Royal Veterinary College - Equine Practice | Vets in Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Royal Veterinary College – Equine Practice is a college-affiliated equine service that owners commonly describe using for referred investigations and more advanced diagnostics. Reviews specifically mention horses being sent in for lameness work-ups involving X‑rays, CT and MRI, and some cases becoming inpatients with regular updates provided. Owners also note the team includes vets, technicians, reception, and students, and that clinicians can be direct and realistic when discussing prognosis and next steps.

Feedback is mixed: alongside multiple accounts of clear communication and frequent updates, one reviewer reports a serious breakdown in communication after an MRI (delayed information and disagreements about treatment decisions), and another reports being unable to get through when trying to use the service for an out-of-hours emergency.

Services

•Equine referral investigations for lameness, with diagnostic imaging mentioned in reviews
•X‑rays
•CT scanning
•MRI
•Inpatient care is referenced (horses kept as inpatients “at the college itself”) with owners describing regular progress updates.
•Veterinary Nurse Training facility (listed in the clinic data).

People

•Jess (role not stated): mentioned by name in reviews for being “wonderful,” showing empathy and understanding, and giving clear advice during a horse’s care.
•Wider team (vets, technicians, reception, students): owners describe being kept updated at each step during investigations (e.g., imaging for lameness) and having staff take note of a horse’s specific requirements.

Reviews

4.1 stars from 22 reviews.

•Advanced imaging for lameness is a recurring use case (X‑rays/CT/MRI mentioned for investigating shoulder or foot-related lameness).
•Communication experiences conflict: several owners describe being updated “every step of the way” and getting regular inpatient updates, while one owner reports not receiving crucial MRI findings and treatment options for many months and disputes over how the case was handled.
•Out-of-hours access is also mixed: one review says they were directed there for emergencies but couldn’t get through and went elsewhere.
•Owners often mention the whole team (including students) and describe staff as supportive when owners were anxious, and as direct/realistic about the situation rather than “sugar-coating.”

Reviews for Royal Veterinary College - Equine Practice

Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 22 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Stefanie Forster

10 months ago

Our Horse Buzz was referred to the RVC a few weeks ago for xrays and CT scan to investigate his lameness in this shoulder. The staff were just amazing! From the vets (includingthe students), to the reception team and the technicians. Their staff are all professional and super friendly and supportive. They have in mind whats best for the animal in the short term and in the long run with out "sugar-coating" a situation and being realistic. I was quite nervous at first, but they took note of all of Buzzes requirements and have really looked after him and cared for him. They also kept me updated with every step of the way. When we left, I can say with 1000% confidence they have went above and beyond not just for Buzz but also for us as humans and for that I will always be grateful xxxxx

8 months ago

Our Horse Buzz was referred to the RVC a few weeks ago for xrays and CT scan to investigate his lameness in this shoulder. The staff were just amazing! From the vets (includingthe students), to the reception team and the technicians. Their staff are all professional and super friendly and supportive. They have in mind whats best for the animal in the short term and in the long run with out sugar-coating a situation and being realistic. I was quite nervous at first, but they took note of all of Buzzes requirements and have really looked after him and cared for him. They also kept me updated with every step of the way. When we left, I can say with 1000% confidence they have went above and beyond not just for Buzz but also for us as humans and for that I will always be grateful xxxxx

Dee

a year ago

M Allchurch

We were recently looked after by Jess from RVC Equine and she was absolutely wonderful. Her empathy and understanding were the best I have ever seen, along with excellent advice and care for our horse. I cannot recommend Jess highly enough

Fran Fletcher

3 years ago

All the vets that Have used are always very helpful, answered all my questions and provided me with lots of information. I have used them for years and never have any issues. Great vets!

Barry Roach

Directed here by our vet for out of hours emergencies but couldn’t get through, ended up driving elsewhere.

Dominika

Hearbreakingly a horrendous experience. Following a front foot MRI, I did not receive crucial medical information, including moderate to severe pathologies and treatment options, for more than 8 months during which I was repeatedly instructed to keep exercising a lame horse whose condition kept deteriorating. Furthermore, following an independent veterinary opinion, I was verbally abused and pressured by an RVC Equine vet not to euthanize my horse. Following a complaints procedure, I found out that my horse's clinical notes are grossly innacurate and despite raisining my concerns, nothing has been fixed. I am unfortunately currently in a process of raising my concerns to The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. I would like to urge everybody not to blindly trust the veterinarians like I did, as it can have terrible consequences and sadly it appears that protecting the hospital's reputation is more important that the horse's health.

Liv Taylor

4 years ago

RVC Equine have helped care for my 3 horses and have always done a wonderful job. They are quick to attend, offering a lot of knowledge and professionalism and I know my horses are in the best hands in their care. They are also easy to contact to have a chat over the phone for any concerns. This has also extended to when my horses have become inpatients at the college itself. Your horse is treated as if it is their own and they update regularly. I would fully recommend RVC Equine.

Aleksandra Taylor

Excellent equine vets. RVC have looked after our 3 horses with great care and professionalism. Their knowledge is exceptional. They are always on the other end of the phone if you have the slightest concern. Appointments easily arranged to suit us. 100% recommended.

Royal Veterinary College - Equine Practice