Ballyvarney sport horse medicine
Meet the Team
Dr. Rachel Read
DVM, CVA, DACVSMR, MRCVS
Founder & Clinical Director
Ireland’s First Board-Certified Equine Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. Rachel Read is a globally recognised leader in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation — and the first board-certified specialist of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation to practise in Ireland. As Founder and Clinical Director of Ballyvarney Sport Horse Medicine, Rachel leads a multidisciplinary team delivering performance-driven, evidence-based veterinary care to elite sport and racehorses across Ireland and Europe.
Originally from Calgary, Canada, Rachel brings over 15 years of international experience as both a rider and a clinician. She began her veterinary training at the Royal Veterinary College in London, followed by a diagnostic imaging fellowship and a sports medicine residency at Rossdales in Newmarket, the heart of British thoroughbred racing. She went on to become a senior clinician at Rossdales Diagnostic Centre, where she refined her expertise in orthopaedic lameness, imaging, and high-performance case management.
Rachel specialises in poor performance investigation, orthopaedic injury, and the collaborative rehabilitation of equine athletes. She has served as an FEI treating veterinarian and team vet for international showjumping and eventing teams representing Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Widely respected as a thought leader in her field, Rachel lectures regularly across Europe and North America and is deeply committed to the advancement of equine veterinary science. Her work is grounded in precision, integrity, and a deep understanding of the demands placed on horses at every level of sport.
Outside of the clinic, Rachel enjoys breeding and producing showjumpers, hiking, and spending time with her beloved whippets, Ash and Mylo.
Bernadette Reinthaler
MSc VetPhy
Veterinary Surgeon
Berny graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna in June 2017, followed an internship at Valley Equine Hospital, UK from July 2018 until September 2019. She then worked in a private equine hospital in Austria for 3 years where she gained extensive knowledge in all aspects of equine medicine. Berny has just completed a rigorous curriculum in a residency training program with the America college of veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation, which will gain her distinction as a specialist in this field.
Berny has a particular interest in lameness, advanced diagnostic imaging, optimizing performance of competition horses, and working closely with pleasure horse riders of all levels to ensure all animals receive the highest level of care. Berny started working in Ireland in 2023 and has built up great relationships and clients in the sports, racing and leisure industries.
Berny is both an FEI permitted treating veterinarian and FEI official veterinarian and has experience working at international competitions across Europe in multiple disciplines. When time allows, she also enjoys attending Irish racecourses for an evening or weekend of racecourse work.
Berny is a talented horsewoman and has over 20 years of experience in riding and particularly driving where she excels in driving four-in-hand carriages. In her spare time she enjoys riding and walks with her dog "Luekela".
Michelle Carthy
RVN
Senior Veterinary Nurse
Michelle Carthy is a highly experienced registered veterinary nurse with over a decade of clinical expertise in surgical theatres, intensive care units, and advanced diagnostic environments. At Ballyvarney Sport Horse Medicine, Michelle plays a central role in the daily delivery of clinical care — leading in-patient management, assisting in advanced imaging, and supporting all aspects of perioperative and emergency case care.
With over 15 years of experience optimising imaging in MRI and CT suites, Michelle holds a central role in Ballyvarney’s advanced diagnostic imaging operations. Her technical precision and deep understanding of imaging protocols help ensure consistently high-quality results and reliable diagnostics for complex clinical cases.
Michelle’s calm precision, strong clinical instincts, and deep attention to patient wellbeing ensure the highest standard of nursing across disciplines. She is particularly skilled in managing complex surgical recoveries, supporting anaesthesia protocols, and ensuring seamless coordination between veterinary, imaging, and nursing teams.
Known for her quiet leadership and clinical dependability, Michelle is a pillar of the Ballyvarney team and a trusted presence for clients and colleagues alike.
Orla Winder
BSc EqSc
Office Manager, Equine Therapist & Rehabilitation Lead
Orla Winder is Ballyvarney’s Office Manager, known for her friendly, approachable manner and exceptional organisational skills. She is the key point of contact for clients, ensuring smooth communication, efficient scheduling, and a welcoming experience from first enquiry to follow-up care. Her professionalism, warmth, and genuine interest in horses make her an invaluable bridge between clients and the veterinary team.
At Ballyvarney, Orla also plays a key role in the design and delivery of therapeutic treatment protocols, helping horses recover from injury, maintain optimal condition, and return safely to work. She leads the application of advanced modalities including Class IV laser therapy, shockwave, and Indiba radiofrequency therapy, ensuring evidence-based execution and close alignment with veterinary directives. Orla works collaboratively with the clinical team and farriers to craft personalised conditioning, recovery, and maintenance programs tailored to the needs of each horse.
Her blend of administrative expertise, equine knowledge, and hands-on therapeutic skill ensures both the office and the horses are in capable, caring hands.
Jenny Costello
RVN, Dip. AP, CERP
Physiotherapist & Registered Veterinary Nurse
enny Costello is a highly skilled Registered Veterinary Nurse and Physiotherapist with extensive experience across diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and patient care. Having worked in Kildare since 2006, Jenny combines advanced clinical knowledge with hands-on therapeutic expertise to support both equine and small animal patients.
At Ballyvarney Sport Horse Medicine, Jenny plays a vital dual role — leading physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs while supporting clinical operations. She runs and manages rehabilitation protocols for both in-patients and out-patients, working closely with the Sports Medicine team to deliver tailored recovery and conditioning plans. Jenny also oversees advanced imaging workflows, including scintigraphy and CT, ensuring precision, safety, and patient comfort throughout each procedure.
A Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) from the University of Tennessee and VAHL, and an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist (PET), Jenny is committed to evidence-based rehabilitation and peak performance management. Her calm professionalism, technical expertise, and compassionate approach make her an integral member of the Ballyvarney team.
Outside of work, Jenny runs a successful physiotherapy practice for both small animal and equine patients. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her mare Beanie and spending time with her greyhound Izzy.
Paddy Gately
Stable Manager
Having spent many years with the Army Equitation School, Paddy brings a wealth of horsemanship and management experience to his role as Yard Manager. He oversees the daily care and welfare of all horses, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Paddy will also be seen acting as Stable Manager at FEI events around the country.
David Kelly
MFIMFA
Master Farrier
David Kelly is a master farrier with over 20 years of experience in high-performance and remedial farriery. As a certified member and current Secretary of the Irish Master Farriers Association (IMFA), David is nationally recognised for his advanced skill set and deep understanding of hoof balance, orthopaedic support, and sport horse soundness.
At Ballyvarney, David operates the on-site forge and works closely with the veterinary and diagnostic imaging teams to provide shoeing solutions tailored to each horse’s needs. His services include routine hot and cold shoeing, radiograph-guided corrective shoeing, and support for complex cases such as laminitis, angular limb deformities, and pedal bone fractures.
David’s approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern clinical insight, making him a key figure in Ballyvarney’s integrated model of care. His work is trusted by professional riders, breeders, and trainers alike for its precision, durability, and performance outcomes.