Two equine vets have launched a new independent practice near York after losing their jobs due to the unexpected closure of another clinic.
Kate Morgan and Katherine Shepherd have opened White Rose Equine Vets near Easingwold, having previously worked at Minster Equine Vets in York which shut earlier this year.
News of the closure came at a difficult time for the duo as both women were on maternity leave.
Unphased by the challenges of juggling a new business with young families, the pair decided to set up their own venture and attracted strong support from the equine community from the start with more than 180 people registering their interest before the practice opened earlier this month.
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Katherine, who will be working behind the scenes until her maternity leave ends in January, 2027, said: "Our babies have been along for the ride literally from day one. They’ve been on team meetings, Zoom calls and planning sessions.
"Other than one slightly embarrassing moment where I ended up changing Tiggy on a chair in the corner of the accountant’s office, they have been very well behaved."
Kate’s toddler Pippa also became part of the journey.
She said: "Pippa joined us for some of our training sessions, although I think she was really only there for the cake. She has certainly enjoyed being chief baby entertainer. The children have definitely become part of the team."
The duo recently welcomed fellow vet, Charlotte Miller, bringing further expertise to the practice.
Katherine has a particular interest in equine medicine, Kate specialises in reproduction, and Charlotte focuses on orthopaedics.
Together, they aim to offer consistent, experienced, and independent equine care with an emphasis on clear communication, strong relationships with owners and working collaboratively with other equine professionals to achieve the best outcome for each horse.
Katherine said: "It’s been a whirlwind few months, but we’re incredibly excited to finally open our doors.
"What started as an unexpected situation has given us the opportunity to build the kind of practice we really believe in, and the support from local horse owners has been fantastic."
White Rose Equine Vets is based at Unit 2C Wood Owl on The Hawk Creative Business Park in Easingwold.
The practice is open from 8.30am to 5pm, with 24/7 emergency cover provided by its own veterinary team.
Minster Equine Veterinary Clinic, on Northfield Lane, York, shut on May 15, 2026, with a number of job cuts. Founded in 1985, Minster Equine Vets was the sister branch of Minster Vets in York, with both owned by York-based veterinary group VetPartners which has more than 700 sites across the UK and Europe.
A Vet Partners spokesperson cited 'a combination of complex factors outside of our control' for the closure.
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