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.

Natalie DeCaro, Equine Nurse

Natalie was born in Canada and has worked with horses all over USA, Australia and NZ. She has worked in almost any discipline you can imagine, from driving carriages, eventing, rodeo, polo and all things in between. She has 5 horses of her own and competes in a variety of different events. Natalie also owns her own well known and successful business ‘Its A Stitch Up’; an equine focused sewing business creating functional and fun products to use every day as well and repairing gear and covers.

Panda, Inpatient Babysitter

Originally from a trekking life Panda has come to us in his retirement years as our resident babysitter for all of our inpatients. He is quite the character but a nice calm presence in the Hospital.

Paula Mugford, Receptionist

Originally form Christchurch, Alexandra has been Paulas home for almost 30 years.

Paula grew up around her uncle's racehorses and worked in a show jumping yard as a teenager, she also completed in eventing and showing.

Outside of horses Paula enjoys walking and running in our beautiful Central Otago countryside.

She is excited to be part of the team and be back around horses again as being back in the horse world was always a dream of hers.