Dr Amy Barstow, Global Animal Health Advisor

Amy is a veterinarian whose main role is to develop online and blended veterinary learning resources to support country programmes in the implementation of the Animal Health Mentoring Framework.

Expertise
Amy hosting the ‘Veterinary Education’ stand at the Riding for Disabled National Championships 2019. She was discussing laminitis and diseases of the equine foot.

Qualifications

  • PhD – Equine Biomechanics (2019)

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Education (2019)

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (2013)

Publications

  • Weller, Barstow, Price & Pfau. (2018). Evidence‐based farriery – does it exist?. Equine Veterinary Journal (50). Available here.
  • Barstow, Bailey, Campbell et al. (2018). Does ‘hacking’ surface type affect equine forelimb foot placement, movement symmetry or hoof impact deceleration during ridden walk and trot exercise?. Equine Veterinary Journal (51). Available here.
  • View more publications.

Hobbies

Getting out in the countryside either walking or wild swimming. On chilly days I like cooking recipes inspired by my travels, baking and crafting. I also enjoy the London improv scene and occasionally perform.

Amy demonstrating how to teach blood sampling with a model at the RVC Clinical Skills lab, who kindly hosted Brooke in 2019.

Most memorable work moment

It was fantastic to see the positive impact that Brooke Pakistan’s work has on the animals and the communities in which they work.

My first work trip was to Pakistan and it was fantastic to see the positive impact that Brooke Pakistan’s work has on the animals and the communities in which they work. Meeting both a Brooke supported paravet and farrier and seeing them demonstrate their skills really highlighted the improvements in both working equid welfare and animal health systems that are possible with Brooke’s sustainable approach. I was so impressed by the diligence and competence shown by these two local animal health providers.

Amy with her horse, Joey.

Best part of your job

I love working with my fellow veterinarians in our country programmes to problem solve together and develop new educational approaches to support the Animal Health Practitioners that we work with. This, coupled with knowing that the small things I do every day at work will go towards providing a better life for working animals and their communities, keeps you going through the paperwork-heavy days.

How did you get your job?

I was on a careers panel at a veterinary student event with Klara Saville (Head of Animal Health, Welfare and Community Development). She was listing the attributes and skills that a UK-based Brooke vet needs and I sat there ticking them off in my head and for the first time realised that I might actually be cut out for this fantastic job. So I applied and that was it!