We've been based at Hoo Hall in Rivenhall for over 30 years.

During that time our team has grown and developed beyond all recognition, but we have never lost our traditional values or our dedication to you, the horse owner. Today, with 10 equine-only vets and 17 other members of the team - almost all of whom come from equestrian backgrounds and understand horses inside-out - life at Hoo Hall is as busy as ever.

Our mission is to be the first place horse owners go for information, reassurance and treatment whenever they have concerns about their horse’s health, performance or behaviour. Through our vets, nurses and support team, plus our website and social media platforms, we provide easy access to the latest evidence-based equine health advice, making sure we are always approachable and trustworthy. We are as clear as possible when communicating with owners, including being honest and accurate about case expectations (prognosis, cost estimates, terms and conditions etc). Where possible, we endeavour to use a shared decision-making process with owners, to provide the best possible outcome for them and their equine.

Our reception team and offices are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9.00am until 12.30pm. We always have two vets on duty for emergencies at any time, providing you with the excellent service you expect from your equine veterinary practice. All of our vets are passionate about their careers and have expert equine knowledge, with many years of experience between them and advanced veterinary qualifications too.

We are proud to be a part of The Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) which is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK. Through setting standards and carrying out regular assessments, the Scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care. 

We also have a lot more equipment nowadays, to help us diagnose many conditions your horse might have: from the first and only standing equine MRI unit in Essex, to state-of-the-art portable digital X-ray systems, high-tech ultrasound machines and digital video endoscopy and gastroscopy, portable dental endoscopy and shockwave therapy, full anaesthetic monitoring equipment ... the list goes on.

Importantly though, despite the huge and rapid expansion of Paton and Lee, we always manage to maintain a friendly, caring and compassionate service. The expansion will undoubtedly continue, but Paton and Lee will always strive to maintain its traditional 'family feel', so that when you have to turn to us for help it feels like you're turning to a wise and trusted friend.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR CURRENT PRICES.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL THE OFFICE.

Jonathan Lee BVSc (Hons) MRCVS - (Director)

"Horses were a huge part of my life as a child. I was in the Essex North Pony Club and competed in the Prince Philip Cup, winning the prestigious Calvert Cup. My passion for horses led to a degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Liverpool. After graduating with honours my first job was in a mixed practice in Northamptonshire, but I soon returned to Essex to work for Iain Paton in 1992. I became a partner in 1996, forming 'Paton & Lee'. My main clinical interests are Anaesthesia and Radiography. My wife, Claire, runs a busy livery yard and is passionate about dressage. I have two grown up children, Thomas and Victoria, and Victoria is following in my footsteps, studying for her veterinary degree at the University of Surrey. When I'm not fixing horses, I'm usually found fixing old cars as a keen classic car enthusiast."

Jonathan has been nominated many times for the Petplan Equine Vet of the Year Awards and was nominated again in 2020.

"I want to say a HUGE thank you to Jonathan and everyone at Paton and Lee for fixing Goldie! It's been 11 weeks yesterday since her accident and suspected fracture. We are now out and about riding again!!! THANK YOU." - From Jane Sheppard via our Facebook page.

Tony Lock BVetMed MRCVS - (Director)

"I grew up on a farm in Suffolk and learnt to ride at a young age, so horses have always been in my blood. I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1997 and worked for Paton and Lee straight away, having been involved with the practice as a veterinary student. In 2002 I joined the partnership. My main clinical interests are lameness investigations and breeding work. I love all types of sport and I've been a life-long supporter of Ipswich Town FC. My wife Debbie is a keen horsewoman and enjoys Parelli. She runs a fantastic business called 'Little Barn Cakes', baking the most amazing cake designs you can imagine. Our son Rory is already learning to ride, but also love tractors."

In 2015, Tony raised over £5000 for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust and 'Livvy's Race Day' challenge by carrying out a 'Raspathon' - rasping 50 sets of horse's teeth at 50 different yards in 24 hours.

 "Good Afternoon, I would just like to send my appreciation to Tony who came to see Princess yesterday for x-rays and corrective shoes. She's not the easiest girl to deal with, but his calm manner both with her and me made it a very stress free day." - From Angi Hobbs via Facebook

Ben Portus BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP(ED) MRCVS - (Director)

"I qualified from the University of Bristol in June 2003, having also gained an intercalated degree in Equine Science with first-class honours. At home I was learning to ride by the age of 2 and spent my youth competing in Pony Club Triathlon and hunting. I joined Paton and Lee for 18 months before completing an internship at Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket. I returned to Paton and Lee and became a partner in 2010. In my spare time I enjoy reading and writing, and in 2015 I became a private pilot, so I also enjoy flying around the Essex and Suffolk countryside. My wife, Gillian, is a UKCC qualified Dressage Coach and competes in dressage up to Inter I level."

Ben is an Advanced Veterinary Practioner in Equine Dentistry. As well as providing a comprehensive equine dental service, including referral work, Ben is also able to offer equine behaviour training, particularly for head- and needle-shy horses, but also clipper-shy horses, poor loaders and horses who stuggle with the farrier etc.

"Would like to say a big thank you to Ben, just started work again with Handy following a month off and the improvement in his legs is incredible. He's very happy to be back in work again and he's back to his happy bouncy self! Big thank you from us." - Ellen Gibson via Facebook.

Sam Harrington BSc BVSc (Hons) MRCVS - (Director)

"I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2015 before moving out to Lexington, Kentucky in the USA for an externship at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, where I worked mainly with Thoroughbreds, focusing on orthopaedics, medicine and anaesthesia. I'm a keen sportsman and played semi-professional football when I was a bit younger, as well as representing my county in both Athletics and Curling. I'm also involved in lots of conservation work and habitat management, volunteering with the Kent Wildlife Trust."

Sam became a Director of Paton and Lee Ltd in 2021. He focuses on lameness and poor performance cases and heads up our MRI Unit here at Hoo Hall.

"I can’t speak highly enough of Sam. He’s patient and always caring when it comes to my horse." - Online Survey

Charlotte Soutar BVetMed CertAVP MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant)

"I qualified from The Royal Veterinary College in 2009. After a year in mixed practice I knew that I wanted to specialise in horse work, which I guess was where I was always destined to be: I was an active member of the Essex North Pony Club and I try to still get out and about to local dressage and riding club competitions as much as possible. In 2010 I competed at the National Dressage Championships and in 2015 I returned to dressage on my own horse "Beau", having been out of action with him for some time because of a frustrating lameness issue. Aside from my work, any spare moments I have are spent with my horses, husband and two young boys."

In January 2016 Charlotte passed her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice.

"Thank you to Charlotte and her assistant for coming to see me and my boy today to do scans & blocking! Very patient and understanding. Always have a high level if sympathy & my horsey seems to really trust Charlotte (which is a big deal) thanks again!" - From Sarah Grant via our Facebook page.

Sophie Hazle BVSc CertAVP PgCertVPS MRCVS (Veterinary Assistant)

Sophie graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019 and after working in an equine practice in Cambridge, she joined us in August 2021. In February 2024 Sophie completed her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She enjoys all areas of equine practice but has a particular interest in internal medicine. Sophie can usually be found walking Milo, her lovely yellow labrador who often accompanies her on visits.

Lily Fraser BVMSci (Hons) MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant)

Lily qualified from Surrey University before completing a years internship within equine practice.

Lily is a local to the area and has spent time here with us seeing practice while studying. In spare time she enjoy's competing her own horses in British Eventing.
Lily’s main clinical interests are in medicine and foal care. 

"Lily dealt with my pony’s colic and was very friendly and professional in her approach. She also came today for flu jabs and made a point of asking after the one who had had colic, very happy with her whole approach and attitude." - Online Survey

Abigail Uden BVMSci (Hons) MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant)

Laura Spalding DrMedVet MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant)

Laura graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest in early 2020 before completing a year’s internship in mixed practice. Following this, Laura stayed on as an equine vet before coming to join us here at Hoo Hall. Laura’s main interests are in imaging and diagnotics.

"Hugely impressed with Laura’s stitches in my horses mouth after she fell over" - Online Survey

Alexandra Sadler BVetMed MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant)

Ali started her veterinary career as a Registered Veterinary Nurse after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University in 2017. Her main interest was intensive and emergency veterinary nursing but always knew she had an interest in becoming a veterinary surgeon one day. Ali returned to university in 2019 and graduated as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 2023.
Ali’s main interests are in medicine and especially equine stud medicine having seen practice with the Rossdales Stud Team in Newmarket and their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 

Georgia Thomas RVN (Head Nurse)

Georgia is our Head Nurse having qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in May 2021. Georgia manages a team of 4 on the day to day tasks at the practice whilst also assisting the vets in various procedures, including surgery, radiographs and the running of our laboratory.
Georgia has a keen interest in diagnostic imaging and inpatient care, particularly medicine cases and foal care.

"Every vet & staff member from the practice is very kind and professional. The service has always been brillant. Thank you Paton & Lee." - Online Survey

Daniella Prodromou (Nursing Technician & Head MRI Technician)

"I joined Paton and Lee full time nurse assistant in September 2018, having provided maternity cover for 6 months prior to then. I always knew that working with horses was what I wanted to do as a career: I'm passionate about animals and their welfare. I left college with a diploma in horse management and care then went on to manage a competition yard for over 6 years, where I also kept my own horse Lucy, who I competed occasionally in unaffiliated  dressage. In my spare time I participate in different water sports including canoeing on the river Stour, plus I enjoy cycling in the Essex and Suffolk countryside ... but I do get a bit of help up the hills because I've got an electric bike!"

Daniella has performed many scans in our MRI Unit and has been praised for achieving top quality scan images.

Sophie Bolingbroke (Nursing Technician & MRI Assistant)

"I joined the Paton and Lee team in August 2015 as a technician and yard assistant. I really enjoy assisting the vets with the routine work and surgical procedures. I've been involved in horses since I was 4 years old and I got my first pony when I was 11 and have had horses ever since! I worked on a flat racing yard for 3 1/2 years before running my own livery yard for 7 years. I'm also a qualified practitioner in an equine body work called 'Equine Touch'. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my horses and dogs at home."

Sophie is trained as a technician in our MRI Unit.

Lucinda May (Nursing Technician)

"I joined Paton and Lee in August 2021 as a full time yard assistant and have now progressed into a technician role assisting the vets with various procedures including lameness investigations. Previously I was self employed as an equine groom. I am a keen horse rider, competing in British Showjumping regularly with my two chesnuts Dora and Nosey. I also help out on our family farm at harvest time, which I enjoy getting involved within the family business".

 Lucinda assists the vets and helps to care for our inpatients.

Amy Pook (Yard Assistant)

"I joined the practice in summer 2022 after graduating from Hartpury University with a BSc in Equine Science. It's always been a goal of mine to work with horses and having used Paton and Lee for many years it's a pleasure to work with a great team. I have grown up around horses and currently own a thoroughbred who I am enjoying retraining with the ambition to event him".

Amy works on the yard looking after our inpatients.

Melissa Robertson (Yard Assistant)

''I joined the team in summer of 2023 to help assist on the yard. I have grown up around horses and have previously worked at an equine university as an assistant yard coordinator and have also worked for showing yards giving me the opportunity to groom at the Royal International & HOYS.'' 

Melissa works on our yard helping to make sure all our inpatients receive 5-star care.

Sophie Sexton (Nursing Technician)

"I joined the practice in November 2023 as part of the technician team providing maternity cover. Previously I have been self employed as a groom and have worked in an admin role within another veterinary practice.
Away from work, I spend my time riding young horses and playing national league hockey. I am rarely seen without my Parsons Terrier, Colin, who I love to take on  long walks in the countryside".

Georgina Ingleton (Client Experience & Marketing Manager)

"I joined the practice in 2011 having previously studied Equine Care at college and working as a groom. In the last 13 years I have been part of the nursing team aswell as helping in reception but recently have taken more of a client based role with organising many of our practice events and social media.  I learnt to ride from a young age and have been around horses all my life. I have thoroughbred called Sonny who likes to test my first aid skills!"

Lucy Mayes (Practice Coordinator)

"I've been at Paton and Lee for over 12 years now. I work in Reception and I'm responsible for Practice Standards and Health & Safety in conjunction with Tony. I was taught to ride by Sherry Brierley and for many years I kept my pony at Hunter's Mead in Shalford. I'm a married mum of 3 grown-up children and a young Cairn terrier called Evie. In my spare time I have I enjoy reading crime novels, cooking and flower arranging."

"Outstanding vetinary practice. I have used them for 10 years and would never use another. Very kind and caring and helpful have never got it wrong. Love Paton and Lee." - From Wendy Larcombe via Facebook.

Vicky Slack (Admin/Accounts)

"I've worked at Paton & Lee since 2000, starting on the yard taking care of the inpatients alongside Daff and Rachel. I was heavily involved in the nursing side of things until 2008, when I began full-time in the office alongside Sherry, Jackie & Gill. Outside of work I own a twenty year old Dartmoor named Freddie who I've had since he was six. I enjoy schooling him along classical lines as well as trips to the beach for our holidays! 
Away from the ponies I'm also interested in cars and I've owned two mx5’s and I'm a member of the owners club. Last year I enjoyed a couple of road trips with the group and hope to go on some more this year."

Vicky is responsible for managing client accounts and invoices as well as a wide range of other essential office tasks at Paton and Lee.

"They were all very good but Vicky has made Red's visit for laser surgery so easy making me feel that it wouldn't be any trouble if I needed to phone to ask a question. Thank you all for making the day so much easier." - Online Survey

Zoe Tucker (Accounts)

"I joined the Reception Team at Paton and Lee in 2014, having been a client of the practice for 20 years. I have owned horses for over 30 years and used to compete in Endurance. When not mucking out I enjoy walking, exploring the countryside and looking at old buildings."

Many will recognise Zoe as the voice behind our fantastic zone days.

"The ladies dealing with finance/insurance have been brilliant. Everyone that I’ve had contact with during my horse’s treatment have been superb." - Online Survey

Sharon Preddy (Insurance/ Credit Control)

Sharon joined our team in 2018, helping many of our clients with their insurance documents, making sure everything is submitted and all queries are answered. Sharon also deals with accounts and credit control.

"Sharon made life so much easier by handling my insurance claim for me. She was always so helpful." - Online Survey

Emma Rushworth (Receptionist)

“I joined the Paton and Lee team in September 2018 having been a client of the practice for the last 14 years.  I have always wanted to work with horses in some way and it was a real dream opportunity. I come from a very customer focused work background and so this is the perfect job incorporating this and my passion for horses.

I haved owned my own horses for 22 years and over that time have enjoyed an array of different activities including showjumping, drag hunting and dressage. I started to compete BD this year with my lovely ID Tom Tum. I love walking and taking holidays with my dog Alfie”.

Su Thomas (Receptionist)

"I joined the reception team in April 2019 and feel lucky to work with a lovely team of people. I have always had a love of horses but never thought I would actually have my own until 3 years ago in a moment of madness I rescued Red. He was a bag of bones back then and is now my pride and joy. Between Red and Tilly my Jackapoo I hardly get a minute to myself but I enjoy making jewellery, beaded browbands and baking."

Su is also trained in bereavement support.

"They are all fabulous. The reception team are polite and knowledgeable". - Online Survey

Sarah Warder (Receptionist)

"I joined the reception team in 2022 and have had over 20 years previous experience in customer service. I am busy farmers wife and when not helping out on the farm, I enjoy exploring the countryside with my Labrador, Tarka and spending time with my two teenage boys.

I spoke with a receptionist named Sarah who was kind, helpful & gave excellent advice - Online Survey

Nicola Hughes

Nikki joined our reception team in November 2023 following many years working for the NHS. Prior to this, Nikki worked as a competiton groom taking care of carriage driving horses. 

Reception answer the phones quickly and are always helpful. - Client Satisfation Survey

Kelly Smyth (Practice Manager)

Kelly joined the Paton and Lee Team in July 2023 in the vital role of practice manager. 

 Kelly started her veterinary career 28 years ago when she joined as a student veterinary nurse in small animal practice in East London.  Kelly worked her way up throughout the many years to regional manager running and being responsible for a large veterinary group. Kelly has seen veterinary medicine change over the many years and the important changes this has brought to the industry including the very high standards now required by our governing bodies with Practice Standards, which she has a massive passion for. 

Terry Regan

Terry joined us in 2022 as our Finance Manager.