Minstead vets Celtic Equine who specialise in horse care is celebrating after winning the title ‘Equine Veterinary Practice of the Year.’

A LOCAL vet firm specialising in horse care is celebrating after galloping to the Equine Veterinary Practice of the Year title.

Celtic Equine Vets in Minstead was handed the top prize at the prestigious Equestrian Business Awards.

The company was nominated for the award by customers, many of whom praised them for their “first class service” with one saying: “They really care about my horses.”

One called the practice “angels” while another said, “this practice is amazing nothing is too much trouble”.

A spokesperson for Celtic Equine said of the award: “As a team, Celtic Equine are incredibly proud of their practice’s successes and are constantly looking for ways to improve and continue providing independent, approachable, gold-standard care to the equines of the New Forest and surrounding area.”

Established more than 13 years ago the practice has invested in the latest veterinary equipment to provide “unique” care for its patients.

This includes portable equipment so vets can deliver hospital-grade treatment in the stable or yard.

Each team member carries an HD digital X-ray system, a HD ultrasound machine, a blood testing machine, and a range of dental equipment.

It means owners do not have to undergo the stress of trying to get their horses to and from clinics and hospitals for investigation and procedures.

The practice also offers an out of hours emergency service which means one of their own vets will always visit a poorly patient, rather than a third-party one.

Celtic Equine gives free talks and demonstrations to local organisations including Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue, the Young Farmers association riding clubs.

The spokesperson added: “We strongly believe that working in a veterinary practice should be enjoyable and work hard to protect their employees’ mental health. In the current climate of financial strain with a growing mental health crisis within the veterinary profession, the practice ensures that their team members are protected.

“Ample travel and visit times, with no visits booked in later than 4.30pm, plus allocated lunch breaks each day to unwind, protected admin time and a brilliant administrative team ensure that vets do not have to take work home with them and arrive at them appointments able to give each patient the very best level of care.”