Shanaghan Veterinary Services

For horse owners across Northern Ireland, the health, performance, and well-being of their equine companions are paramount. Finding veterinary care that not only addresses acute issues but also embraces a holistic and preventative approach to equine health is essential. This is where Shanaghan Veterinary Services truly stands out as a pioneering and highly valued practice. Located in Katesbridge, Banbridge, they offer an integrated veterinary referral service, unique in Northern Ireland, dedicated specifically to equine care. This article will provide a detailed overview of their services, accessibility, and the distinctive features that make them an indispensable resource for horse owners in the region.

Established in 2017 by Dr. Esther L. Skelly Smith, Shanaghan Veterinary Services is renowned as Ireland's first integrated veterinary referral service. Their core philosophy revolves around "patient-centred-care," where each horse is treated individually, utilising an integrative veterinary approach to prevent and treat injuries/disorders, supported through clinical rehabilitation to maximise their well-being. Dr. Skelly Smith, a highly qualified veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in equine veterinary practice and a special interest in equine welfare, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, leads the team.

Unlike traditional veterinary practices that might solely focus on conventional medicine, Shanaghan Veterinary Services seamlessly blends traditional veterinary care with alternative and complementary therapies. This holistic approach means they offer a unique combination of services like veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, and laser therapy alongside conventional diagnostics and treatments. Their mission is to improve equine veterinary care and welfare standards by working in close partnership with horses, owners, stakeholders, and government bodies. Clients consistently praise Dr. Skelly Smith's knowledge, empathy, and ability to tailor treatments, with one reviewer stating she "always keeps our ponies right," and others highlighting her kindness, caring nature, and effectiveness in getting to the bottom of problems. This dedication to innovative, evidence-based care, coupled with genuine compassion, makes Shanaghan Veterinary Services a truly exceptional provider for horse owners across Northern Ireland.

Shanaghan Veterinary Services is strategically located at 50A Katesbridge Rd, Katesbridge, Banbridge BT32 5NQ, UK. Katesbridge is a village in County Down, near Banbridge, making the clinic accessible to a broad catchment area across Northern Ireland. Its position provides excellent road links, crucial for transporting horses and for owners travelling from various parts of the country for specialist care.

The location on Katesbridge Road means the clinic is typically easy to find and navigate to. As an equine-specific practice, they understand the logistical needs of horse owners. Ample client car parking facilities are available on-site, which is essential for safely unloading and loading horses, and for clients who may travel with horseboxes or trailers. The clinic operates by appointment only, which ensures that each client and their horse receive dedicated time and attention without feeling rushed. For owners whose horses require more than clinic-based treatment, yard visits are available for four or more services/horses/owners in one location, offering added flexibility and convenience. While public transport might be limited given the rural setting, the focus on direct vehicle access and yard call-outs ensures that the services of Shanaghan Veterinary Services are highly accessible to their target clientele across Northern Ireland. From April 1st, 2025, all individual appointments are held at the clinic, with yard visits available under specific circumstances.

Shanaghan Veterinary Services offers a highly specialised and integrated range of veterinary services, primarily focused on equine health and welfare. Their unique approach combines conventional veterinary medicine with a variety of complementary therapies, aiming for holistic patient-centred care.

• Veterinary Chiropractic: This is a core service, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic treatment involves the application of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to induce relief in joints, muscles, and reflexes, helping to eliminate acute or chronic pain and improve performance.
• Veterinary Acupuncture: Involves the delicate insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. This targets the peripheral and central nervous system, as well as connective tissue, to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing for various conditions. Each acupuncture treatment is specifically tailored to the individual horse.
• Laser Therapy: An innovative, safe, and drug-free technique used to promote tissue healing and reduce painful inflammation. It's often employed for wound healing, pain relief, and managing musculoskeletal injuries.
• Clinical Rehabilitation: Comprehensive programs designed and overseen by Dr. Skelly Smith, a qualified veterinary surgeon with a special interest in rehabilitation. These programs aim to maximise recovery from injuries, surgery, or chronic conditions, and to optimise performance. They have facilities to assess horses on different surfaces, including under saddle.
• Equine Dentistry: Offering routine, advanced, and referral dentistry services. SVS equine dental care begins with prevention, identifying problems at routine dental appointments to prevent more severe issues.
• Chronic Pain Management: An integrated approach to managing long-term pain in horses, combining various therapies to improve comfort and quality of life.
• Performance Optimisation: Working with performance horses to identify and address subtle issues that may hinder athletic ability, using their range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
• Veterinary Referrals: As a dedicated referral service, they work in close partnership with primary care veterinary surgeons to offer a specialist, integrated approach to cases requiring their specific expertise.
• Diagnostic Capabilities: While specific equipment details are not fully listed, their ability to assess horses under saddle and perform thorough examinations implies robust diagnostic capabilities to pinpoint issues.
• Overnight Care (External Partnership): For horses and ponies requiring overnight care as part of a bespoke rehabilitation programme, they work with a small number of trusted yards, providing daily care and support under Dr. Esther Skelly-Smith's direction.

Shanaghan Veterinary Services stands out significantly in the Northern Ireland equine veterinary landscape due to several key features and highlights that embody its unique approach to animal care.

• Northern Ireland's First Integrated Veterinary Referral Service: This pioneering status is a major highlight. It signifies a holistic and comprehensive approach that combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies, offering a unique service for complex equine cases.
• Highly Qualified and Specialised Lead Vet (Dr. Esther L. Skelly Smith): Dr. Skelly Smith's extensive qualifications (including BVM BVS, PCAC, PgC(WVA&CPM) MRCVS) and her specific interests in equine welfare, sports medicine, and rehabilitation provide immense expertise. Her active involvement in breeding Irish Sport Horses and competing in equestrian disciplines also gives her a practical understanding of equine performance.
• Emphasis on Veterinary Chiropractic & Acupuncture: Unlike many general practices, Shanaghan Vet Services has these therapies as core offerings. This specialisation makes them a go-to for owners seeking alternative or complementary treatments for musculoskeletal and pain management issues.
• Patient-Centred and Individualised Care: Their vision explicitly states "patient-centred-care where each horse is cared for individually." This bespoke approach, highlighted by reviews noting tailored chiropractic sessions and rehabilitation work, ensures that treatments are precisely what the horse needs.
• Strong Focus on Rehabilitation and Prevention: Beyond treating immediate problems, the practice is deeply committed to clinical rehabilitation to maximise well-being and to prevent future issues by identifying minor changes early, as praised by clients with Grand Prix horses.
• Holistic and Evidence-Based Approach: They pride themselves on an integrated and holistic approach, backed by strong research and evidence. This ensures that their innovative methods are also scientifically sound.
• Compassionate and Empathetic Team: Client testimonials consistently praise Dr. Skelly Smith's kindness, caring nature, and warm approach, making owners feel understood and horses comfortable, even those with complex physiological issues. The review "Esther always keeps Banjo comfortable and free moving" perfectly encapsulates this.
• Collaboration with Primary Care Vets: As a referral service, they work in partnership with primary care veterinary surgeons, ensuring seamless and comprehensive care for the horse, demonstrating a commitment to the broader veterinary community.

To connect with Shanaghan Veterinary Services for appointments, enquiries, or to discuss a referral for your horse, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 50A Katesbridge Rd, Katesbridge, Banbridge BT32 5NQ, UK
• Phone: 07715 218247
• Mobile Phone (also reachable): +44 7715 218247

Appointments are primarily held at their clinic from April 1st, 2025. It is essential to book in advance as they operate on an appointment-only basis. For emergency appointments or specific yard visits for multiple horses/services, it is advisable to call the clinic directly to discuss your requirements.

In conclusion, Shanaghan Veterinary Services stands as an exceptional and uniquely suitable choice for horse owners across Northern Ireland. For locals, this pioneering practice offers an unparalleled blend of advanced veterinary expertise, integrated therapies, and profoundly compassionate care, making it an indispensable partner in ensuring the optimal health and performance of their equine companions.

Its accessible location in Katesbridge, with practical facilities for horse owners, ensures that specialist care is within reach for a wide geographic area. What truly sets Shanaghan Veterinary Services apart and makes it so suitable for the local community is its holistic and patient-centred approach, led by the highly qualified and empathetic Dr. Esther L. Skelly Smith. The ability to seamlessly integrate veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, laser therapy, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs with conventional diagnostics provides a robust and cutting-edge solution for complex and chronic equine issues.

The consistent and glowing testimonials from clients, who laud Dr. Skelly Smith’s knowledge, kindness, and effectiveness in keeping their ponies "right" and performing at their best, speak volumes about the quality of care and the deep trust she inspires. For any horse owner in Northern Ireland seeking not just a vet, but a dedicated partner committed to their horse's long-term well-being, performance, and comfortable life through innovative and compassionate methods, Shanaghan Veterinary Services is undoubtedly the premier choice, truly a "National Treasure for the horses and owners of Northern Ireland!"

Shanaghan Veterinary Services

50A Katesbridge Rd, Katesbridge, Banbridge BT32 5NQ, UK