Meet the Team

James grew up in Kirkby Stephen, and lives locally with his family. He spent time working at Castle Vets in Barnard Castle before launching Emson Equine in 2012, and in 2017 he chose to join forces with Durham Equine Practice. He remains a regular sight on yards across North Yorkshire and County Durham, but some may recognise him from his winning 2012 stint on Come Dine With Me, where he wowed his fellow diners with an array of offal, including eyeballs and tongues!

Katrina Rawe is from Weardale and lives with her partner and two children on their family farm. She qualified as a registered equine veterinary nurse in 2010 while working at a practice in Barnard Castle, and went on to work at Emson Equine, where she was involved in all aspects of running the practice. When she’s not working, she enjoys teaching her children to ride their pony, Doris.

Lester graduated from The University of Liverpool in 2011, and completed his RCVS certificate in equine medicine in 2016. He has a keen interest in equine gastric ulcer syndrome, respiratory disease and poor performance, and has experience working as an emergency vet at FEI eventing, point-to-point and racecourse events. He joined us as a locum initially, before becoming a permanent member of the team in 2020.

Kathryn graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2016 and began her veterinary career at a mixed practice in Stokesley, before moving to an equine practice in Northumberland. She completed her equine certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in 2023, and is very interested in lameness, hearts and eyes. Having grown up just outside of Sedgefield, she is happy to be back on her home turf with her horse, Meg. Her hobbies include clay pigeon shooting, cycling and walking.

Originally from Cheshire, Ruben studied at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh and joined us in 2020. While studying, she completed several electives in the equine first opinion and referral centres, including several weeks working as part of the out of hours team. She also won a placement to work alongside a master farrier, where she learnt some useful skills. Her clinical passions include ambulatory practice, particularly dentistry and behaviour cases.

Originally from Essex, Lydia joined us shortly after graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2023. As a keen horse rider, she has always been interested in equine veterinary work, and has a particular passion for equine medicine, reproduction, diagnostic imaging and dentistry. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring all the North East has to offer.

Lynne has worked in the equine industry for many years, working with show hunters in the Borders, managing a riding centre and working at equine and ambulatory practices. In addition to working on reception, she often travels out with our vets to assist them with procedures. In her own time, she enjoys competing in British dressage and taking care of her own horse, Max, and her dogs, Lando and Kylo.

Lynne Franklin has more than 20 years experience in customer service, previously working both in motor retail and the newspaper industry. A keen horse-lover, she spent many happy years starting out as a pony club mum to then being groom, driver and cheerleader for her daughter Amy while travelling the country show jumping and eventing.

George grew up around horses, having owned ponies, been involved in her local pony club and taken part in competing and showing events from a young age. She worked at various yards with hunters and competition horses and at another local practice before joining us in 2017. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and their dog, Truffles, and attending local riding club events.

Joanne spent 13 years working with John Lewis before joining our office team, and has a wealth of customer service experience. She lives locally with her partner, and enjoys heading out for trips to the Lake District whenever she can. A dedicated horse owner, she has three horses of her own, as well as three dogs.

Rebecca joined the team in 2024. A key rider in live action show, Kynren, she enjoys galloping along its impressive outdoor stage in full costume during the summer months. competing up to two star level with her own horse, Nim. Her children are also avid horse riders, meaning she spends many of her weekends at pony club events.