About Us
Charlie and Julie met whilst working at The Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire many years ago and have remained firm friends ever since.
Duchy Equine Vets has evolved from a shared passion for quality care of horses, ponies and donkeys from companions to competitors.
Charlie Thomas
Charlie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1996 and has a certificate in Equine Practice (the equivalent of a Masters). She worked in mixed practice for 18 months before landing her first equine job and has been a purely equine vet ever since. She has worked in big hospitals, for tiny local practices and everything in between but has always remained true to her love of providing the best quality, friendly yet professional care she can.
Charlie has an interest in all things medical (especially if she can stick an ultrasound machine on it!). She is usually accompanied by her Labrador, Rocky, when she’s not being a taxi service for her children or sea swimming.
Julie Elkins
Originally hailing from Scotland, Julie graduated from The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in 2005. She has been based in Cornwall since 2009, having worked in a variety of equine practices in the UK and New Zealand.
Julie has a particular interest in poor performance and lameness investigations. When not in the saddle herself, Julie will be found on the sidelines of a rugby pitch or looking after a menagerie of animals at home.
Sarah Buscombe
Sarah started working as a veterinary nurse in 1985 in Cornwall. She then moved to Yorkshire for 2 years to work in a Small Animal Hospital, returning to Cornwall in 1987. Sarah qualified in 1988 and has worked as a small animal and equine nurse ever since.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys horse riding and dog walking. She has 2 cobs, Harvey and Jester and a border collie called Molly.
Beccy Thomas
Beccy has over four years of experience working in the equine veterinary industry. Beccy learnt to ride at a young age and has always thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the equestrian world. Most of Beccy’s spare time is spent riding her warmblood, Bianca.
Together they enjoy frequent training sessions and local fun rides. Beccy also loves to explore the Cornish countryside with her dog, Bruno and baking.
Rachel Sluggett
Rachel joined the Duchy team in July 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a medical dispenser for the NHS. Having grown up on her family farm on the Roseland, Rachel has always loved being outside and looking after the animals.
Away from work Rachel can be found spending time with her 3 horses; Blue, Bunty and Hector, or on the netball court or helping on her partners arable farm.
Molly Ashwin
Molly joined the Duchy Equine team in June 2025. Molly has spent her life with horses and is interested in every part of it!
Outside of work, Molly can usually be found at the yard with her three horses—whether she's out eventing or enjoying a gallop along the beach. When she's not with the horses, you will probably find her in the nearest cake shop!
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