The annual AVSPNI Summer CPD & Social Event was held on 10th June 2015 on a gloriously warm, sunny day at Andy Oliver’s Race yard in Co. Tyrone. Andy specialised as an Equine Vet before becoming a very successful trainer.
Approximately 40 Vets attended this AVSPNI Summer CPD meeting. It was a spectacular sight to behold the race horses, with their coats gleaming in the brilliant sunshine, head out to the Gallops. The event commenced with a delicious cold buffet lunch provided by Simply Irresistible accompanied by beer brought by the main sponsor Norbrook – the Ballyedmond family are diversifying into brewing. Once replete, the vets broke up into two groups. One was given a personal guided tour by Andy who informed them about the day to day running of his race yard. Andy also described in detail the various techniques (both veterinary and training) he uses in order to get the best from his racehorses. This was followed by a question and answer section. The second group received a clinical talk on “Gastric ulcers in foals and horses” from Dr Rebecca Froehlich-Kelly from Norbrook. Mid-afternoon, after some light refreshments, the groups swapped over. Mrs. Melanie Spahn, President of AVSPNI, delivered some closing words, thanking Andy for hosting the Summer CPD Day which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. She also thanked the principal sponsors, Norbrook and Sean from Botanica who also provided sponsorship and gave a short talk on his products. Following the CPD element of the day, the vets travelled to the nearby Ryandale at Moy for a lovely dinner, chat and “post mortem” on what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable day.
