Our Team of Experts

Dr. Joe Waldron

Equine Veterinarian & Director

B.V.Sc

Joe grew up in Melbourne, cutting his teeth with horses as a stablehand at Caufield Racecourse.

Moving to Wagga Wagga to study veterinary science, Joe honed his passion for horses, taking every opportunity to work with Thoroughbreds while completing his studies. Upon graduating in 2017, Joe commenced work as an ambulatory equine vet with his first boss, and current colleague, Ian Church in Melbourne and has also worked with horses in the Yarra Valley.

With a keen interest in racehorse management and lameness, Joe has also been introduced to the performance horse world by his partner, Beth, herself a keen eventer and showjumper and takes great pride in looking after all horses of any pursuit (athletic or otherwise!)

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.

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.