Your dedicated team of equine health experts
One team, every kind of care
Our Team
Dr Hamish Ranken
Veterinarian & Director
Hamish is a much sought-after equine vet, providing unparalleled experience and knowledge to the Canterbury Equine team. Hamish has been fascinated by horses from a young age and despite claiming to be terrible at riding them he has the utmost respect for the big beasts.
Hamish graduated from Melbourne University in 2000 and practised in Australia for two years, prior to completing an internship in equine surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He joined Canterbury Equine Clinic in 2004, where he completed his membership examinations (MANZCVS) in Equine Surgery while continuing in his role as director. In addition to his surgical skills Hamish has a keen interest in sportshorse medicine and lameness investigations.
Dr Shelly Hann
Shelly is a local girl who graduated from Massey University in 2011 before working in mixed practice in Southland. She then went on the classic kiwi O.E. and spent a year travelling through Europe and North America. Shelly then settled in the United Kingdom, where she completed an 18-month internship at Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, one of the largest specialist equine veterinary hospitals in the UK. She then undertook a three-year equine surgery residency training programme at the University of Liverpool, working with some of the top surgeons in the UK. Keen to return to her roots, Shelly came back to New Zealand in May 2020 and joined the team at Canterbury Equine Clinic.
Outside of work, Shelly spends her time riding dressage horses, skiing and exploring the great outdoors.
Dr Caitlin O’Connor
Born in Tipperary, Ireland, Caitlin graduated from University College Dublin in 2022, before interning at Fethard Equine Hospital in Ireland and Veterinary Associates Equine in Auckland.
Caitlin joined the team in November 2024 and while she enjoys all aspects of equine practice she has a particular interest in reproduction.
Outside of work, Caitlin is a keen runner and horse rider who, like most expats, jumps at the chance to explore the South Island whenever she gets the opportunity. On a side note, Caitlin has the sort of Irish accent you would normally only get to hear at the movies.
Dr Danielle Guiver
Veterinarian
Dani graduated from Massey University in 2019 and completed an internship at the Canterbury Equine Clinic. She loved it so much she has stayed here as an ambulatory vet! Dani has a special interest in racehorse medicine and dentistry.
Dani is a keen show jumper and you’re likely to see her on the competition circuit this summer.
Dr Katie Kindleysides
Veterinarian
Katie originates from rural northern England and graduated in 2008 from the University of Liverpool, before starting her career in equine practice working in ambulatory and clinic-based roles across Yorkshire. She made the move to South Auckland in 2012 to work in a growing equine team, caring for a wide range of horses throughout their life stages. During this time she developed a strong passion for equine dental care and studied towards her RCVS post-graduate certificate in Equine Dentistry, which she earned in 2019. In mid-2021 a relocation opportunity arose for Katie and her young family which saw them make the move to Christchurch, where she joined the team at Canterbury Equine Clinic.
Alongside dentistry, Katie has specific interests in anesthesia, emergency medicine, and preventative health care while also enjoying the varied challenges of equine general practice. She is a very occasional rider but as a previous horse owner has a huge appreciation for the owner-horse bond and the importance of equine health to both man and beast.
Dr Eddie Searle
Eddie finished studying at Massey University in 2022 before joining our clinic as an intern, and he is now a fully-qualified ambulatory vet. Eddie grew up in Christchurch and spent a lot of time around horses throughout his childhood.
On heading to Massey to study Veterinary Science, he was initially unsure what field he would end up in, but ultimately the appeal of working outdoors and providing a high level of care for horses won him over. Eddie thoroughly enjoys his four-legged clients, along with the people that own them, and he has a particular interest in racehorses, anaesthesia, and caring for older horses and ponies.
When Eddie isn’t working, he can be found running in the hills, playing golf, and occasionally even riding a polo pony.
Will Hart
Will hails from England and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2024. After qualifying from vet school, he volunteered for charity hospital the American Fondouk in Morocco, caring for working horses and donkeys. Will moved to Canterbury to begin his internship in early January of 2025.
Will has found that he enjoys all aspects of equine care and is yet to discover what his future specialty might be. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing – which occasionally sees him head over to the big waves on our wild West Coast – and pretty much anything outdoorsy. We think he’s come to the right place!
Nurses & Support Staff
Hayley Jackson
Lisa Daly
Madison Strong
Wendy Beaven
Maree Robertson
Mackenzie Dowman
Lily
Don’t be fooled by the cute and cuddly appearance, personality-wise she’s an absolute boss.
Cocky
Cocky is our resident gentle giant, residing in the CEC paddocks. He kindly donates blood for sick horses in return for cuddles and yummy treats.
"Canterbury Equine have provided veterinary services to our stable for many years, always going that extra mile to ensure our horses were on track and in the best possible condition. Routine, emergency, surgical or advisory – they provided it all in a friendly and professional manner."