Julie Dawson
Administrative Assistant
Julie grew up in North Lancashire and relocated to Somerset in 2017 to be nearer family. Julie has been working in an equine practice office for the past 4 years and moved to Penn Equine Vets to bring her expertise and provide support in the office. You will find Julie answering the phone and helping clients with queries. Julie’s other main role is managing the pharmacy and processing medicine requests along side account reconciliation. Outside of work Julie is kept busy with her own horses and is a committee member of East Mendip Riding Club helping to organise their activities.
Kate Apted
Veterinary Technician
Kate has had a lifetime of experience with horses, working on various professional yards as well as having her own horse. Kate looks after all of our technical equipment keeping it in tip top order ready for action at any time. Kate can often be seen accompanying the vets on yard visits to assist with diagnostic procedures such as radiography and firing the surgical laser up to assist with sarcoid removal. Kate also helps handle difficult horses and steps in if owners are poorly or otherwise unable to present the horse themselves. When not on the road Kate can be found in the office taking phone queries, booking appointments and all things to keep the practice running smoothly.
When not working, Kate enjoys being active which is a must having 2 young spaniels. Walking up on Exmoor, exploring the Devon Coast, and sea kayaking with her partner.
Kate Rapley
BVSc MRCVS
Kate graduated from Liverpool Veterinary School in 2004 and has worked in the local area ever since. Kate enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary work with a particular interest in lameness, corrective shoeing and dentistry. Kate’s experience and dedication has allowed her to provide veterinary care to many of her patients throughout their entire careers, from birth into old age. Holistic care of older horses, ponies and donkeys is Kate’s passion and balancing multimodal treatment of their ailments is key to her success.
Kate is well known for her friendly, approachable manor and taking time understand clients concerns. In her spare time, Kate cares for her own retired native pony and trains her Border Collies in agility and scent work.
Kathryn Penn
BVETMED CERTAVP(EP) CERTAVP(ED) MRCVS
Kathryn graduated from The Royal Veterinary College in 2008. After 13 years in equine practice in Somerset and the South West Kathryn became well known throughout the region both as a referral and first opinion vet. Kathryn has additional qualifications and Certificates in Advanced Veterinary Practice, Equine General Practice, Equine Dentistry and Orthopaedics bringing substantial technical and practical experience to the equine team.
She has interests in pre-purchase examinations, reproduction and medical cases and is currently studying advanced diagnostics and treatment of lameness. Her wide areas of knowledge and experience are highly valued by clients and colleagues alike.
Kathryn is a keen rider and also an official in a number of equine disciplines including dressage, show jumping, eventing, endurance, hunting and Le Trec. Kathryn is often accompanied on her rounds with her two cocker spaniels.