Top equine vet expected to make full recovery after kick by horse

A leading equine vet is warning people not to be complacent around horses after undergoing surgery for a kick to the head.

Bob Baskerville, a British junior and young rider team and International Equestrian Federation (FEI) eventing vet, is recovering at home from a four-hour operation and facial reconstructive surgery.

He was kicked by the horse on Wednesday, 15 October. He had been preparing to treat a two-year-old thoroughbred at the Hampden Veterinary Hospital’s equine clinic in Buckinghamshire.

The horse was sedated and being held as Mr Baskerville prepared to treat its hind fetlock.

Mr Baskerville said: “I consider myself to be very lucky this time, but would like to remind everyone not to become complacent when working around horses — especially their feet,” said Mr Baskerville, who

Mr Baskerville’s wife, Jane, told H&H he was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and then the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for surgery.

The leading equine vet is an FEI delegate at Blenheim International Horse Trials and Punchestown, and has advised both the RSPCA and Countryside Alliance.

Mrs Baskerville said her husband Bob is expected to make a full recovery and return to work in a few weeks’ time.

She added: “We have received a lot of phone calls, and would like to thank everyone for their concern.”

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