Meet the Team

We are a friendly and experienced RCVS accredited equine veterinary practice dedicated to the care of horses, ponies and donkeys

Meet the Team

Manuela Diaz Ramos

LV Cert AVP MRCVS – Clinical Director

Manuela graduated from the University of Madrid in 2008 and has since gained a wealth of experience and skills working in equine specific practice in Spain, Germany, Canada and the UK. She completed her internship at the Hospital of Universidad de León in Spain and subsequently worked as an ambulatory vet at a private equine clinic in Coruna. In 2012, she worked at the University of Ontario in Canada where she was responsible for referral patients admitted to the equine hospital. Her duties included care of in patients, assisting surgical procedures, anaesthesia, neonatal intensive care and supervision/training of vet students. She subsequently moved back to Europe working as an anaesthetist at a private practice in Germany.

From 2015 – 2017 Manuela worked as an ambulatory vet at Tower Equine in Lincolnshire, where her role covered all aspects of equine practice. She has published work on the subject of joint sepsis in horses and is currently enrolled on her Certificate of Advanced Equine Practice. Manuela joined Wessex Equine in July 2017 and quickly proved to be an invaluable member of the team. She took on the role of Clinical Director in November 2022.

Alex Clarke

BSc (Hons) BVetMed MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Alex graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2020, having previously obtained an honours degree in Biology from the University of Liverpool and spent time working in science research. She then went on to work in mixed practice in Hertfordshire, with an interest in equine medicine. Alex joined Wessex Equine in 2022 and has a keen interest in reproduction, gastroscopes and skin diseases. She is currently working towards a Certificate in Equine Stud Medicine.

Alex is always accompanied on her visits by her terrier Doug. Outside of work, Alex is a keen yogi and enjoys running and agility with her other dog Fern the Spaniel. She also keeps the practice well-stocked with delicious homemade cakes.

Zach Gelal

BVMSci MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Zach grew up in Swansea before moving to Surrey to study Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2022. After returning home to work in equine practice for 2 years, he’s now crossed back over the border to join Wessex. Zach enjoys all aspects of veterinary work, but particularly medicine. Outside of work, he’s a keen runner and enjoys cooking for family and friends.

Rebecca Goodwin

BVetMed CertAVP (EM) MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Rebecca graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. After a 12-month internship she went on to work in Sussex for a further 8 years, performing all aspects of general ambulatory practice as well as anaesthesia, stud work and lameness investigations.

After completing her certificate in internal medicine in 2015 to become an advanced practitioner in equine internal medicine in 2016 she subsequently worked in Hertfordshire, furthering her interest in medicine, breeding work and general sports medicine.

Rebecca joined the Wessex team in 2020 and her main areas of interest and work are poor performance investigations, including gastroscopies, lameness work-ups and medical evaluations.

Rebecca was Clinical Director from 2021-2022, when she then had a break for maternity leave. She returned to work in 2022 and now enjoys a full and varied caseload.

Rebecca divides her time between work and parenting a very energetic toddler!

Sarah Mould

BVetMed MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Sarah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019 and joined us at Wessex in December 2021 after working in practice in Dorset, performing all aspects of ambulatory and emergency practice as well as anaesthesia and intensive care work. She was regularly found at Wessex as a student on placements and is very happy to be back as a Vet. Sarah enjoys all aspects of Equine practice with a particular interest in poor performance work.

Sarah is always accompanied on visits by her dog Dottie who enjoys meeting everyone on the road. She has a retired Connemara x mare Peach and has had a very successful first season evening a new horse, Jack.

Tom Newton

BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon

Tom is another Bristol University graduate from 2006. After graduating he moved to the North West to work in first opinion equine practice before moving to Bearl Equine- a large referral hospital in Northumberland. Tom was responsible for running the stud side of the practice and spent a large proportion of the season dealing with artificial insemination. He spent the rest of his time in varied roles including working up cases referred to the hospital by other veterinary practices and anaesthesia of surgical cases.

Tom is highly experienced across all aspects of equine practice but has a particular interest in orthopaedics. He is currently studying for his RCVS certificate in equine lameness. Having been a member of the Doncaster bloodstock veterinary team, Tom also has extensive experience in the thoroughbred sales industry.

Sam Philips

BVetMed MRCVS – Veterinary Suregon

Sam was brought up in a farming family, surrounded by various different animals and graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1996.

Initially starting her veterinary career in mixed practice she soon moved into equine practice for several years. Since then she has worked as a locum vet whilst breeding her children and horses. Sam joined Wessex Equine in November 2018. She is interested in all aspects of equine practice and has recently trained in equine acupuncture. She has a pragmatic and holistic approach to veterinary care to try to ensure the best possible outcome for her patients.