- experienced equine vet in Somerset- any thoughts on Chris Johannson/Simon Joyner

IncaCola

IncaCola

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 December 2008
Messages
458
Location
South West
Visit site
After you nice people gave me lots of great recommendations for vets in Wales, the said horse has come to my yard near Williton in Somerset early due to owners illness and the vetting will be done here instead. My longstanding vet Andrew Walker has left Western Counties and I have yet to find one that I really trust to replace him. Now I need to get a horse vetted and I want someone really experienced who will be thorough but fair. The 2 partners at Western Counties Chris Johannson and Simon Joyner I haven't has yet had much to do with and was wondering if anyone could pm feedback on them. Neither actually cover my area so I would probably take the horse to their clinic. Alternatively any other vets in the area that you rate would be most welcome. Thanks
 
happy to write my opinion of Chris on here. He is an excellent equine vet, sometimes a little blunt and straight to the point but I would rather that than a 'fluffy' vet any day of the week.

p.s. haven't dealt with Simon so can't comment on him but in general can only recommended western counties vets. Anya (i think it was) was able to pinpoint Dan's lameness causes in under 5 mins for it to be confirmed by nerve blocks and xrays, something another equine practice had spent a year and several long visits unable to locate the cause!
 
Last edited:
Chatter1 uses Tim Randle, andwe have experience of him as Pony Team vet - seems like a thoroughly sound chap plus friendly and good fun which is always a bonus :) chatter1 knows him far better than me, though, so why not give her a ring? I also know Scott Milne (Bushey) quite well through Selina E, he seems sensible too and you can talk things through with him in a way you can't always with a vet...
 
I use western counties, Anya used to be my vet and I really rated her unfortunately Anya and Andrew have both now left the practice.

I have also had Chris out and would agree he is very good vet but can come across blunt, he also tends to see the higher value horses fro the practice. I wouldn't hesitate to ask him out again. I have never used Simon but haven't heard anything bad.
 
Thanks for all the replies. i totally agree that Tim randle is a great vet and very nice guy as he used to be my vet before I moved. Only thing is the call out charge for the Stables Equine Centre to Williton (which is 42 miles) for vettings is astronomical; I think it was around £100 last time he did a vetting I organised which made it over £375 for a mornings work! I think when vettings are such a lucrative earnings for a vet that it is a bit greedy to put such a big call out on top. From the other recommendations i think i will try to see if i can get Chris first.
 
I have used Chris since about 1998/99 and have always been more than happy. I have had several horses have ops etc and he has been amazing. IMHO his opinion would make or break for me - highly recommend. I have had Simon a few times for minor bits and bobs and have always been perfectly satisfied, but hard to compare with what Chris has gone through with me. I find them a very professional practice, although I initially went there after using Andrew for some stud work in a job I was in. Andrew was always spot on, albit to the point :)
 
Was going to recommend Nicko who is the boss at The Stables (although Tim was good too) and my vet before I moved, but just seen your comment about cost!
 
It does depend what you are looking for in a vet. I have used Western Counties (Simon) and been very satisfied.The practice seem to keep up to date with research and offer various open talks which I think is great.
White lodge(Minehead and Williton) are also considered good Equine vets with some partners who specialize in the subject, but some would regard them as 'old school'.
Hugh Salmon from Devon seems up to the minute on Equine matters.
Hope this helps!
 
Last edited:
If you are near to langford which is cheddar/bristol airport area then you could take the horse to langford vets which is the bristol uni vet hospital.
 
I am in Devon but was recommended Ray Dilliway of Dilliway & Bosley in Wellington. I have not been disappointed. He is excellent.
 
I had Simon Joyner vet my current horse. Never met him as I'm based miles away but had several conversations via phone. I was very impressed and thought he was very helpful, especially when my insurance company were being difficult....
Good Luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top