royal equine vet care
Welcome to Royal Equine Vet Care, founded by Robbie Collins and Shane Stafford. The practice is located just outside Trim, near to the hill of Tara in the heart of the royal county.
About Us
royal equine vet care
We are an ambulatory veterinary practice dedicated to delivering excellence in equine healthcare. We combine cutting-edge treatments with a strong focus on preventive medicine. Whether it’s routine vaccinations, assisting with breeding, or diagnosing complex lameness issues, our goal is to ensure the optimal health and performance of your horses.
We work closely with referral hospitals on the Curragh, University College Dublin and Fethard Equine Hospital so that any horse that needs hospitalisation or elective referral is done so without hesitation. All follow up care is taken care of by us in the comfort of your stable.
Our Team
Meet Our Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Robbie Collins, MVB
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Robbie is a veterinary surgeon from County Wicklow. Graduating from UCD in 2005, Robbie has over 20 years experience in equine medicine. Robbie has developed an extensive range of skills and experience, with a particular interest in sport horse medicine and equine reproduction.
Outside of veterinary, Robbie has enjoyed a very successful eventing career, representing Ireland at the 2012 young horse world championships and competing at several 4 star international events. Several of his horses have gone on to compete at the Olympics and world championships with other riders.
Dr. Shane Stafford, MVB
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Shane Stafford is a veterinarian from County Meath. Shane qualified from University College Dublin in 2017, and since then has worked in equine hospitals in the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and France before returning to Ireland in 2021. Working globally, he has developed an advanced veterinary skillset, with a particular emphasis on racehorses in training, sports medicine and reproductive veterinary.
Outside of veterinary, Shane is a sports fanatic. He enjoys long distance running and regularly competes in races.
Katie Spokes, BSc BVetMed
Associate Veterinarian
Katie is a veterinarian who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2023. Since qualifying, she has gained international experience practicing in the United Kingdom, Kentucky, Australia, and Florida. Her professional interests lie in sports horse medicine, particularly lameness, as well as reproductive medicine, where she continues to develop her expertise while treating horses of all types and disciplines. Outside of veterinary work, Katie loves spending time with her own horses. She is also an avid baker and enjoys skiing
Our Services
We Offer
Laboratory
- Haemtology
- Biochemistry
- SAA
- Immunoglbulins
- Endrocine
- EIA Microbiology- CEM
- Skin Scrapes
- Cytology
- Trach wash analysis
- Bronchoalveolarlavage
- Gut flora analysis
- Faecal egg counts and worming advice
Routine Health Care
- Health checks
- Vaccinations
- Worming advice
- Microchipping and markings
- Wetherbys foal registrations
- Sports horse Ireland registrations
- Gastroscopy
- Endoscopy
Lameness Assessment
- Dynamic and ridden assessment
- Diagnostic analgesia
- Intra articular medications (joint injections)
- Digital radiography (X- ray)
- Ultrasound. Mesotherapy
- Ultrasound guided injections- Sacroiliac and Cervical facet injections
Pre-Purchase Examinations
- Private purchase
- examinations
- Sales vetting
- Pre-purchase radiographs
- Endoscopy
- Pre-purchase soft tissue ultrasound
Equine Reproduction
- Routine stud work
- Pre breeding assessment
- Preparation for natural cover
- Artificial insemination
- Neonatal care
Internal Medicine & Cardiology
Internal Medicine treats adult diseases; Cardiology specializes in heart disorders.
Testimonials
What people are saying
I cannot recommend Robbie and Shane highly enough. In my search for my most recent horse, I had four horses vetted and x-rayed, three of which either Robbie or Shane carried out, and a fifth where they looked at an existing set of x-rays for me. The degree of thoroughness, professionalism and willingness to explain and share knowledge in all cases was second to none and instilled a high level of confidence and trust in me. (They were also respectful and supportive towards the owners, whose horses failed the vetting.) I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Best vet service ever received. Have had my horses with Shane & Robbie for almost a decade. Always quick to visit and give you the best service and advice!!
Excellent equine care from Shane
Highly skilled, competent, caring helpful and always available
Excellent customer service with a hard working team.
I highly recommend
Shane and Robbie run a super practice with really efficient service, quick response times and just genuine top class care for the animal and what they do.