Dr Kirsten Neil BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS MS DACVIM CMAVA Cert. ISELP DACVSMR
Registered specialist in equine medicine
Registered specialist in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation
Certified member International Society Equine Locomotor Pathology
Dr Kirsten Neil graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1996. Kirsten worked in equine hospitals and completed her specialist residency training at Michigan State University in the United States. Whilst at Michigan State, Kirsten also completed a Masters degree on the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate for equine osteoarthritis.
Kirsten has been an FEI veterinarian for over 100 eventing, showjumping and dressage competitions, and has been veterinary services manager, treating veterinarian and private veterinarian at numerous events including multiple Olympic Games (Sydney, Rio and Tokyo). Kirsten is a Level 4 FEI Veterinary Delegate, Examining Veterinarian, Testing Veterinarian and FEI Veterinary Course Director and was a member of the FEI Veterinary Committee.
In 2008 Kirsten decided to concentrate on her particular interest in performance horses and started Sporthorse Veterinary Specialists, a practice dedicated to sport and pleasure horses. Kirsten provides second opinion, medical and referral consultations for other veterinarians, and concentrates on problems in sporthorses, in particular lameness and poor performance.
Kirsten has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasonography and regularly attends conferences overseas dedicated to the advanced diagnosis and care of the equine athlete, and instructs veterinarians at conferences in Australia and overseas in musculoskeletal ultrasonography. In 2012 Kirsten obtained an advanced qualification in equine lameness, biomechanics and imaging by becoming a certified member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). There are currently only 2 ISELP certified members in Australia.
In 2013, Kirsten became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and acts a mentor for veterinarians studying for memberships in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Kirsten awarded the EVA award for services to the horse industry in 2020 and has been the FEI National Head Veterinarian for Australia since 2015.
