that underpin high-quality veterinary care.

  • Katie Lane

    ADMINISTRATION

    Katie is a member of the Rowley Mile Equine Cheshire team and brings a diverse background in sales, administration, and logistics, supported by a degree in Transport and Supply Chain Management. Her transition into the racing industry saw her take on a key administrative role within a busy training yard, providing valuable insight into the operational demands of the sport and the fast-paced realities of equine management.

    A keen follower of National Hunt racing, Katie has a strong appreciation of the structure, demands, and seasonal rhythm of the racing calendar. Alongside her professional role, she balances her work with raising her two children—an experience that reflects her strong organisational skills, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

    This combination of industry insight and practical experience enables Katie to provide a high level of administrative and client support to the Rowley Mile Equine Cheshire team.

  • Emma Roche

    ADMINISTRATION

    Emma is a key member of the Rowley Mile Equine Veterinary Group and works within the Finance and Billing Team. Originally from Wexford, Ireland, she works remotely, supporting billing coordination and financial administration across the group.

    Emma understands the importance of organisation and clear communication, working closely with veterinarians to ensure clinical work is accurately captured and translated into timely, correct billing. Her structured and reliable approach helps streamline processes, reduce errors, and support the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

    Emma plays an important behind-the-scenes role in supporting both the veterinary teams and clients across the Rowley Mile Equine Veterinary Group.

  • Bella Higham

    ADMINISTRATION

    Bella is part of the Rowley Mile Equine finance and accounts team, overseeing the day-to-day financial administration of the group. She manages client accounts, invoicing, and financial queries, helping ensure the smooth running of the practice across all branches.

    Bella holds a degree in Equine Science and a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science. She is currently studying for a Master’s in Veterinary Physiotherapy, further expanding her knowledge of equine performance, rehabilitation, and welfare.

    Alongside her academic background, Bella has extensive practical experience in the equestrian world. She has competed and continues to compete in eventing and team chasing, maintaining a strong connection with the sport horse industry. Her combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience gives her a valuable understanding of both the clinical and client side of equine practice.

  • Stefania Ilardi

    ADMINISTRATION

    Stef joins the Rowley Mile Equine Scotland team as our Front of House and Office Manager, bringing with her a wealth of organisational and client-facing experience. Prior to joining the practice, Stef managed operations at a falcon farm where she was responsible for coordinating day-to-day activities, overseeing the import and export of falcons, managing office administration, and supporting colleagues across the business, all while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare.

    Alongside this, Stef has held a number of office-based and customer service roles which have provided her with a strong foundation in organisation, communication, and client care. At Rowley Mile Equine she plays a key role in the smooth running of the office, acting as the first point of contact for many of our clients and supporting both the veterinary team and our clients with day-to-day enquiries and scheduling.

Veterinary Assistants

  • Emma Holden

    VETERINARY ASSISTANT

    Emma is a member of the Rowley Mile Equine Scotland team and is originally from Kildare, Ireland. She brings extensive international experience across both the racing and veterinary industries.

    She spent seven years working for leading dual-purpose trainer Jessica Harrington, before relocating to Australia, where she worked with several highly successful trainers including Peter Snowden, Tom Dabernig, and Bjorn Baker. These roles provided Emma with valuable exposure to elite racing operations and the demands of high-performance yards.

    Emma later joined the veterinary team at Warwick Farm Equine Centre in Sydney, where she assisted with daily call-outs, surgical procedures, and the rehabilitation of injured horses. She is widely recognised for her calm, compassionate approach to handling horses and her strong commitment to equine welfare.

    With a clear ambition to build a long-term career in equine rehabilitation and veterinary support, Emma brings dedication, experience, and exceptional horsemanship to the Rowley Mile Equine Scotland team.