Dr Kurt Enzinger BSc (Hons) BVSc MANZCVS (Eq Dent)
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 BSc 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 Pomeranians, Tiggy and Zeppy!
Dr hayley betts DVM
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.
Dr Madeline Peters DVM
Veterinary Surgeon
Madeline grew up in New Jersey and moved to Australia after completing her undergraduate degree, beginning her career as a veterinary nurse in Scone, NSW. After a busy foaling season, she relocated to Melbourne to undertake her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
Following graduation, Madeline returned to New Jersey to complete an equine veterinary internship before working as an associate veterinarian in a busy equine referral practice in Queensland. She is thrilled to now be back in Melbourne with her partner and her cat, Tuna.
Outside of work, Madeline enjoys travelling, trekking, attending concerts, and reading
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.
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!
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.
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.
Ivy Ferguson-Mayer
Veterinary Nurse
Born and bred in the Yarra Valley, Ivy grew up on her family winery and still works within the family business today — you may find her in the cellar, out in the vineyard, or pouring events.
From a young age, Ivy’s love for animals was clear and has only continued to grow. After finishing high school, she pursued her passion by entering the veterinary nursing industry, completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with a special interest in equine care.
Outside of work, Ivy loves escaping the country and travelling whenever she can, as well as heading off on weekend adventures with her dog to explore nature. She has also recently taken up the hobby of sewing. At home, she has two ponies who she absolutely adores.
Emma Downward
Veterinary nurse
Emma is a fully qualified veterinary nurse with over a year and a half of experience, having completed her studies at the Australian College of Applied Animal Studies (ACAAS) in 2024.
Growing up around horses and spending much of her time riding, Emma has developed a strong interest in equine nursing. She also has practical experience working with cattle, including pregnancy testing, administering injections, tagging and banding.
Outside of her nursing role, Emma enjoys riding her horse, motorbike riding, camping and spending time outdoors.
Erica Hosking
Veterinary nurse
Coming soon....