Our Team of Experts

Dr. Joe Waldron

Equine Veterinarian & Director

B.V.Sc

Joe spent his formative years in Melbourne and was drawn to horse racing as a teenager, growing up in the shadows of Caulfield Racecourse. He cut his teeth working at large breeding operations such as Woodside, where he was involved in yearling preparation, and as a stablehand for trainers based at Caulfield.

Driven to pursue his passion in a more meaningful way, he studied veterinary science at Charles Sturt University while continuing to take every opportunity to work with thoroughbreds during his studies. Upon graduating in 2017, Joe commenced work as an ambulatory equine veterinarian in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Under the tutelage of his current colleague, Dr Ian Church, he honed his skills as a veterinary practitioner, with a focus on becoming a specialist in racing and performance horses.

With a keen interest in racehorse management and lameness, Joe takes great pride in caring for horses across a range of disciplines, from Group 1 winners to dressage and eventing horses competing at the highest levels.

Dr. David Garth

Equine Veterinarian & Director

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons)
Bachelor of Radiation & Medical Imaging (Hons)

David grew up in Gippsland where he was introduced to horses at a very early age. He competed in many equine disciplines while growing up, and was introduced to thoroughbred racing as a teenager where he worked for many years as a stablehand. After completing a Bachelors degree in Radiography & Medical Imaging at Monash University, David was employed by Barwon Health (Geelong Hospital) where he worked for 8 years in a range of modalities including General Radiology, CT, Emergency, Theatre and Interventional Radiology. During this time David also completed his veterinary degree at Melbourne University. Upon completing his veterinary degree he was employed by Flemington Equine Clinic where he worked with many high profile racehorses and top… performance horses. David also undertook a stint in mixed practice, however was drawn back to specialising in equine practice.

After moving to Sydney, David established Sydney Equine Practice in 2015, over which time it has gone from strength to strength. Whether it be a group 1 racehorse, thoroughbred yearlings, performance horses or a beloved pony David is equipped to manage your horse. David has a special interest in lameness and racehorse management which when combined with his background in medical imaging makes him your first choice to manage your horses veterinary needs.

Dr. Ian Church

Equine Veterinarian

B.V.Sc
M.A.C.V.Sc

Dr Ian Church is one of Australia’s most experienced equine veterinarians, specialising in the care and treatment of thoroughbred racing and polo horses for over 35 years.

Dr Church graduated from Melbourne University in 1985 and has a wealth of experience working in high performance equine environments across the world, including England, Scotland, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and USA, along with the major racetracks in Australia.

While recognised for his horsemanship, skill and insight, Dr Church is also an engaging communicator who makes it easy for clients to understand exactly where their horses’ health is at.

Dr Church’s knowledge goes beyond professional expertise. He was a polo player, and has been riding and caring for horses all of his life, and this comes through in his commitment to his work, and his clients.

Dr. Louise Comber

Equine Veterinarian

B.V.Sc

Louise has an extensive background in the thoroughbred industry. Growing up in Ireland, she began riding at an early age and competed in both show jumping and dressage. Prior to her veterinary studies, Louise worked on leading stud farms around the world and has significant expertise in yearling preparation and sales across multiple international markets.

Her passion for equine health led her to work with some of the world’s most respected equine veterinary organisations, including Hagyard Davidson & Magee in Kentucky, Vet Associates in New Zealand and Darley Stud in Dubai, providing invaluable exposure to a wide range of equine veterinary and breeding operations. Louise graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Charles Sturt University in 2022 after which she spent three and a half years working in racetrack practice with elite thoroughbred racehorses. She has a particular interest in lameness diagnosis and treatment, as well as equine surgery.

Outside of work, Louise enjoys riding her off-the-track thoroughbreds and is passionate about retraining and developing them for life after racing. She enjoys competing and continues to enjoy spending time in the saddle whenever possible.

Aaron Corby

General Manager

Aaron has extensive business management experience with a focus on thoroughbred breeding and racing. Having spent his younger days at Flemington working in the stables of his family and those of Hall of Fame father and daughter trainers, TJ Smith and Gai Waterhouse, he went on to study business at a tertiary level.

Having held management positions for the Australian Trainers Association and Danny O’Brien Racing, he progressed to general manager of a bloodstock business, major veterinary practice and a law firm. After managing a construction company and syndication business, Aaron has returned to veterinary practice management.

With such a wide range of experience, he has knowledge of client and supplier side businesses which enable him to ensure that service delivery standards are not only high, but perfectly suited to our clients.

Claire Skerman

Office Administrator

Claire’s love for horses began at an early age coming up through Nunawading Pony Club. She went on to compete in various equestrian disciplines including dressage, eventing and tetrathlon.

While Claire started her degree at University, she realised that a career with horses was inevitable and began employment in a racing stable. She spent the next 10+ years working in the racing industry as a stablehand, track rider, foreman and more recently an assistant trainer.

Her passion for the care and management of the equine athlete, both in racing and with her own performance horses, influenced her to further her knowledge. In 2021, Claire completed her studies in veterinary nursing, specialising in equine. Still an avid rider, her focus is now on dressage and she hopes to one day represent Australia internationally.