The Rase Veterinary Centre has been in existence at Market Rasen for around fifty years. It was founded at a time when all veterinary work was predominantly with horses and farm animals. Many significant changes have been experienced over the years, including both the establishment of satellite clinics at Louth and Grimsby and sadly the disappearance of much of the farm animal work.

From the very beginning, the practice always had a good reputation for its work with horses. The founder of the practice came out of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and was an enthusiastic member of the hunting fraternity.

At the present time, the practice has twelve veterinary surgeons. Five of these spend the majority of their working day with horses. Ten years ago the practice moved to new purposed designed premises. This move enabled the facilities to be better developed over a period of time, in order to cope with the increasing equine work load.

Disregarding the substantial amount of money spent every year on attending courses, and purchasing books and periodicals on equine veterinary topics, it is fair to state that all of the Rase Veterinary Centre veterinary surgeons involved with attending most of the horses seen by the practice have many years of experience with horses and the equine industry..

Most of the veterinarians have been, or still are, horse owners. Many have been riders locally or nationally. The practice attends horse trials, team chases and hunter trials where there are occasional emergencies. Point to points and Market Rasen racecourse are attended in order to deal with the more frequent and more serious problems. The practice has done this for Market Rasen racecourse consistently for approaching forty years. In order to be on duty at a racecourse or a point to point it is necessary for the veterinary surgeons to be some years qualified and also to attend, on a regular basis, equine casualty management courses. Five members of the practice are trained to this standard.

The practice sponsors a number of local equestrian competitions. A member of the practice supports Horse Trials in a variety of ways. One member of the practice has a special interest in Endurance riding, being a former rider and currently an FEI listed international veterinary judge for both Endurance and Horse Trials. In his capacity of FEI veterinarian he attends international competitions. He is also both a member of The Riding Establishments Inspectorate, which means that he can be asked by the local authorities (Councils) to inspect annually riding schools and the like; and a measurer for the Joint Measurement Board.

Mark Andrews holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Certificate in Equine Practice, which is recognised throughout the profession, and confirms his knowledge of equine veterinary matters. One member of the practice is a former Dressage rider; and she is an enrolled candidate for a RCVS certificate. All of this adds up to a substantial amount of practical experience with horses.