Equine Veterinary Nurse Committee

Marie obtained a First-Class Honours Degree in Equine Sports Science in 2005. She started working in clinical equine practice in 2003 and qualified as a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse (REVN) with merit in 2007. In 2012, Marie completed the Diploma in Higher Education Clinical Veterinary Nursing (DipHE CVN) and obtained the RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Dip AVN) in equine context, with distinction in 2013. She has been lecturing since 2010 at Bottle Green Training Ltd and is now the Programme Lead for the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing. Marie has an interest in the welfare working equids abroad and has twice worked as a volunteer at The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust (GHDT) in Africa. Marie’s special interests include donkeys, bandaging, anaesthesia, and intravenous catheter care. Marie is currently the Chair of the Equine Nurses Committee for The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Outside of work, Marie enjoys looking after her horse Harry, her two donkeys Billy and Tilly and her spaniel Petal.

Rebecca qualified as an RVN in 2014, and is now currently head nurse at B&W Equine referral Hospital. She holds an NCert in Anaesthesia & Analgesia (NCert Anaesth) and is a registered animal medicines advisor (E-RAMA). Rebecca splits her time between clinical and non-clinical roles in practice such as training students and supporting the development of equine nursing within CVS. She is also involved in the organisation and running of veterinary events such as Badminton Horse Trials & Cheltenham Racecourse. Outside of work Rebecca is kept busy with her Cocker spaniel puppy.

Sophie is from a farming background, and has had horses all her life, regularly competing in all disciplines, so equine nursing was the obvious route. She started in 1996 at Greenwood Ellis and Partners as a nurse, learning the ropes until the direct entry route for the equine veterinary nursing qualification became available. Having passed this, Sophie continued progressing within the nursing team taking on more senior roles. In 2008 the practice moved to a purpose built premises known as Newmarket Equine Hospital. Soon after the move she started being in charge of theatre and is now head nurse leading a team of 9 nurses.

Rosina Lillywhite is currently Head of Centre at VetPartners Nursing School at Liphook Equine Hospital. Rosina started her career in equine nursing in 2003 when she began at Liphook Equine Hospital as a part-time weekend nursing assistant aged 17. She quickly fell in love with the job and became a full-time yard nursing assistant in 2004. In 2009 Rosina started studying for her Equine Nursing Diploma at Hartpury College; part way through this, she changed her role to become part of the clinic nurse team, where she found a particular passion for diagnostics and theatre nursing. In 2012 Rosina qualified from Hartpury College as a registered equine veterinary nurse and formed part of the veterinary team at the 2012 London Paralympics. In 2017 she became Head Clinic Nurse, and in 2019 she helped to open the VetPartners Nursing School based at the hospital; this has been an exciting addition to her role, and she enjoys shaping the nurses of the future. Currently, Rosina is working to produce a new equine nursing textbook to ensure that there are relevant study materials for new student nurses.

Louise Pailor qualified as an RVN in 1997 then followed her passion for horses qualifying as an Equine Veterinary nurse in 2000. Louise is Equine Operations Manager managing the Equine Nurse Team and overseeing the running of the clinic at Wright & Morten Equine Clinic based at Somerford Park in Cheshire where she has been employed for 28yrs. Louise has since also qualified as a RAMA which sees her managing worming plans, reporting faecal worm egg counts, prescribing wormers and advising clients on worm related issues. Louise’s other passion is wound management and passed the BVNA wound healing certificate in 2016. Lou also trains other practices around the country on wound management and bandaging for the Veterinary Wound Library. Louise completed the TOCES Level 3 Diploma in Equine Nutrition in January 2022.

Mary has been with Donnington Grove Equine Hospital, where she undertook her training, since 2011 and has been the Head Nurse there for 5 years. Mary is an SQP-J, RPS and has interest in all areas of Health and Safety. She became a member of BEVA nursing committee in 2022. Mary particularly enjoys training and supporting new nurses as well as all aspects of Equine Veterinary Nursing. In her free time, Mary enjoys hill walking with her Lurcher 'Primrose', spending time with her retired showjumper 'Trooper', swimming and ballet classes.

Jude studied Equine Science and Management at Bishop Burton College and after graduating started work in equine practice in 2004, qualifying as a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse in 2012. Jude is the head nurse at Hambleton Equine Clinic in North Yorkshire with interests in MRI imaging, intensive care and emergency work. Jude is an E- SQP and an AI technician and has recently completed a Cert AVN specialising in imaging and rehabilitation. She would like to assist in promoting advancements within the veterinary nursing industry, increasing the awareness of veterinary nurse capabilities, using them to their full potential both within the hospital and ambulatory settings. In her spare time Jude assists with the family farm and enjoys spending time with her children and keeping fit.

Cassie is a Registered Equine Nurse and Partner at Lower House Equine Clinic in Shropshire. In the clinic, her interests include Practice Management, Diagnostic imaging and medicine cases as well as ambulatory nursing. Cassie has a degree in Bioveterinary Science and enjoys all aspects of clinic lab work. As part of the BEVA nursing committee Cassie hopes to help further raise awareness of the vital roles equine nurses play in practice, promote and develop the role of the equine ambulatory nurse and improve training for equine veterinary grooms and technicians. She is also passionate about inspiring more nurses to take up leadership and management roles within equine practice. Outside of work she is a keen rider and enjoys show jumping