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 Tara Fahey

DVM

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Dr Tara Fahey hails from County Kildare, Ireland and graduated from the University of Warsaw in 2022. Since then, she has worked as an ambulatory vet and completed a seasonal medicine fellowship at Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital, a bustling referral hospital located on the Curragh in Ireland. She joined the team at Ascot Equine in July 2024.

With a background deeply rooted in Irish Thoroughbred racing and breeding, Tara brings a keen interest in reproduction, internal medicine, and racing performance to our practice.

Outside of her professional life, Tara enjoys travelling, hiking, and catching up with friends over brunch.

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 available for consultations on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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.

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 Amanda Drought

BSc DVM

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Growing up in the Southwest of WA, Amanda spent her childhood immersed in the equestrian world, riding horses whenever she could. She graduated from Murdoch University in 2020 and initially honed her skills in a busy small animal practice in Bunbury. After two years of general practice, Amanda joined Ascot Equine Vets as an intern in January 2024 and has since transitioned into the role of Associate Equine Veterinarian.

Amanda is passionate about equine dentistry and is deeply committed to improving animal welfare in developing countries. She regularly volunteers in the Gili Islands and Lombok, Indonesia, where she provides vital veterinary care for working horses, making a lasting difference in the lives of both animals and their communities.

Dr Amanda is available for consultations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Dr Hannah Brown

BVM BVS(Hons) BVMEDSCI MRCVS

ASSOCIATE EQUINE VETERINARIAN

Hannah hails from the United Kingdom and was an avid equestrian, competing in dressage and showjumping, prior to embarking on her career as a veterinarian.

Hannah graduated from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, in June 2022. After graduation, she undertook a challenging 18-month internship at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, a large, fast-paced referral hospital, in the UK. During this internship programme, she was exposed to a broad caseload which helped her develop and solidify a wide clinical skill set.

Hannah joined the team at Ascot Equine in May 2024. She enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary practice and has a keen interest in anaesthesia, surgery, and emergency critical care.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys travelling, sports, and meeting new people.

Dr Isabel Mudde Cruz

BVM DVM

EQUINE INTERN VETERINARIAN (AUGUST 2024 – AUGUST 2025)

Isabel, who brings a unique blend of cultures with her triple nationality, completed her veterinary studies in Madrid in July 2024. Her passion for equine veterinary medicine and surgery led her to Perth, where she’s excited to dive into the dynamic world of equine practice.

With extensive experience from clinical placements across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, Isabel is well-versed in all aspects of equine care, though she has a particular passion for theriogenology. Her ultimate goal? – to become a diplomate in this field.

Fluent in five languages – French, Dutch, Spanish, English, and Luxembourgish – Isabel is not just a polyglot but also a global citizen. When she’s not caring for horses, you will likely find her soaking up the sun at the beach, staying active at the gym, or shooting hoops on the basketball court.

Dr Natasha Hartono

BSc DVM

EQUINE INTERN VETERINARIAN (JANUARY 2024 – JANUARY 2025)

Natasha graduated from Murdoch University in 2023 and began an internship with us in January 2024.

From a young age, Natasha’s love for animals, and in particular horses, drove her to pursue her dream of becoming an equine veterinarian. Being an avid rider, she has a special interest in sport horse medicine and rehabilitation.

On weekends, when she is not working, she spends her time at showjumping competitions with her horse Milagra. When not in the saddle, Natasha enjoys spending her time either by the ocean, playing volleyball or catching up with friends.

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

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 Hadwen

Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

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 serves as Equipment and Inventory Coordinator.

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 is close to completing her EA Introductory and Level 1 General Coaching accreditation, with plans to advance further in this field.

Eeva Peltonen

Cert IV Veterinary Nursing

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

VETERINARY NURSE

Belinda joined the team in July 2024.

Skye McMullen

Currently enrolled in Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

TRAINEE VETERINARY NURSE 

Skye commenced a Veterinary Nursing Traineeship in April 2023. She has been passionate about horses since before she can remember and is excited to embark on this pathway to equine nursing.

Skye is an active mounted games competitor and has represented both the state and country! In 2019, she represented Australia and placed first in the International Mounted Games exchange. More recently, in 2023, she represented Western Australia at the PPMG National Championships, and again topped the placings with her pony Marley.

Skye also has two off-the-track racehorses, Gus and Rose, that she enjoys riding when she is not off competing in Mounted Games. In her free time, she can be found hanging out at the beach with her German Shepher Delgado.

Hannah Harris

Currently enrolled in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

STABLE ATTENDANT

Hannah is currently studying Veterinary Nursing at AVT. She has always had a love for horses and takes any chance to be around them. Hannah joined the team at Ascot Equine in the role of Stable Attendant in November 2022. Through this role, Hannah hopes to learn as much as she can about horse health and wellbeing, to help patients in the future.

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

Currently enrolled in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

NURSE ASSISTANT

Lucinda joined the team in March 2023 and is currently studying a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at South Metropolitan Tafe.

Lucinda is originally from the UK and moved to Australia in 2012, where she has continued her passion for horse-riding. In 2018, she started working at a busy riding school and subsequently completed the EA Introductory Coaching course. Through this, she gained valuable knowledge and experience working with both horses and riders.

Lucinda enjoys all aspects of equine practice and is particularly interested in sports medicine and lameness. Her ultimate goal is to study veterinary science and with her drive and passion is on the right path to becoming a veterinarian in the future.

Kristy Reynolds

Currently enrolled in a Certificate II in Animal Studies

NURSE ASSISTANT

Kristy joined the team at Ascot Equine in March 2024. Before joining the team, she worked at a large Thoroughbred stud for 9 years, progressing up the ranks to Stud, Stallion, and Yearling manager.

Kristy is passionate about everything equine and is ready to take her passion to the next level. She is currently studying a Cert II in Animal Studies, with the aim to enter a Veterinary Nursing traineeship program. Her dream goal is to become an equine reproductive veterinarian.

Outside of work, Kristy enjoys breeding Quarter horses and competing in Western Pleasure Classes. She breeds Thoroughbreds too.

Belinda Bracegirdle

Veterinary Student – Murdoch University Class of 2026

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.