Senior Ambulatory Veterinary Surgeon – Equine

About the Role

Sussex Equine Hospital is seeking an experienced ambulatory equine vet to deliver high-quality care to leisure and competition horses across the picturesque Sussex countryside. This is a Monday–Friday position (40 hours per week) with a manageable 1:4 on-call weekend rota, followed by a day off in lieu. You’ll work predominantly in the field, but with the reassurance of a Tier 3 RCVS-accredited hospital and board-certified specialists (internal medicine, theriogenology, surgery) just a phone call away.

Based in Ashington, West Sussex, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: rural countryside charm, easy access to South Downs walks and coastal beaches, plus excellent rail links to Brighton and London for city breaks. A fully equipped vehicle is provided.

This role suits a confident, experienced equine vet who thrives on varied caseloads, wants to deepen their clinical expertise, and values a collaborative culture where learning flows both ways—from the field back to the hospital team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct lameness work-ups and prepurchase examinations across the region
• Carry out medical investigations using ultrasound, digital radiography, and endoscopy in the field
• Provide clinical leadership and guidance to colleagues when appropriate
• Contribute to practice management, organisation, and financial performance
• With sufficient experience and qualifications, opportunity to cover emergency duties at four local racecourses (Goodwood, Plumpton, Brighton, Fontwell) and FEI events in the area
• Collaborate with hospital specialists to ensure continuity of care for complex cases
• Support the ongoing clinical development of colleagues through shared knowledge and experience

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current RCVS registration (or eligible to register)
• Proven experience in clinical equine practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and professional development
• Ability to work both independently in the field and collaboratively with the wider team
• Professionalism, reliability, and genuine commitment to high-quality patient and client care

Benefits

• Leave & Work-Life Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, additional holiday for your birthday, day in lieu following weekend on-call
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 5 days paid pro rata, certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online resource, research funding opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental/surrogacy pay), Cycle to Work scheme, non-accidental injury support, wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered, access to mentors and regional clinical coaches, peer networks
• Financial: Competitive base salary, 5% employee/3% employer pension, £1,000 annual Care Fund allowance
• Additional Perks: Pawsome Benefits reward gateway (discounts and cashback), discounted staff pet care, fully equipped vehicle provided

About the Practice

Sussex Equine Hospital is an RCVS-accredited Tier 3 equine facility located in Ashington, West Sussex. The hospital is equipped with two barns, a separate isolation facility, modern surgical suite, advanced imaging (CT, MRI, nuclear medicine), and on-site laboratory. The team includes board-certified specialists in internal medicine, theriogenology, and surgery, creating a supportive environment for continued professional development and access to specialist expertise.

Sussex Equine Hospital is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. IVC Evidensia is committed to building careers without limits—investing in learning, innovation, and wellbeing to create environments where teams grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every career stage.