We're delighted to announce Cassie and Simon Woods as the March Members of the Month, celebrating their dedication to the equine veterinary profession and the positive impact they have had on colleagues, clients, and the wider community.
Cassie and Simon’s careers began on separate paths but eventually converged into a successful partnership. Simon graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006 and spent a decade in equine practice before co‑founding Lower House Equine Clinic. Cassie, who grew up riding and always knew she wanted a horse‑focused career, worked on show jumping and eventing yards before spending time in small animal nursing and studying bio‑veterinary science. Ten years ago, they took the leap to open their own clinic - a hands‑on endeavour from the very beginning. Cassie remembers those early days well: “We had just a mobile phone and a paper diary, and there was only one spot in the building with reception. We had no hot water… it was crazy, but we got through it.”
Whilst they admit that not everyone would choose to work with their other half, their working relationship is strengthened by a shared sense of purpose. As Simon explains, “We have that shared vision and shared goals… we want to drive the clinic forward and provide an excellent level of service.” Their combined experience and complementary skills have shaped a thriving practice and a strong team ethos at Lower House.
Cassie and Simon were nominated for their March Member of the Month award because of their significant contribution to BEVA Trust welfare clinics, where they have volunteered at eleven clinics and served as lead vets at eight. Their first experience in 2017 in Swansea made an impression: Cassie laughs as she recalls arriving at a pub car park filled with fencing, lorries, and ponies, describing it as “crazy” but incredibly rewarding as everyone pulled together to get the work done. For them, the clinics offer not only the chance to support horses that may not otherwise receive essential care, but also an environment where vets and nurses at different career stages can learn and gain confidence. Simon reflects on the sense of satisfaction at the end of each clinic: “Seeing those animals go home at the end of the day, knowing we’ve prevented unwanted breeding and provided care they might never have received -it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Cassie is particularly passionate about the opportunities the clinics provide for veterinary nurses, noting that they involve far more than organising and preparing equipment. “Nurses get to do real clinical work. They get a lot out of it,” she says. When asked what they would say to anyone thinking about volunteering, their advice is enthusiastic and straightforward: “Go for it. It’s fun - sometimes a bit unusual, not always plain sailing, but always a good day.”
Both emphasise how much they value being part of the BEVA community. Simon frequently uses the journal access, guidelines, and toolkits that BEVA provides, explaining that recent guidance on euthanasia and the management of horses with unknown ownership has been particularly helpful. Cassie enjoys the sense of connection that comes with membership and has found great personal and professional fulfilment as part of the BEVA Nurse Committee. “It’s really rewarding. You learn a lot and get to contribute too,” she says.
They are also looking forward to attending BEVA Congress this year. Simon particularly enjoys the orthopaedic lecture streams and the chance to explore new equipment in the trade hall, while Cassie will be delivering a lecture on ambulatory nursing, chairing a session, and teaching practical workshops. Ambulatory nursing is a subject she is passionate about, seeing it as a vital way for nurses to expand their skill sets and support busy veterinary teams. “Taking x-rays, blood samples, giving medication - it’s all stuff we do every day in the clinic,” she explains. “It frees up vets and gives nurses more time with clients.” Check out the full BEVA Congress 2026 programme here.
Both Cassie and Simon were genuinely touched to be chosen as Members of the Month. “Unexpected, but a real honour,” says Simon. Cassie adds, “A lovely surprise after a busy week.” They also encourage others to celebrate the people around them: “Don’t forget to nominate your colleagues - it’s a really nice thing to do… and you get a goodie bag!”
Congratulations to Cassie and Simon!
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