Lameness and orthopaedics
Diagnostic analgesia, radiography and ultrasound, joint medication, and the rehabilitation planning that follows.
about-heroPortrait — the vet with a horse, branded uniform, natural light
About
About
The thinking behind the practice, and what to expect when the vet arrives on your yard.
The vet
Meet Stephanie
Stephanie Miller BVSc BSc (Hons) PgCert VPS CertAVP MRCVS
Stephanie is an experienced equine veterinary surgeon and founder of The Sport Horse Vet, an independent ambulatory practice dedicated to providing high-quality, personalised care for horses across the North West.
With over 13 years of experience in equine practice, Stephanie has developed a particular interest in sport horse medicine, lameness, orthopaedics and poor performance. She holds a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), with a focus on lameness diagnostics and therapeutics, and enjoys working closely with owners, riders and trainers to investigate subtle performance issues and help horses remain comfortable and perform at their best.
Stephanie is also trained in veterinary acupuncture and is a member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists, and incorporates acupuncture and rehabilitation into her approach where appropriate — particularly in the management of musculoskeletal problems, performance horses and horses returning to work following injury.
Alongside her clinical work, Stephanie is an FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian, Accredited Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon and Official Veterinarian (OV), allowing her to provide veterinary support for competition and race horses, as well as official certification and export services.
Background
Where the experience comes from
After many years working in first-opinion equine practice across the North West, Stephanie spent time locuming at Rainbow Equine Hospital, a premier equine centre of excellence in Yorkshire, broadening her experience within a busy multidisciplinary environment. She has also previously worked with an equine practice on the Isle of Man, providing clinical evaluations, diagnostics and treatments that had not previously been readily available on the island.
Stephanie founded The Sport Horse Vet to offer a more personal, individual approach to equine veterinary care. The practice combines modern diagnostics and evidence-led medicine with continuity of care, taking the time to understand each horse, its workload and the goals of its owner or rider.
A lifelong horse owner and rider, Stephanie has also competed her own horses. This gives her a genuine understanding of the partnership between horse and rider, the demands of competition, and how much it matters to keep horses healthy, comfortable and enjoying their work.
Memberships & accreditations
Member of the British Equine Veterinary Association, the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists and Independent Veterinary Practices UK · FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian · Accredited Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon · Official Veterinarian (OV)
The team
Meet Sally McDerby
Sally McDerby BHS Senior Coach · UKCC Level 3 · Pony Club Accredited Coach
Sally is a BHS Senior Coach, UKCC Level 3 and Pony Club Accredited Coach, with over 20 years’ experience working with horses and their owners. As a freelance coach, she has always had a strong focus on creating harmony between horse and rider, with equine welfare and ensuring horses are happy and comfortable in their work at the heart of what she does.
Sally will be working alongside Stephanie out on the road, providing an experienced extra pair of hands when required. She’ll assist with handling horses during clinical assessments, diagnostic imaging and veterinary procedures, as well as helping with the administrative side of the practice behind the scenes.
Her experience working closely with horses, riders and other equine professionals makes her a wonderful addition to The Sport Horse Vet team and fits perfectly with our collaborative approach to caring for the whole horse.
Sally’s love of horses started at a young age — learning her horsemanship on a rather unruly Shetland, often bareback in a headcollar! Since then, horses have remained a lifelong passion, including competing her own horses alongside her coaching career.
Clinical interests
Where the focus sits
Poor performance
The horse that is not lame, but is not right. Systematic investigation of the vague and the intermittent.
Pre-purchase examination
Thorough, impartial examinations for buyers, with findings explained plainly and in full.
Independent, experienced veterinary care centred around the individual horse.
The Sport Horse VetWhat to expect
How a visit works
Appointments are booked by telephone, as cases can vary enormously in the time they need. Booking by phone means the right amount of time is set aside for your horse.
- Before the visit
- A short conversation about the horse, the history and what you have noticed, so the visit starts from the right place.
- On the yard
- Examination, assessment and any diagnostics the case calls for. You are welcome to be there throughout and to ask as many questions as you like.
- Afterwards
- The findings explained in plain terms, a written plan where one is needed, and a clear answer on what happens next.
Stephanie Miller BVSc BSc (Hons) PgCert VPS CertAVP MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, registration number 7069510.
The Sport Horse Vet Ltd, registered in England and Wales no. 17023605.
Register your horse
New clients are welcome. Send an enquiry and it will be answered as soon as possible.