At Radincon, we are passionate about endurance riding because we share a key value with the community: the welfare of our equine athletes always comes first. While we’ve celebrated our sponsored riders and Radincon Vets Choice Award recipients, today we spotlight a crucial part of this sport’s backbone—endurance vet Chris Dowey.
Chris may stand out as an endurance vet, but by day, he’s a dedicated small animal vet, splitting his time between Bligh Veterinary Services Centre in Windsor, NSW, and Petstock Vet in Rouse Hill. With a background in surgery and Border Collie breeding, Chris’s involvement in endurance dates back to the early ‘90s. He caught up with Radincon MD Jon Marriott at a recent ride to talk about his journey, the industry, and how endurance riding has evolved.
From Early Inspiration to Veterinary Career
Chris’s veterinary dream started early. Growing up around vets and his mother’s Arabian horse breeding business at Arabesque Stud, Chris was exposed to the world of animal care from an early age. Frequent vet visits during stud season and encounters with professionals like John Pave and Brett Jones ignited his passion. By age eight, Chris knew he wanted to be a vet.
His early experiences at horse shows and agricultural events helped shape his understanding of the bond between humans and animals, although he admits to being more skilled at stable work than riding. Despite this, his deep connection with horses remained a constant in his life.
Challenges Facing the Veterinary Industry
Chris discusses the shortage of vets, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The influx of companion animals during lockdowns created unprecedented demand, especially in urban areas, making rural practice less appealing due to its demanding hours and lack of immediate financial incentives. He highlights the New Zealand initiative offering student debt forgiveness for vets in rural areas as a potential solution for Australia.
The Endurance Vet’s Journey
Chris’s journey into endurance vetting began in 1991 at the Tumbarumba ride. He reflects on the dramatic changes in the sport, including improved horse care, rider education, and the increasingly professional approach taken by competitors. While endurance has become more expensive and competitive, Chris notes that riders are now far more knowledgeable about horse health, training, and recovery techniques, resulting in fewer catastrophic outcomes at rides.
Memorable Moments in Endurance
One horse that stands out for Chris is Flash Lite, a once-in-a-lifetime endurance horse whose career spanned 14 years and over 9,000 completed kilometers. With victories like the NSW State Championship and the Shahzada Memorial ride, Flash Lite’s legacy is one that few can match.
The Love of Endurance
Chris’s passion for endurance vetting is rooted in his love for the people and the horses. The camaraderie and dedication of endurance riders continue to inspire him. He praises the improvements in horse care and rider knowledge, which have made the sport safer and more rewarding for all involved.