DR HELEN VAN TUYLL BVSC MRCVS
DIRECTOR & Senior EQUINE VET
FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian
Helen graduated from Massey University, New Zealand in 2007 and went straight to work for Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. Initially based in the hospital, she dealt predominately with neonatal foals and broodmares, and also a wide variety of equine medicine cases. She went on to be employed by some of the major thoroughbred studs in the Bluegrass region, with routine breeding work and stallion care, as well as artificial breeding and embryo transfers of sport horses. Her final year in America was spent as a veterinarian with the Sports Medicine team, travelling around the States supporting the clients on the hunter/jumper circuit. On returning to New Zealand, Helen worked as an equine veterinarian for Southern Rangitikei Veterinary Services, and returned to England in 2011 to work as a stud and sport horse vet at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic in Gloucestershire. She founded her own practice, VT Vets in 2015.
DR KATRINA BROWN BVETMED CertAVP(ELDT) MRCVS
Senior EQUINE VET
Katrina graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2016 and went on to work in equine practice in Warwickshire, joining VT Vets in 2023. Kat is recognised as an Advanced Practitioner and has a certificate in Equine Lameness.
Kat is a ABVA accredited acupuncturist including the use of electroacupuncture and her specific areas of interest are lameness and poor performance, laser surgery, diagnostic imaging and endoscopy/gastroscopy.
When she’s not at work, Kat can be found looking after her child, Oscar, riding her horse, or training for running events with her dog Icarus.
Dr Sophie Soskin BVETMED CERTAVP(EP) MRCVS
Senior EQUINE VET
FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian
Sophie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2006, working in equine practice in Warwickshire before joining us here in 2025. She brings with her a wealth of experience and has also completed her certificate in Advanced Equine Practice, being recognised as an Advanced Equine Practitioner.
Sophie is an FEI Veterinary Delegate and Permitted Treating Vet, and has a keen interest in poor performance, orthopaedics, pre purchase examinations and stud work.
In her spare time, Sophie is busy riding her horses and walking her labradors Tali and Rado.
DR william heaton bvmsci mrcvs
EQUINE VET
Will graduated from the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 and joined theVT Vets team that summer. He is currently studying for his certificate in Stud Medicine.
Will has a strong interest in both stud work and poor performance.
In his spare time you’ll find him with his many spaniels including his favourite, Bambi. Having previously evented to 2* level, one day you may see him back out competing on his 3 year old Patrick which was bred by Helen!
DR PHOEBE MAROT BVSC MRCVS
EQUINE VET
Phoebe graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023 and joined VT Vets that summer.
She has a keen interest in stud work and minor surgery and is also an ABVA accredited acupuncturist including electroacupuncture.
In her spare time she is an excellent baker and keeps the practice well stocked with cakes.
Emily concannon
veterinary nurse (rvn) & ai technician
Emily joins the team in spring 2026, having previously been working in a busy equine hospital.
Emily is passionate about delivering optimum patient care, and you will find her assisting the vets during visits.
MAT WATERS
VETERINARY & AI TECHNICIAN
Mat joined VT Vets in 2021 after working for over 10 years in the grooming industry, looking after hunters and event horses.
Mat was keen to expand his equine knowledge from a veterinary perspective and has a particular interest in stud work.
In his spare time he enjoys walking his dogs, catching up with friends and riding his horse Elvis.
Rachel Pitcher
VETERINARY & AI TECHNICIAN
Rachel joined the practice in early 2025 after many years of grooming and freelancing.
You will find Rachel keeping the vets organised out on the road.
Outside of work, Rach enjoys team chasing and hunting her lovely horse Penny, country walks, and she also holds the VT Vets record on a bucking bronko!
SAM AUSTIN
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Sam joined the practice in May 2022 after many years of experience working within the veterinary industry.
Outside of work you will find Sam either riding, going on long dog walks or tending to her plants in the garden.
Dr. Natalie Dong BVetMed MRCVS
Equine Vet (Intern)
Natalie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College in 2025 and has joined VT Vets’ two-year Graduate Development Program (VetGDP).
She is originally from Calgary, Canada and has worked with horses at the highest level in both Western and English disciplines. She has a keen interest in sports performance medicine and internal medicine.
In her spare time, you can find Natalie in the gym or playing volleyball.