Meet the team

Becci Ireland, Veterinarian Bvsc (hons) MANZCVS

Becci is originally from a small town called Rugby in the UK. She moved to New Zealand in 2009, and since this time she has worked hard to become the dedicated equine veterinarian she is today. Since 2009 she has published or been co-author in several research papers, won an award at the annual New Zealand veterinary conference, sat her Australia and New Zealand college memberships in equine medicine, and gained invaluable experience in the equine veterinary field.

Becci has developed a wonderful life for herself in Central Otago with her husband and two daughters. She established Central Lakes Equine in November 2018 and enjoys dedicating her time to her second family… her clients! She enjoys all disciplines of horse riding but particularly eventing…. Well that’s if she ever finds that bit of spare time!

Central Lakes Equine is a boutique equine clinic. We dream to stay small and maintain the ability to provide our clients with the highest level of service. We are committed to customer satisfaction as well as a high level of care to our patients. Our truck is kitted out to have all of the equipment that many state of the art equine veterinary hospitals have, with the added bonus that we come to you.

Please get in touch here any time that you need assistance. See our testimonials page for what our clients say about us.

Laura Johnstone, Equine Veterinarian

Laura graduated from Massey in 2008 and has since worked in equine general practice in Christchurch and Invercargill, completed a masters in equine neurology and achieved diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine after a 3-year residency at the University of Pennsylvania.

Laura enjoys all aspects of equine medicine and is particularly interested in neurology, cardiology and ultrasound. Laura joined the Central Lakes Equine team in 2022 and balances this with her work as a senior medicine clinician at the Massey University Equine Clinic and being Mum of three.

We are very lucky to have her working for us here in Central Otago.

Kate Bachop, Receptionist/Equine Nurse

Originally from Dunedin, Central Otago has been home for the last 15 years. Horses became her passion, and at the age of 12, Kate was fortunate enough to get a horse of her own. All these years later, this lucky mare has now returned home to enjoy a retired life. She enjoys Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage, so please give her a wave when you see her out and about.

Outside of horses Kate enjoys netball in the winter and spends her summer at the lake.

We are very excited that Kate has joined the team as our amazing Receptionist! She will become a valued member of our committed service to you all.

Kuran Ireland, Supportive Husband

Becci and Kuran were married in 2017 in Central Otago. His main job is to help growing businesses with Management and Leadership Coaching. Kuran also helps behind the scenes in the running of Central Lakes Equine. He is a devoted family man, but also enjoys being out and about walking, hunting, and taking photos of wildlife.