Our Team of Experts
Our clients are paired with their own dedicated horse veterinarian. All of our team are highly trained and are empowered to deliver a new standard in equine care.
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Our Veterinary Team
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.
Our Veterinary Team
Dr. Elisha Dempsey
Equine Veterinarian
Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology
Elisha was born in Broome where she developed her passion for horses at a young age. Her equine skills were put to the test riding on the Kimberly rodeo circuit before converting to the more traditional riding disciplines. A move to Darwin saw her complete her eduction in the Northern Territory before taking a well earned gap year working on a remote outback cattle station. Elisha’s passion for horses saw her move to Wagga Wagga, where she completed her veterinary science degree. Upon completing her veterinary degree she took up employment at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic where she was able to gain a broad range of skills before being employed on their ambulatory team. Elisha has an interest in equine reproduction and performance horse management.
In the little spare time that Elisha has she likes to work her horse and explore the Southern Highlands’ many hiking tracks and local delicacies with her husband.
Dr. Freya Rees-Jones.
Equine Veterinarian
Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Freya grew up in Wales where she developed her love for horses riding ponies as a young girl. Freya went on to study veterinary science at the university of Bristol, UK. She worked in the UK in dedicated equine practices before moving to Australia to work in thoroughbred reproduction, medicine, racing and performance horse roles. Freya has an unstoppable passion to get to the source of your horses problems.
Dr. Katie Crosby
Equine Veterinarian
Katie grew up, in Vienna, Austria, horse-mad and competitively show jumping her own horses until heading to the UK to study veterinary science. She graduated from the University of Bristol in 2019. Following two years in a first opinion equine practice in Somerset, she undertook an internship at the University Of Liverpool’s Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital. After this extensive experience with intensive care patients and state of the art diagnostics, Katie has remained dedicated to delivering the highest standard of patient care from sick foals to elite racehorses.
She made the move to Australia in 2023, spending nearly a year at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic on the road and in the clinic. Katie joined Sydney Equine in March 2024 and has loved throwing herself into the world of racing. Having always enjoyed lameness and poor performance investigations, the shift from emergency care to the routine athlete management and optimisation has been a dream come true. Outside of work, Katie enjoys running and the occasional fair weather surf.
Dr. Richard Birnie
Equine Veterinarian
Richard grew up in Guernsey in the Channel Islands before graduating from Nottingham Vet School in 2021 having also completed an intercalated Research Masters degree focusing on equine wound management during his studies. Following graduation Richard immediately moved to Sydney and completed a rotating 18-month internship at a busy equine referral hospital with a predominantly thoroughbred racehorse caseload. This was followed by 18-months in general equine practice in New Zealand before returning to Australia and joining Sydney Equine. Richard enjoys all aspects of equine practice, particularly sports medicine, poor performance and diagnostic imaging and outside of work is a keen crossfitter and enjoys making the most of Sydney’s Eastern Beaches.
Leanne O’Neill
Office Administrator
Work Placements
Our shared values of dedication, respect and hard work are the foundation of everything built here — including careers.
We are always on the lookout for talented new vets to join our team. Have a look through our open positions or get in touch with our team via our contact form to find out more.
Open Positions
Position: Equine Veterinarian
Location: Sydney and Southern Highlands Region
We are on the lookout for skilled equine veterinarians to join our team to service our dedicated clients. For more information, please contact the office by phone +61 437 420 581 or email office@sydneyequine.com.au