ABOUT
Spike is a highly experienced equine vet who specialises in the management of performance horses. He graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2006 and then embarked on an internship at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, a world-renowned specialist equine veterinary centre situated in the home of British flat racing.
After completing his two-year internship in Newmarket, Spike joined the team at Lambourn Equine Vets (LEV) in West Berkshire to further develop his skills and expertise. LEV has forged an enviable reputation as one of the leading event horse veterinary clinics in the country. Here, Spike cut his teeth working alongside British Eventing Team GB Vets Jenny Hall and Liz Brown whilst treating a wide range of performance and racehorses. Spike became a Director at LEV in 2014 and was appointed Team Vet for the British Junior Eventing Team in 2015, also working as a FEI-permitted Treating Vet and Veterinary Delegate at events including the London 2012 Olympics.
In 2020 Spike stepped away from LEV and routine veterinary practice to set up his own operation, Spike Milligan Performance Horse Consultant. This venture sees Spike focusing entirely on improving the competitive performance of equine athletes, working to ensure they can reach their genetic potential. Spike has supported riders in all disciplines to win medals, from ponies to seniors, and is now available for consultancy services for performance horse management.
The consultancy approach stems from Spike’s keen interest in the outcome of every horse he works with. His analytical, questioning approach assesses every aspect of the equine athlete from confirmation and physiology to stable management and mindset. This is coupled with a friendly and approachable manner which ensures Spike is easy to work with and quickly integrates into a team.
Away from his equine performance consultancy, Spike is the Youth Performance Vet for Team GB Eventing and loves helping young and developing riders, ensuring both they and their mounts achieve their potential. He spends his (limited!) spare time taking part in the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, where he presents a specific series “The Hold Box” focusing on veterinary-related topics. Spike is also a big fan of National Hunt racing and country pursuits. He owns a working cocker spaniel called Barney who he trains and works in the field – you can follow their adventures at @spikethevet on Instagram. Spike is open to media opportunities, so if you are on the hunt for an expert to comment on anything related to eventing, performance horses, equine veterinary matters and more, then please get in touch.