The next addition to Living Equine’s Equestrian Profiles, is well established Equine Health Practitioner, Neely Hopkins.
EQUESTRIAN QUICK TEN1) What made you fall in love with horses?
I have always loved horses for as long as I can remember. My family had horses growing up, so it was genetic.
2) How long have you been riding for?
I have been riding horses my entire life, no I am not telling you how old I am.
3) Have you done any Tertiary Education in horses?
I have a degree in Animal Science and Veterinary Technology.
4) Have you broken any horses in yourself?
No.
5) What are your greatest Equine Achievements?
My greatest achievement by far is somehow surviving this long and not breaking any bones yet considering how badly I ride and how dangerous my jobs with horses have been throughout the years. I am proud that I was able to work at Randwick Equine Centre for 6 years before I started my current job with Ranvet.
6) What has been your deepest Equine low?
My deepest equine low was when my family had to sell our horses when I was young. It didnt stop me from working with horses but I wasnt able to own another horse again for many years after that. Horses are expensive animals.
7) What jobs have you been able to work with horses so far?
I have had quite a few over the years. My first job was cleaning stables at the large animal veterinary hospital at the university where I studied in America. and then I progressed to doing weekend night and holiday work after I became a qualified veterinary technician. I moved to Australia in 2000 and worked as the surgery coordinator for Randwick Equine Centre for 6 years. I have now been with Ranvet for 8 years. I have been very lucky to work with the best in the business. It’s always amazing to be able to get paid to do what you love. There are few things in this world that I love more than talking about horses.
8) What are your current Equine ambitions?
I am not a very ambitious person. It would be nice to keep my track record of no broken bones.
9) What is your favourite movie?
My favorite equine movie would probably be The Man From Snowy River.
10) Favourite accessory?
My favorite equine accessory would have to be a riding helmet. 😉
Living Equine thanks Neely very much for taking the time to be profiled, and wish her all the best with her future equine endeavours!
