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. Today, with 7 full-time equine-only vets and 11 other members of staff - almost all of whom come from equestrian backgrounds and understand horses inside-out - life at Hoo Hall is as busy as ever.

We always have two vets on duty for emergencies at any time and the office remains open on Saturdays, 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 also have a lot more equipment nowadays, to help us diagnose many conditions your horse might have: from state-of-the-art portable digital X-ray systems, to 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.

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Jonathan Lee BVSc 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, and I now provide an Equine Veterinary Acupuncture service too. 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 2016.

"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 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 main clinical interests are equine dentistry and behaviour."

Ben is an Advanced Veterinary Practioner in Equine Dentistry and a member of the International Society of Equitation Science. 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.

Charlotte Soutar BVetMed CertAVP MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant - Currently On Maternity Leave)

"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."

In January 2016 Charlotte passed her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. Charlotte went on maternity leave in January 2018 and we can't wait to welcome her back and meet the new addition to her family - Good Luck Charlotte, we miss you!

"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.

Chloe Cumming BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP MRCVS - (Veterinary Assistant)

"I qualified with honours from Liverpool University in 2009. Before joining the team at Paton and Lee I worked for 18 months in mixed practice but my interests were firmly on the equine side of life. I grew up in north Bucks surrounded by hunting country and took part in local shows. In my spare time I enjoy skiing and exploring the countryside with my beautiful springer spaniel Bramble and my young cocker spaniel Mulberry. I am currently studying towards my Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice and my clinical focus in on equine internal medicine."

"Today Chloe had our scared, rearing pony calm and quiet for a blood test within minutes, without sedation! Lovely to watch her using such a great method, I will be trying it myself!" - From Hayley Barker on Facebook.

Zoë Wilson BVetMed (Hons) MRes CertAVP(EM) MRCVS (Veterinary Assistant - Currently On Maternity Leave)

"I've lived in Essex all my life and learned to ride at Marven's Riding School at a young age. I studied at the Royal Veterinary College and after graduating with honours in 2008 spent 2 years working there at the equine referral hospital. I then went into first opinion equine practice at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic in Kent, before undertaking a masters degree back at the RVC in the neuromuscular laboratory. I enjoy driving my British Native Spotted Pony 'Piggy', as well as walking my two border terriers 'Paddy' and 'Bumble'."

In 2015 Zoe gained her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice for Equine Medicine.

"Hello... wanted to say what a credit Zoe is to you guys. I called her last night about Coburn, she put my mind at rest. Then she was out this morning helping my boy....she is a fantastic vet. Thank you !!!!! Xx" - From Samantha Weight via Facebook.

Sam Harrington BSc BVSc (Hons) MRCVS (Veterinary Assistant)

"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."

Dr Josh Alcock BVM&S MRCVS (Veterinary Assistant)

"I graduated in 2018 from Edinburgh University and joined the Paton and Lee Team soon after graduation. I know the practice well because I spent a lot of time here whilst seeing practice as a vet student. I grew up and still live just down the road from the practice in Kelvedon. At the moment I'm just hugely enthusiastic about all areas of equine practice and I'm keen to learn as much as possible. When I'm not working with horses I'm a keen rugby player and I was lucky enough to play at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh for the University while I was studying up there."

Cassie Toy REVN

"I joined Paton and Lee in 2002 as the weekend girl after completing a very enjoyable 2 weeks' work experience through Writtle college. Back then there was just 4 vets, 3 nurses/yard staff and Sherry! In 2011 I qualified as an Equine Veterinary Nurse through Myerscough college in Lancashire after 2 years of block release studying, lectures, practical exams and the dreaded portfolio! I enjoy caring for the inpatients, particularly intensive care cases, lameness investigations, surgical procedures and laboratory work.

I own 3 horses; Blue and Dolly who are in there 20's and 30's and are both retired, and Ernie, a very charismatic Irish Draught who has been, in no particular order, working his way through the Veterinary Textbook the last few years and testing my nursing skills to the max!
In my spare time I enjoy walking my Spanish rescue dog Katie, making jewellery, reading and supporting my dad and brothers enduro racing."

Jo Martin

"I joined the team as a yard assistant in March 2011, having used Paton and Lee as my vets for many years. I now manage the yard and enjoy the challenge of keeping it tidy and all our inpatients settled and happy. I've had horses and ponies since I was 11, with my passion being in showjumping. I also have a very energetic Staffordshire bull terrier who comes everywhere with me and takes up most of my spare time trying to wear her out on walks!"

Jo is our yard manager and looks after all of the inpatients at Hoo Hall. She also provides the clipping service each year and does an excellent job with it.

Lucy Mayes

"I've been at Paton and Lee for five 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 children and in any spare time I have I enjoy reading crime novels, cooking and walking Rosie, my Cairn terrier."

"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

"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 two ponies; 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! My other pony is an eleven year old Welsh Mountain pony named Nippit who I've had since a foal and have enjoyed showing both in-hand and under saddle.

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.

Zoe Tucker

"I have worked at Paton and Lee for nearly 2 years and work on reception, having been a client of the practice since 2003. I own 2 horses, Misty an Arab/Welsh who is 29 and Alfie, an Arab, who is 19, both of which are now retired, though used to compete in Endurance.
When not mucking out I enjoy walking, reading and visiting old buildings."

Georgina Ingleton

"I joined the practice in 2011 and work in both the reception and assisting on the yard nursing. I am also involved with helping to organise many of our practice events. I learnt to ride from a young age and have a rather challenging thoroughbred called Sonny who likes to keep in good contact with his vet buddies!"

Sophie Bolingbroke

"I joined the Paton and Lee team in August 2015 as a nurse 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 liver 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."

Daniella Podromou

I joined Paton and Lee full time as a 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!