Meet Our Team - Deben Valley Equine Vets

Helen Whitbread

Helen graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1990. She started her career in mixed practice in Suffolk before taking up equine practice in Essex and then Kent. A university post at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences in Edinburgh followed, where she built on her interest in diagnostic imaging and obtained her Certificate in Veterinary Radiology. Helen likes radiographs (Xrays) & ultrasound scanning; she confesses to being obsessed about getting perfect images.

Helen returned to Suffolk in 1999 and in 2002 established Deben Valley Equine Veterinary Clinic. She has a special interest in back problems and poor performance. Helen has a logical mind and is passionate about the correct diagnosis and best treatment for any horse and their owner. She is keen to adopt a holistic approach to equine treatments and is enthusiastic about using other therapists as well as her own acupuncture skills.

Helen has ridden since the 1970s, and so can well sympathise with the ups and downs of horse ownership! Helen has had a lot of fun with her own horses over the years; her current mare is known as Hot Tottie for reasons all too apparent to those who have seen her perform! Helen is married to Stuart Ford, and has three children, Archie and twins Emma and Kate; plus Charles the slightly odd, but loveable black Labrador.

Nicky Windell

Nicky is a qualified veterinary nurse who joined us in April 2003. Nicky owns two welsh cobs Taffy and Tilly, and has a daughter Rachel and son, Tom. Nicky takes pride in looking after our in-patients and is a vital part of the team caring for your horse. She enjoys gardening, walking her dogs and hill climbing with partner Chris. Nicky has recently become a proud nanny to granddaughter Margot.

Joanne Calver

Jo comes from a farming background and for 10 years was a veterinary nurse/receptionist with local mixed practices in her younger days. Life changes saw her enter into teaching and supporting students at an agricultural college before she moved into supporting students in Higher Education. Jo is currently helping us out with marketing and advertising the practice.

Cathy Woollard

Following a career in local government Cathy Woollard joined Deben Valley Equine in February 2013 as a part time receptionist.
Cathy has ridden, owned and loved spending time with her horses for nearly 30 years, loves her feline family and enjoying the Suffolk countryside.

Stuart Ford

Book keeper, husband and dedicated Dad to Helen's handsome son, Archie and beautiful daughters Emma and Kate.

Alice Croft

Alice joins the team as a part time Practice Administrator dealing with reception and administrative matters such as insurance and account management. Alice is Suffolk born and bred. She attended Woodbridge School and has ridden since the age of 5. Alice currently owns and regularly competes her horse Higglytown Hero. Alice also has a gorgeous Burmese cat called Mr Meowski.

Jess Green

Jess has recently joined us to be our vital yard / clinic assistant, which is a very varied role. Sometimes you will encounter the versatile Jess on reception too!

Jess says “ I absolutely adore animals especially Dogs and Horses! I have grown up with dogs and have grown in to competing my dogs in scurries which has proven very successful and I work them as gundogs. I’ve been riding horses since I was a 9 year old little girl and then went on to join the Junior Suffolk Cavalry. I’m currently completing a degree in Early and Primary Education to become a teacher. However, I love caring for horses and animals which led me on to working at Deben Valley Equine vets.”

HANNAH ROSE

Hannah was previously our Practice Administrator and since the pandemic hit she has returned to help. Hannah's working background has been diverse so she has a plethora of useful skills to bring to the practice. A large part of her working life has been with horses in various places around the world and in different situations. Her other passion is sewing and she's made a few pieces for Helen as well as mending a few of the practice's items.