Dr Kurt Enzinger BSc (Hons) BVSc
Veterinary Surgeon
Kurt graduated from the University of Melbourne after completing a Bachelor of Science with honours in Equine Reproduction in 1998, then a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2002. Kurt spent a few years in mixed animal practice before pursuing his passion for horses, working in two reputable equine hospitals and maintaining a strong focus on reproduction. Kurt returned home to start Elite Equine in February 2009. In August 2010 Kurt and his wife Kylie acquired Emerald Veterinary Clinic, a small animal practice to cater for all species.
Kurt has a special interest in equine reproduction including embryo transfer, equine podiatry and equine dentistry. He has completed to postgraduate equine veterinary dentistry courses, numerous equine podiatry courses and attended the International Symposium of Equine Reproduction in New Zealand.
At home Kurt enjoys playing with his kids, tending to his property (usually involving a chainsaw or tractor) and his favourite pastime is skiing...... either on water or snow!
Dr Rebecca Powers DVM
Veterinary Surgeon
Bec grew up in Melbourne riding horses and worked on a thoroughbred stud prior to starting her veterinary medicine degree at the University of Adelaide.
Bec always intended to pursue her interest in equine veterinary work and so after graduation she undertook a year long rotating internship at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic in Sydney. During her internship Bec performed anesthetics, assisted with work up of outpatients and was responsible for the care and treatment of hospitalized patients.
After completing her internship Bec returned home to Victoria and started working for Elite Equine Vets in April 2019. She has a keen interest in equine reproduction and medicine and looks forward to meeting both you and your horses.
Outside of work Bec enjoys horse-riding, travelling, going on hikes, camping and running around after her Pomeranian, Tiggy!
Dr Sue Jones MVB MANZCVS DACVSMR
Veterinary Surgeon
Sue graduated from Dublin and was in a private practice in the UK for 5 Years then locumed across Australia before completing a fellowship in Ultrasonography at UC Davis in California (only two of these programs in the world), and are both in the United States with only two people who have completed the fellowship currently in Australia).
Sue has also spent a year as a junior lecturer at the University of Adelaide before completing a 3 year sports medicine residency at the University of Melbourne, while also successfully sitting her Australian membership examinations in large animal radiology.
Outside of vet, Sue enjoys playing hockey.
Dr stephanie Macdonald BSc DVM
Veterinary Surgeon
Steph graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (With Distinction) in 2020 and was awarded the Red Cadeaux Prize for recognised determination and flair in Equine Medicine. Following graduation, she completed a 13-month equine rotating internship at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital in Victoria, where she was involved in reproduction, anaesthesia, care of both inpatients and outpatients, surgery, and lameness workups.
Steph has a special interest in emergency and internal medicine and has completed additional post-graduate training in equine dentistry. She joined the Elite Equine Veterinarians team in March 2022 and is excited to start the new chapter of her career.
In her spare time, Steph enjoys horse riding, running, crosswords and spending time with friends and family.
hayley betts
Veterinary surgeon
Hayley grew up in Rochester, New York. She moved to Australia to complete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Melbourne. She has fallen in love with both her Aussie partner and the country, so now she is here for good!
Hayley always knew she wanted to work with horses, as she grew up owning and competing Warmbloods. She graduated in 2021 and is very excited to start her veterinary journey!
In her free time, Hayley enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking bubble baths and traveling.
Ivy Ferguson-mayer
Veterinary nurse
Born and bred in the Yarra Valley, Ivy grew up on her family winery.
Her love for animals became evident at a young age and continues to grow every day. After finishing high school she escaped the family business and followed her passion into the vet nursing industry. Ivy has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing specialised in Equine.
On weekends Ivy regularly escapes the valley with her dog to go on adventures and explore nature. And of course, she has her two ponies which she adores.
Lisa alderson
Client Liaison
Lisa will be known to many locals due to her long association with Cockatoo and District Pony Club.
She has worked in many varied roles over the last 30 years living here in Emerald, but is now delighted to be combining her passion for customer service with her passion for horses here at Elite.
Outside of work Lisa commits many hours of volunteer time, as District Commissioner of Cockatoo PC, Zone Secretary, and a member of the Chief Instructors panel for Pony Club Victoria, while trying to squeeze in a ride or two herself!
Kylie Enzinger
Veterinary Nurse
Kylie has always had a love for all animals especially horses and riding. Kylie completed a stud management course at the NSW Equestrian Centre which led her to work on a number of studs handling young stock, stallions, foaling down mares and setting mares up to be put in foal. In 2005 Kylie completed her Certificate IV in small animal veterinary nursing and continued to work in small animal clinics for a number of years. A move to Tatura saw Kylie working with larger animals including cows and horses. This led to a job as an equine nurse at the Ballarat Equine Practice where she was involved in all aspects of being an equine nurse. In 2009 Kylie moved back to Macclesfield to work at Elite Equine Veterinarians.
Kylie works at both Emerald Veterinary Clinic and Elite Equine Veterinarians and her spare time is spent chasing her two kids around or trying to get a ride on her horse.
Nancy Te Whata
Administration
Nancy joined the team early 2016. A Kiwi, a horse rider and she was silly enough to fall for an “Aussie fella”.
Nancy has ridden all her life, growing up on a 500 acre horse breeding farm in Northland, New Zealand. She is a two time World Champion Mounted Games rider, and has spent two seasons riding mounted games in the UK. Riding some dressage and show hunter (jumping) along the way.
Over the last four years Nancy has completed a Bachelor of Applied Management and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting. She is enjoying her time here in the Yarra Valley, based in Emerald with her husband, working with horses and being part of our great team here at Elite Equine.
Rima Bau
Veterinary nurse
Rima has always wanted to work with animals but especially horses, it’s been a life dream of hers. She wants to follow her passion for horses in a professional environment and most importantly to build and grow more knowledge in the equine veterinary world.
Loving & taking care of horses was always in Rimas blood from a young age, every minute outside of school was spent nagging her family around to drive her to the paddock, lessons, shows, or competitions.
Rima enjoys spending her time going out for meals with friends and family, hanging out with her son & partner, watching UFC on Sundays, reading & if you haven’t guessed it already, her horses!