The Team

Dr Peter Harding

BVSc(Hons) MANZCVS MVS DACVS

DIRECTOR

Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery & Honorary Clinical Partner Murdoch University

Pete is a Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery. Growing up on a beef and sheep farm in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, Pete developed an early connection to rural life and animal care. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne, Pete’s veterinary journey took him across Australia and the UK, gaining a wealth of experience along the way. He further honed his skills by completing a residency in Equine Medicine and Surgery at Murdoch University.

In 2011, Pete earned a Master’s degree with research focusing on “Local Anti-Microbial Delivery Systems for Treating Orthopaedic Infections in Horses.” Two years later, he achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, solidifying his place as a Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery. His career has seen him serve as the resident surgeon at one of Melbourne’s largest equine practices before bringing his expertise back to Western Australia.

Pete is passionate about diagnosing lameness, addressing airway dysfunction, and thrives on solving complex surgical cases. His dedication to equine health and surgery continues to inspire both his colleagues and clients alike.

Dr Annemarie Cullimore

MVB MANZCVS MVSc DACVIM

DIRECTOR

Registered Specialist in Equine Medicine & Diplomate, American College Veterinary Internal Medicine (LAIM)

A highly respected Registered Specialist in Equine Medicine, Annemarie’s veterinary career began after graduating from University College Dublin, Ireland, in 2003. She initially worked in mixed animal practice in Ireland before relocating to Australia, where she spent four years with a prominent racetrack practice in Adelaide. During this time she passed the Australian membership examination in equine surgery.

In 2010, Annemarie moved to Western Australia and joined The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University. Over the next six years, she completed a rigorous three year specialist training programme in equine medicine and surgery, achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in Large Animal Internal Medicine and completed a research Master’s degree focussing on Inflammatory Airway Disease.

Now one of the few equine medicine specialists in private practice in WA, Annemarie has a special interest in all things medicine – from sick foals, to poorly performing racehorses, to the geriatric paddock pet.

Dr Danielle Crosby

BSc BVMS DVStud FANZCVS (Equine Surgery) Dip ECVS (Large Animal Surgery)

REGISTERED SPECIALIST IN EQUINE SURGERY

Now a dedicated Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery, Dani graduated from Murdoch University in 2010. Her early career took her across Australia and the UK, where she gained invaluable experience before completing a residency in Equine Surgery at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

In 2020, Dani completed a doctorate degree with her thesis entitled “Investigation of epidemiological and molecular factors associated with synovial infections in horses and foals”. The following year, she became a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and in 2022, she became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Dani’s special interests lie in tackling synovial infections in both foals and adult horses and addressing poor performance issues in sport horses, making her an invaluable assest to the equine surgical field.

Dr Dani is currently on maternity leave.

Dr Anika Kalka

BSc BVMS(Dist) MANZCVS (Equine Medicine)

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Originally from Tasmania, Anika’s love for the sun and animals led her west, where she completed her veterinary degree at Murdoch University in 2016. After gaining valuable experience in mixed practice in Geraldton, she decided to follow her passion for equine care, joining the team at Ascot in August 2018.

Since then, Anika has successfully passed the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists examination in Equine Medicine, further refining her expertise. She enjoys all aspects of equine practice, with a special interest in equine dentistry.

Dr Anika is available for consultations on Thursdays and Fridays.

New veterinarian coming, March 2026!

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Dr Bryden Bell

BSc BVMS

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Bryden works part-time at Ascot Equine during our busiest months of the year.

After graduating from Murdoch University in 2009, Bryden began her veterinary career at Ascot Equine, where she spent seven years developing a deep interest in lameness diagnosis and the diagnostic ultrasound of the equine musculoskeletal system. Her passion for this field led her to Europe on weekends to complete several modules with the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), furthering her expertise in managing lameness conditions in equine athletes.

In 2016, Bryden took a step back from full-time equine practice to manage her family’s cattle station in Broome. Despite the demands of station life and raising her energetic toddler, Arie, she has continued practicing Equine and Cattle Medicine. In late Spring 2020, Bryden returned to Ascot Equine part-time during Broome’s “off-season”.

In her rare spare moments, Bryden enjoys competing in Campdrafting on weekends, combining her love for horses with her rural lifestyle.

Dr Bryden is currently on maternity leave.

Dr Kirsten de Klerk Wolters

BSc Vet Med, MSc Vet Med

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Originally from the Netherlands, Kirsten graduated from Ghent University in Belgium before returning home to complete a one-year rotating internship at a large equine clinic. During this time, she gained valuable experience managing a busy caseload of both internal medicine and surgical cases, further developing her skills across a wide range of equine patients.

Kirsten joined Ascot Equine Vets as an Associate Veterinarian in January 2026, and enjoys the variety that equine practice offers. She has a particular interest in sports medicine and internal medicine, and is passionate about helping horses perform at their best while maintaining their long-term health and wellbeing.

Outside of the clinic, Kirsten enjoys keeping active through sport and spending time in the saddle, making the most of her own passion for horses.

Dr Evelyn Lewis

BVSc

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Evelyn (Evie) graduated from the United Kingdom before making the move to Australia to pursue her passion for equine practice. She completed a one-year internship at Avenel Equine Hospital, where she gained valuable experience working with a busy hospital caseload, including emergency and critical care cases, hospital medicine, and the management of performance and racehorses.

In February 2026, Evie joined the team at Ascot Equine Vets as an Associate Veterinarian. She enjoys the fast-paced and hands-on nature of equine practice and particularly values working closely with trainers and owners to help keep their horses healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.

After making the move west, Evie is excited to be part of the Ascot Equine Vets team and to continue building her experience in the Australian racing and performance horse industry.

Dr Julia Daxner

EQUINE INTERN VETERINARIAN (OCTOBER 2025 – OCTOBER 2026)

Julia joined the Ascot Equine Vets team in October 2025 to begin her veterinary internship. She settled in quickly, having already become familiar with the clinic and its day-to-day routines during an externship with the team while completing her veterinary studies.

Originally from Austria, Julia graduated from the University of Vienna in 2025 and jumped straight into the world of equine medicine, something she had set her sights on from a young age. She has a strong interest in surgery and anaesthesia, and is always keen to expand her skills in the operating theatre and in the care of horses recovering from surgical procedures.

Julia brings a wonderful international flavour to the team and is fluent in English, German and Italian.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys making the most of life in Western Australia and can often be found at the beach or exploring Perth in her spare time.

Dr Ebony White

BSc DVM

EQUINE INTERN VETERINARIAN (JANUARY 2026 – JUNE 2027)

Ebony joined the Ascot Equine Vets team in January 2026 after graduating from Murdoch University in December 2025. She was already a familiar face to the team, having completed many weeks of work placements with us during her veterinary studies.

During university, Ebony also worked at Scenic Lodge, one of the studs we service, where she gained extensive hands-on experience caring for mares, foals and youngstock. This experience sparked her strong interest in breeding work and neonatal foal care.

Ebony quickly settled into life as an intern, rotating between hospital and ambulatory veterinary roles and embracing the variety that equine practice offers. She is always eager to be involved in cases involving newborn foals — and is never one to pass up the chance for a quick cuddle.

Outside of work, Ebony enjoys swimming and hiking with her dog, Ziva, making the most of the outdoors in her spare time.

Danika Gallagher

BSc (Veterinary Nursing) BSc (Animal Behaviour and Welfare)

HEAD VETERINARY NURSE

Nurse Coordinator

Hailing from a farm in the West of Ireland, Danika grew up surrounded by animals, sparking her lifelong passion for animal care. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Veterinary Nursing and Animal Welfare and Behaviour. After gaining extensive experience in small animal veterinary practices across Ireland and Perth, Danika joined the Ascot Equine team in March 2021 as a veterinary nurse.

In 2023, Danika stepped into the role of head nurse, where she continues to thrive in the fast-paced hospital environment. She also completed the AVT Equine Veterinary Nursing course, further expanding her equine nursing expertise. As the nursing leader, Danika is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring junior and trainee nurses, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Taylah Ridley

Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE

Surgery and Critical Care Coordinator

After graduating from Applied Vocational Training (AVT) in 2016, Taylah spent four years honing her skills in a bustling small animal practice before joining the Ascot Equine team in March 2021. With a lifelong passion for horses, she found her dream role combining equine care with veterinary nursing.

Taylah thrives in surgical nursing, neonatal intensive care, and providing gold-standard patient care. In March 2024, she was promoted to Surgery and Critical Care Coordinator, further advancing her career. She also won the inaugural equine nursing scholarship to attend the prestigious Bain Fallon Nursing Conference in 2024.

Outside of the hospital, Taylah is an avid showjumper, often competing with her horses, Bisdale Timeless and Castleford Aria.

Nadia Maskill

Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE

Nadia began her nursing career in 2008, initially working in small animal practice for four years before transitioning to equine nursing. She spent seven years at a busy equine hospital in WA, gaining valuable experience before joining Ascot Equine Vets in June 2020.

In late 2023, Nadia made the difficult decision to step away from nursing due to injury and spent six months working with a private training organisation, selecting and mentoring the veterinary nurses of tomorrow. However, her passion for hands-on veterinary nursing proved too strong and she returned to Ascot Equine in March 2024, where she now enjoys all aspects of clinical nursing.

Nadia thrives in the fast-paced environment, continually learning, and being part of a fun, professional team. She has a particular interest in lameness, performance and nutritional management.

Outside of work, Nadia is a keen show-jumper and an appointed member on the Jumping Western Australia committee, fulfilling the Safety and Welfare role. She has attained General Coaching certification with Equestrian Australia, and coaches regularly at local adult rider groups, pony club, and OTTWA clinics.

Eeva Peltonen

Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE

Eeva grew up in a small town in Finland and has always been around animals. She started working with horses on school holidays, completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture and Horse Management in 2008, after which she worked in a horse racing stable for a few years in Finland. In 2012, Eeva seized the opportunity to move to Western Australia to work for Trevor Andrews Racing.

Eeva completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through AVT in 2021, and thereafter worked in small animal practice and as a nurse assistant at the emergency department at Murdoch University. Horses however have always been her passion, and she started working with us at Ascot Equine in July 2022.

Belinda Dickson

Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE

Belinda joined the team in July 2024.

Skye McMullen

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE 

Skye commenced a Veterinary Nursing Traineeship with us at Ascot Equine in April 2023, and completed her qualification in Veterinary Nursing in December 2025. She has a keen interest in surgical nursing, and enjoys the fast paced hospital environment.

Outside of the hospital, Skye is an active mounted games competitor and has represented both the state and country! She most recently represented Australia on her own pony Marley in the 2025 Nations Championship.

In her free time, Skye can be found hanging out at the beach with her German Shepherd Delgado.

Jazmin Reynolds

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE

Jazmin joined the Ascot Equine Vets team in June 2025 and quickly became a valued member of the nursing team. Having grown up around horses and started riding at just seven years old, her love for horses naturally led her toward a career in veterinary nursing.

Jaz is known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to patient care. She has a particular interest in emergency and critical care, as well as the management of hospitalised patients, and thrives in the fast-paced clinical environment of equine practice. With a calm and compassionate presence, Jaz is dedicated to ensuring every horse receives the highest standard of care.

Jaz completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through AVT in December 2025 and is currently undertaking AVT’s Equine Veterinary Nursing course to further expand her knowledge and skills.

When she’s not at Ascot, Jaz can often still be found nursing at her small animal clinic, reflecting her genuine passion for veterinary care across all species.

Hope Pulley

Certificate III in Animal Studies

YARD MANAGER

Growing up, Hope always had a keen interest in animal, particularly dogs and horses.  Over the years, she has worked at riding schools, agistment centres and a small animal veterinary clinic.

In 2021, Hope completed a Certificate III in Animal Studies, through AVT.  She joined the team at Ascot Equine in November 2022 as a Stable Attendant and transitioned into the role of Yard Manager in late 2023. In this role, she loves learning hands on about horse care, health, and reproduction.

When not at work, Hope enjoys spending time with her family and walking with her Golden Retrievers.

Lucinda Boulter

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

NURSE ASSISTANT

Lucinda joined the Ascot Equine team in March 2023 and has recently completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at South Metropolitan TAFE, graduating in December 2024. She is now continuing her veterinary journey as a student at Murdoch University, where she is studying to become a veterinarian.

Originally from the UK, Lucinda moved to Australia in 2012 and has remained actively involved in the equestrian world. In 2018, she began working at a busy riding school and completed the EA Introductory Coaching Course, gaining valuable experience supporting both horses and riders.

Lucinda enjoys all aspects of equine practice and has a particular interest in sports medicine and lameness. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and hands-on experience make her a valuable part of the team as she works toward her ultimate goal of becoming an equine vet.

Shaila Maloney

Currently enrolled in a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

NURSE ASSISTANT

Shaila joined the team at Ascot Equine in November 2022.

Belinda Bracegirdle

Veterinary Student – Murdoch University Class of 2027

STABLE ATTENDANT

Belinda joined the team in August 2021, bringing with her a strong background in Thoroughbred breeding and a keen interest in all things surrounding reproduction and foal medicine.

Her years of involvement in horse breeding has prompted a career change and Belinda is currently studying Veterinary Science at Murdoch University with her goal set to become an Equine Vet.

In her free time, Belinda can be found with her nose in a good book or on an adventure with her four-legged sidekick Gus Gus.

Ruby Whitewood

Agricultural Science Student – Murdoch University

STABLE ATTENDANT

Ruby is currently studying Agricultural Science at Murdoch University and joined the team as a stable attendant in October 2023. She is particularly interested in equine breeding and hopes to continue this career pathway into the equine industry.

Her favorite part of her job is learning something new every day from the variety of cases that come through the door and constantly expanding her knowledge of horses.

In her spare time, Ruby likes to spend time with her two horses and takes them to a few showjumping days throughout the year.

Skye Fondacaro

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

With over 20 years of experience in the equine industry, Skye has worked across various roles, from racing stables to managing stud farms. Her passion lies in equine nutrition and educating  young horses, sharing her wealth of knowledge with the next generation.

Skye joined Ascot Equine Vets in October 2023, where she thrives in the fast-paced and dynamic environment, especially during the bustling breeding season.

Outside of work, Skye enjoys spending time on her property with her own horses and exploring the outdoors with her two dogs.