McGonnell & Gillatt
Equine Veterinary Practice Ltd
24 hour telephone: 01488 657575

Andrew McGonnell MVB, Cert EM (Stud Med) MRCVS

Andrew qualified in August 1990 from Dublin University having started work in such exotic places as Anglesey and Glasgow; he spent a year in Melbourne and then came to the UK for a 6 month locum on his way back to Ireland. 12 years and 4 children later, he is still here!

He gained his experience in equine practice at Liphook Equine Hospital and then at O’Gorman’s in Newbury. He started his practice in August 2003 and was delighted to welcome Richard on board as a partner in April 2006.

Although Andrew’s post graduate qualifications and area of specialist interest is Stud Medicine, he enjoys all areas of equine work and is very pleased that the practice encompasses all types - from much loved pony to international competition horse.

Outside work, he would love to play golf, but has only managed one round in 3 years!

Richard Gillatt BVSc MRCVS

Richard grew up on the family farm in Lincolnshire and has bee involved with horses all his life from his time in the local pony Club (where his mother is still District Commissioner) to assisting his sister with her racehorses. Richard qualified from Bristol University in 1993.

After a period in a mixed practice in Cheshire he decided to concentrate on horses and joined the Equine Verterinary Hospital Arundel, West Sussex in 1997. He spent a year at The Milbourn Equine Veterinary Hopsital, Ashford, Kent before joining the Ridgeway Veterinary Group at Valley Equine Hospital, Lambourn in 2000 and remained there until joining Andrew in February 2005, becoming partner in 2006.

Richard lives in Lambourn with his wife Nicky, daughter Emily and Molly the dog who is often seen keeping Richard company in his car. Outside work he enjoys playing golf, squash and acting as groom for his wife when she takes her horse competing!.

Gregory Sommerville BVSc MRCVS

Greg grew up in Pretoria, South Africa with his older sister and younger brother. His parents Paul and Liz are both school teachers, his father has recently retired after being at Pretoria Boys High for over 40 years. His mother is a history teacher which added culture to his upbringing. His sister Fran has been living and working in England for 8 years, she is involved in banking. Kevin the youngest is a bloodstock agent in South Africa after completing the Darley Flying Start and Irish National Stud courses.

He met Nerina his wife while studying at the University of Pretoria. They were married in December 06 and have two dogs! Nerina is a small animal veterinary surgeon.

In his final two years of vet school Greg decided that he wanted to specialise in equine. After graduating Greg started working at Summerveld Equine Hospital just outside of Durban. He gained good experience in the four years he was there. Greg enjoys being involved in sport, particularly cricket and hockey. Greg and Nerina decided it was time for a change and new experiences so they decided to come to England in Jan 08. He is looking forward to working with Andrew, Richard and the team.

Gudrun Wallis Mag.med.vet MRCVS

Gudrun graduated from Vienna, Austria in 2003 and moved to England straight away. She worked initially in a mixed practice in Yorkshire but her first love has always been horses and it wasn't long before she was working with them full time. After the 2007 stud season in Ireland she moved down to Berkshire to locum with McGonnell and Gillatt for 2 months. In April she will return, fresh back from 6 months of travelling and exploring the world with her new husband, Stuart.

With any free time available, Gudrun is mostly riding her Prix St George horse 'Schnu' who made the journey over from Austria with her, but also enjoys playing her violin, singing in the choir, walking in the Lake District and at the first fall of snow will almost certainly be found on a snowboard!

Lucie Steel - Practice Manager

Lucie started work for McGonnell and Gillatt in December 2004. Since then she has seen the business grow from her desk in the spare room to a proper office with three staff and vets! Lucie has over twenty years working experience, mainly for small companies, usually running the office, payroll and accounts. She loves working for McGonnell and Gillatt, having known Andrew as her vet for seven years before starting work for the practice.

“The practice has a small friendly feel, we know our customers and they know us, it’s a lovely way to work”. She lives near Hermitage with her husband Matthew, their son Ralph, three dogs, one of which (Woody) can often be seen in the office and her two cats. Lucie’s horse is currently enjoying the Scottish air, on loan to a friend in Fife.

Sarah Mercer - Practice Administrator

Sarah joined us in November 2005 having previously worked for an international healthcare company, she too has over twenty years working experience and particularly enjoys the varied aspect of her job.

Sarah grew up on the family farm near Newbury riding a succession of horses and taking part in pony and riding club activities. Her father was a top jockey so Sarah’s knowledge of racing is extensive. Sarah has two children, Amy and Josh and they live in Hermitage with their Jack Russell dog and two cats.

Last year she successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge raising funds for Naomi Hospice and also a local triathalon and plans to do more this year!

Hannah Dorling - Practice Administrator

Hannah joined us in April 2008 to cover Ali’s maternity leave, having previously worked as an event co-ordinator for an equestrian centre and other various roles within the Hotel and Recruitment industry.

Hannah first became interested in horses when as an 8 year old her parents dispatched her off to pony camp and then became bound to ferrying her to weekly riding lessons come rain or shine. There followed three years of study at Berkshire College of Agriculture, where she spent her weekends competing her first horse Sebby and living off burgers and polos.

Hannah is now living in Newbury with boyfriend Alex and enjoys spending her weekends gardening, cooking and DIY.

Ali Morgan – Practice Administrator

Following a career in the hospitality and advertising industries in London and Dubai, Ali returned to her roots in the country to fulfil a lifelong ambition and train for her BHS teaching qualifications. Having freelanced since 2000 Ali joined the practice in December 2006 as a part time member of the team giving her the chance to combine ‘a proper job’ working in the horsey world with some teaching and competing.

Ali shares her life with Glenn, her New Zealand born husband, and spaniel Kea, who also sees herself as a valued member of the McGonnell and Gillatt team either greeting clients when they visit, curled up in the corner of the office or shredding all the waste paper in everyone’s bins!

Ali left on maternity leave at the beginning of April and we are happy to say that baby "Oliver" was born on 18th April, both are very well and we look forward to her return in Oct 08.

Lillie Beever

Lillie only joined us as a full-time vet in 2007, but tragically died in a train crash in June '07 whilst on holiday in Sardinia with her boyfriend.

She is sorely missed by all at the practice, her clients and her friends & family.