Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Equine Veterinary Specialists in St Asaph
Established in 1985, RD Owen Equine has built a reputation as a trusted equine veterinary practice serving North Wales, Anglesey, Wirral, and Cheshire. Our team of four experienced veterinarians provides comprehensive first opinion and referral care, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including digital radiography, video arthroscopy, and portable ultrasound. We combine decades of expertise with modern diagnostic tools to deliver precise lameness investigations, surgical interventions, and preventive care. Our clinic maintains full surgical capabilities for both standing and general anaesthetic procedures, complemented by on-site stabling and dust-free hospitalisation facilities.With specialists in sports medicine, reproductive health, and emergency care, we cater to horses, ponies, and donkeys across diverse disciplines. Our commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated through FEI event coverage, regular gastric ulcer clinics, and advanced laser sarcoid removal techniques. The practice remains family-owned, blending traditional values with cutting-edge veterinary science to ensure optimal equine health outcomes.
Services
Equine Vaccinations
Dentistry
Lameness Investigations
Artificial Insemination
Emergency Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Castrations
Gastroscopy
Surgical Procedures
Hospitalisation
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Established equine specialists since 1985 with 4 veterinary surgeons
- Full surgical facilities including digital imaging and laser treatment
- Emergency out-of-hours care available 365 days
- FEI event veterinary coverage and international export certification
- Comprehensive sports medicine and reproductive services
Associations and certifications
- British Equine Veterinary Association
Services
Equine Vaccinations
We provide comprehensive vaccination programs including routine boosters and travel-specific requirements. Our clinic administers equine influenza, tetanus, and strangles vaccinations while maintaining proper cold chain storage for vaccine efficacy. Clients receive detailed documentation including passport endorsements and digital records for competition horses.
Dentistry
Our dental services combine traditional hand rasping with modern power tools for comprehensive oral care. We perform routine floating, wolf tooth removal, and advanced procedures under sedation. The clinic addresses dental-related performance issues and maintains equipment sterilisation protocols to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
Lameness Investigations
Utilising digital radiography and ultrasound imaging, we conduct thorough lameness evaluations in our dedicated trot-up areas. The process includes nerve blocks, gait analysis, and ridden assessments when necessary. Our facilities accommodate both basic locomotor exams and complex musculoskeletal investigations requiring advanced imaging.
Artificial Insemination
As BEVA-approved AI specialists, we offer chilled and frozen semen insemination programs. Our facilities include purpose-built stocks for mare safety during scanning and hormone monitoring. The service covers breeding soundness exams, follicular tracking, and post-ovulation management to maximise conception rates.
Emergency Care
We provide 24/7 emergency coverage for colic, trauma, and other urgent conditions. Our response includes on-farm treatment capabilities and immediate access to surgical facilities when required. The clinic maintains emergency equipment readiness and staff training in critical care protocols for equine emergencies.
People
Richard Owen
Director
BVSc MRCVS qualified in 1974, with experience in mixed practice and Newmarket's horse racing industry. Specialises in equine surgery and lameness, with FEI event veterinary experience. Founded the clinic in 1985.
Seamus Kirby
Locum Veterinarian
MVB MRCVS graduate from Liverpool Vet School 2001, with extensive North Wales experience. Focus areas include dentistry and emergency care. Former Celyn Veterinary Group partner with diverse clinical background.
Jill Owen
Financial Director
Manages clinic finances while running Merlin Animal Rescue charity since 2001. Oversees rehoming of over 300 dogs annually. Maintains personal menagerie of rescue animals alongside clinic duties.
Michelle Williams
Veterinary Assistant
Yard manager with 20+ years' equine experience across hunt and event yards. Joined clinic in 2021, managing daily operations and animal care. Active in equestrian activities outside work hours.
Jessica Smith
Veterinarian
BVSc MRCVS qualified practitioner providing clinical and ambulatory services. Participates in racing event coverage and general equine healthcare. Maintains professional development through equine-specific continuing education.
Questions
Do you provide emergency equine care outside normal hours?
Yes, our emergency service operates 24/7 with direct access to surgical facilities when required.
Can you perform pre-purchase examinations?
We conduct 2-stage and 5-stage vettings at our clinic and client premises across North Wales.
Are artificial insemination services available?
Yes, we're BEVA-approved for chilled/frozen semen insemination with dedicated facilities.
Do you offer dental procedures under sedation?
Yes, we provide sedated dental treatments using both power and manual equipment.
Can you perform lameness investigations with imaging?
Our diagnostic capabilities include digital X-ray, ultrasound, and nerve block evaluations.
Do you handle international horse exports?
We have official vets qualified to issue export health certificates for international shipments.
Reviews (3)
Sarah Pellicci
Aug 22, 2021
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Cannot thank the staff enough for the care they have delivered to my girl over the last year. From normal maintenance care like vaccinations and dentals, to her COPD treatment, to her last moments, they care and respect she was shown made everything easier.
Diane Read
Jun 14, 2021
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Very thorough review and explanation always feel involved in decision making as owner lovely team thank you all
Hayley Griffiths
Jan 02, 2020
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I had a horse vetted by Richard Owen In July. He told me and it is written on the vetting certificate that hind limb flexion couldn't be done, yet I was told and the certificate states the horse is fit for purpose as a general riding horse. Within only a few days of the horse arriving to me I didn't feel he was right. I went down the route of having his teeth, saddle and feet all checked and had my physio out.
Physio referred us to our vet for a lameness workup. Horse is lame on both hinds. Xrays have revealed that he has arthritic changes in both hind fetlocks which has likely been caused by
Physio referred us to our vet for a lameness workup. Horse is lame on both hinds. Xrays have revealed that he has arthritic changes in both hind fetlocks which has likely been caused by
