Grace graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in July 2015, and since then have been working in a rural first opinion Equine Practice. She became aware of the BEVA Trust as a student, however, was not sure of their purpose until the early education clinics were advertising for volunteers. Grace contacted the Trust, and although she was unable to attend the first clinic, she kept informed of future projects and took the opportunity to volunteer as soon as she could. Grace believes the Trust offers a brilliant service which aims to help horses, both in this country and abroad, who need assistance on an individual basis, and as a population. Grace is keen to get involved as much as she could - given the current overpopulation issues with the horses in our country and the impact it has on their welfare,
Grace is hoping that her contribution may offer some improvement to at least a few horses, and perhaps prevent others being born into an uncertain future. As Grace discovered, the Trust also offers a valuable opportunity for BEVA volunteers; whether they are students; newly qualified (like herself) or more experienced. Taking part in the education clinic, helped Grace build up surgical confidence, with the benefit of several more experienced vets’ hints, tips and assistance and she was able to do the old vet-school favourite of “See one, Do one, Teach one” as well as helping a great charitable cause. Grace has said that there was a great atmosphere at the clinic’s, where everyone is keen to get stuck in and help, and all skills are valued! She now feels happier to go and perform a castration for a private client independently, and as a consequence, have been able to do more than she has ever dreamed of in her first year of practice. Grace is proud to sit on the BEVA Trust Committee and is excited to see how the Trust develops as we take steps in our new, welfare focused, direction.