Horse vet in high demand on Dolphin Coast

It is easy to understand why the young equine veterinarian, Dr Tom Ovendale a.k.a Gorgeous Tom, is such a favourite among the horse enthusiasts on the Dolphin Coast, especially the female ones.

The blond haired, blue eyed Tom has a million dollar smile and an energy that would cheer up even the grumpiest horse.

Why horses? “It was just an impulse”, said Ovendale, who was born and bred in Pietermaritzburg. “People are always surprised to hear that I am not a horse rider or for that matter a horse person, though I do understand why my clients are so passionate about horses and I think it must be amazing to feel like your mind becomes one with the horse.”

The friendly vet describes his job as a never ending roller coaster ride.

“I go through amazing highs and stupendous lows.”

The long hours are tough, but he cannot say no to a patient who needs him, which is probably one of his most lovable attributes.

“It is hard when my friends go out over the weekend and I have to work, but it is so rewarding to help a horse and see the relief of the worried owner. This makes it worth sacrificing my social life.”

On the odd occasion that the outdoor lover has some free time, you will find him on a bicycle or out fishing.

While talking about his patients, he remembers one of his favourite cases involving a miniature horse called Napoleon from the Mariannhill Mission. Napoleon was in the Summerveld Equine Hospital, inland of Durban, for a week with colic and needed surgery to stop the abdominal pain. The Summerveld surgeon was not in town, so Ovendale and his colleague took scalpel in hand and did the operation themselves (something neither of them had done before). Thanks to good textbooks and the surgeon’s telephonic advice, the operation was a success and Napoleon was back to health in no time.

When asked whether or not he would recommend the veterinary profession to someone, he immediately said yes. “This it the best job in the world, but you have to be willing to work hard, enjoy people and of course like animals”. He finds working with horses especially thrilling; “They have a strong, positive energy, which always gives me a lift”.