When it comes to equine health, finding a trusted veterinary hospital is essential for horse owners, whether you’re caring for a beloved companion, a performance horse, or a champion racehorse.
Australia is home to some of the world’s most advanced equine veterinary facilities, with specialized care ranging from routine check-ups to complex surgeries and reproductive services.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 10 equine veterinary hospitals in Australia; their services, expertise and why they stand out in the field of equine medicine.
This list will help you find the best care for your horse, regardless of where you are in Australia: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, or Western Australia.
What Do You Need a Specialized Equine Veterinary Hospital for?
Equine veterinary hospitals differ from general veterinary practices due to their focus on horse-specific medical care. These facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, surgical suites, and specialized staff trained in equine medicine. They offer a wide range of services which include:
- Emergency and critical care: 24/7 services for urgent situations like colic or severe injuries.
- Advanced diagnostics: Imaging technologies such as MRI, CT, scintigraphy, and ultrasound.
- Surgical expertise: From orthopedic procedures to life-saving colic surgeries.
- Reproductive services: Breeding support, including artificial insemination and stallion management.
- Lameness and performance evaluations: Tailored care for sport horses to optimize performance.
- Dental care: Specialized equine dentistry to address oral health issues.
Choosing a specialized equine hospital ensures your horse receives world-class care from veterinarians with expertise in equine physiology and pathology.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 equine veterinary hospitals in Australia, based on their reputation, facilities, and range of services.
1. Scone Equine Hospital (Scone, NSW)
As Australia’s largest equine veterinary practice, Scone Equine Hospital is a cornerstone of equine health in the thoroughbred breeding capital of Australia. With additional locations in Tamworth, Avenel, and Muswellbrook, the Scone Equine Group (SEG) delivers unparalleled veterinary care across New South Wales and Victoria.
Some of its core services are:
- Advanced surgical procedures.
- Comprehensive reproductive services, from mare and stallion management to foal care.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging.
- 24/7 emergency and intensive care with dedicated isolation units.
- Specialized podiatry and lameness evaluations.
Scone Equine Hospital is renowned for its team of registered specialists in equine surgery and medicine. Their new state-of-the-art hospital development in Scone, approved in 2023, consolidates services into a cutting-edge facility near the Scone Racecourse.
With a focus on research and education, SEG also trains the next generation of equine veterinarians, ensuring their practices remain at the forefront of veterinary science.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 2 6545 1333
- Website: sconeequinehospital.com.au
- Location: 406 Bunnan Road, Scone, NSW 2337
2. Avenel Equine Hospital (Avenel, VIC)
Part of the Scone Equine Group, Avenel Equine Hospital is a leading facility in Victoria, located in the heart of Australia’s thoroughbred breeding country. It provides expert care for horses of all disciplines, from racehorses to pleasure ponies.
Some of its core services include:
- Surgery, including arthroscopy and fracture repair.
- Hospital and intensive care for critical cases.
- On-farm ambulatory services for routine care.
- Advanced diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and gastroscopy.
- Reproduction services, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
Avenel Equine Hospital is known for its highly experienced surgeons trained to global standards. The hospital’s focus on thoroughbred and performance horses, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities, makes it a top choice for owners in Victoria.
Their commitment to equine health news and education also keeps horse owners informed about the latest in veterinary care.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 3 5796 2468
- Website: avenelequinehospital.com.au
- Location: 34 Ferguson Lane, Avenel, VIC 3664
3. Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital (Shepparton, VIC)
Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital (GVEH) is one of Australia’s premier equine hospitals. It is located in the Goulburn Valley region. It is particularly noted for its world-class reproduction center.
Some of its core services include:
- Reproduction services with two board-certified specialists.
- Lameness diagnostics, including nerve blocks, radiographs, and scintigraphy.
- Surgical procedures, from colic surgery to standing reproductive surgeries.
- 24-hour intensive care for foals and adult horses.
- Ambulatory services for on-farm care.
GVEH’s reproduction department, with over 30 years of experience, is a standout feature, with its comprehensive support for mare and stallion owners.
The hospital’s ability to handle complex medical and surgical cases, combined with its focus on client education, makes it a trusted choice for equine care in Victoria.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 3 5829 9566
- Website: gvequine.com.au
- Location: 905B Goulburn Valley Hwy, Congupna, VIC 3633
4. UQ VETS Equine Specialist Hospital (Gatton, QLD)
UQ VETS Equine Specialist Hospital in Gatton is a world-class teaching and referral hospital that provides high-caliber medical care for horses. It is operated by the University of Queensland.
Some of its key services include:
- Specialist services in surgery, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging.
- 24/7 emergency care with a dedicated hotline.
- Lameness evaluations and performance optimization.
- Advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI and CT.
- Clinical research trials to advance equine medicine.
As a teaching hospital, UQ VETS combines cutting-edge care with educational excellence, training final-year veterinary students under expert supervision.
The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities and focus on research make it a leader in equine veterinary innovation.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 7 5460 1799 (Emergency)
- Website: uqvets.com.au
- Location: Gatton, QLD
5. Camden Equine Centre (Camden, NSW)
Camden Equine Centre is a specialist equine hospital offering advanced care and ambulatory services across Sydney. It is part of the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospitals.
Some of its key services are:
- Sports medicine and performance evaluations.
- Elective and semi-elective surgeries, including arthroscopy.
- Advanced diagnostic imaging, including scintigraphy and upcoming MRI upgrades.
- 24/7 emergency on-farm care.
- Equine dentistry and preventive health services.
Camden Equine Centre is led by internationally renowned specialists like Dr. Sara Biasutti, a registered equine surgeon.
The hospital’s commitment to education and research, combined with its high-end diagnostic equipment, ensures top-tier care for horses.
Their focus on sports medicine makes them a favorite among performance horse owners.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 2 4655 0777
- Website: camdenequinecentre.com
- Location: Camden, NSW
6. REC Equine Specialists (Horsley Park, NSW)
REC Equine Specialists is a globally recognized equine veterinary practice based in Horsley Park. It offers state-of-the-art hospital and ambulatory services across Greater Sydney.
Some of its core services include:
- Comprehensive medical and surgical care.
- Dedicated intensive care and isolation units with 24-hour video monitoring.
- Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Ambulatory services for on-farm care.
- Specialized lameness and performance evaluations.
REC Equine Specialists is known for its philosophy of maintaining the world’s best diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, ensuring superior care.
Their experienced team and extensive ambulatory services make them a top choice for horse owners in Sydney and beyond.
Contact:
- Phone: Contact via website
- Website: recequine.com.au
- Location: Horsley Park, NSW
7. Perth Equine Hospital (Ascot, WA)
Located in the heart of Ascot, Perth Equine Hospital is a purpose-built facility that offers personalized, high-standard care for horses across Western Australia.
Its key service are:
- 24/7 mobile ambulatory services.
- Fully equipped surgical suite with padded recovery stalls.
- Advanced diagnostics, including digital radiography and ultrasonography.
- Routine and specialized dental care.
- Emergency and intensive care services.
The veterinarians at Perth Equine Hospital bring international experience from leading veterinary hospitals in Australia, England, and the Middle East.
Their client-focused approach and 24/7 availability make them a trusted choice for horse owners in Western Australia.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 8 9479 1800
- Website: perthequinehospital.com.au
- Location: 47 Epsom Avenue, Ascot, WA 6104
8. Crown Equine Veterinary Services (Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Gold Coast)
Crown Equine Veterinary Services (CEVS) operates across four locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and the Gold Coast. It offers world-class ambulatory and clinic-based care.
Some of its key services include:
- Ambulatory services for racing and equestrian horses.
- Pre-purchase examinations with digital imaging.
- Lameness and poor performance workups.
- Public auction thoroughbred sale exams.
- Specialized health and performance supplements.
CEVS is known for its experienced veterinarians, who have worked in top equine practices globally. Their involvement with high-profile horses, such as Romantic Warrior and Obamburumai, highlights their expertise in racehorse care.
The practice’s multi-state presence ensures accessibility for horse owners across eastern Australia.
Contact:
- Phone: +61 477 511 229
- Website: crownequine.com.au
- Locations: Flemington (VIC), Randwick (NSW), Gold Coast (QLD), Canberra (ACT)
9. Newcastle Equine Centre (Newcastle, NSW)
Newcastle Equine Centre is a fully equipped veterinary hospital catering to all types of horses, from paddock pets to elite athletes, with a focus on both in-hospital and on-farm care.
Its services are:
- Intensive medical care and surgery.
- Lameness evaluations and diagnostics.
- Reproductive services and foal care.
- 24/7 emergency services.
- Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools.
The hospital’s team of experienced equine specialists provides comprehensive care, making it a go-to facility for horse owners in the Newcastle region. Their ability to offer both hospital-based and ambulatory services ensures flexibility for clients.
Contact:
- Phone: Contact via website
- Website: newcastleequinecentre.net.au
- Location: Newcastle, NSW
10. South Eastern Equine Hospital (Narre Warren North, VIC)
South Eastern Equine Hospital is a specialist veterinary facility offering advanced diagnostic and surgical care for horses, serving both primary and referral cases.
Some of its key services include:
- Specialist care in equine surgery, internal medicine, anaesthesia, and ophthalmology.
- Advanced diagnostic techniques, including MRI and CT.
- Surgical procedures, including orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.
- 24/7 emergency services.
- Comprehensive lameness evaluations.
The hospital’s team of specialists and state-of-the-art facilities make it a leader in equine care in Victoria.
Their ability to handle complex cases and provide referral services ensures horses receive the highest standard of treatment.
Contact:
- Phone: Contact via website
- Website: seeh.com.au
- Location: Narre Warren North, VIC
Honorable Mentions
11) Ballarat Veterinary Practice – Equine Clinic (VIC)
Established in 1945, Ballarat is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most experienced equine hospitals, with primary and referral services and recognised depth in medicine, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. After-hours emergency pathways are clearly published.
Its signature services are:
- Renowned surgical and lameness work; referral capacity
- Imaging and racetrack/on-farm coverage for a wide catchment
- 24/7 emergency access via main line for triage and mobilisation
It is best fit for trainers and sport-horse programs needing a broad referral centre with deep surgical and imaging capability.
Website: bvp.com.au/equine/ballarat-equine-clinic
12) University of Melbourne Equine Centre, Werribee (VIC)
University of Melbourne Equine Centre is a research-active teaching hospital with a wide service list—from orthopaedics and lameness to gait analysis and “poor performance” evaluations—plus standing CT of limbs/heads and scintigraphy.
Its signature services are:
- Standing CT, scintigraphy, X-ray, ultrasound; complex lameness pathways
- Orthopaedic surgery and performance diagnostics (including gait analysis)
- Training and research integration beneficial for unusual or refractory cases
It is best fit for owners needing advanced imaging-led lameness/orthopaedics and second opinions near Melbourne.
Website: equinecentre.unimelb.edu.au
13) WestVETS Equine Hospital, Anstead (QLD)
WestVETS Equine Hospital is a busy Queensland hospital providing 24/7 emergency cover, with clear capacity for colic, dystocia, fractures and wound emergencies—and referral intake from other practices.
Its services include:
- 24/7/365 emergency surgery access (colic, dystocia, trauma)
- Ambulatory plus hospital-based specialty services
- Strong ties with local vets for streamlined referral
It is recommended to SEQ owners and studs needing rapid emergency surgery and ongoing hospital care close to Brisbane/Ipswich corridors.
Website: westvets.com.au/equine-vet/equine-surgery
14) The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University – Equine Services (WA)
The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University is Western Australia’s flagship university hospital with 24/7 emergency cover and specialist equine surgery/medicine teams; important in a state where distance can amplify risk and delay.
It provides services such as:
- Dedicated equine service within a large animal hospital; specialist surgeons/anaesthetists and round-the-clock post-op care
- Emergency and critical care teams available 24/7
- Referral pathways for complex medicine, surgical, and performance cases
It is the best bet for WA owners, trainers, and studs needing reliable 24/7 hospital-level care with specialist oversight.
Website: murdoch.edu.au/theanimalhospital/services/large-animal-services/equine
How to Choose the Right Equine Hospital
- Emergency readiness (24/7 cover): Confirm the hospital’s after-hours number and whether colic/dystocia/fracture surgery is staffed at night/weekends. (Examples: WestVETS, REC, UQ Gatton, Murdoch show explicit 24/7 pathways.)
- Advanced imaging on site: Look for DR X-ray, ultrasound/echo, endoscopy, plus scintigraphy, CT or MRI for complex lameness and head/neck cases. Facilities like UQ Gatton (CT, bone scan, standing MRI) and Werribee (standing CT, scintigraphy) are benchmarks.
- ICU & neonatology capacity: If you foal down mares, prioritise hospitals with dedicated ICU and isolation (e.g., Avenel’s foal ICU volume during season).
- Referral depth & specialist mix: University centres (Camden, Werribee, UQ, Murdoch) and large private groups (Scone Group, GVEH, Ballarat, REC) maintain multi-disciplinary teams for borderline or rare cases.
- Location & logistics: Minutes matter in colic or fractures. Map your stable to the nearest surgical facility with guaranteed out-of-hours coverage, and establish a pre-arranged emergency plan with your regular vet.
- Communication & discharge planning: Ask about daily updates, written discharge notes, and handover to your ambulatory vet—key to preventing setbacks once the horse returns to work.
Tips for Maintaining Your Horse’s Health
In addition to choosing a top equine hospital, proactive care can keep your horse healthy:
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule routine veterinary visits to catch issues early.
- Proper Nutrition: Ensure a balanced diet tailored to your horse’s activity level.
- Dental Care: Regular dental checks prevent oral health issues that affect performance.
- Exercise and Conditioning: Maintain a consistent exercise routine to prevent injuries.
- Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Stay up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need a referral to use these hospitals?
Often, yes—especially for specialist services. Teaching hospitals and larger referral centres have dedicated pages for referring veterinarians and specialist appointments (e.g., UQ Gatton). If you’re in an emergency, call first; the hospital will guide you.
Q2: Which centres have the widest imaging options?
UQ Gatton offers CT, bone scan, and standing MRI in Queensland; Werribee provides standing CT and scintigraphy in Victoria. Several others provide scintigraphy and comprehensive DR/US/endo suites.
Q3: I’m a breeder—who’s strongest for foals?
Avenel’s ICU care for foals is a standout in Victoria’s breeding region; Scone Equine Hospital and Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital also have deep stud and neonatology experience given their caseloads and locations.
Q4: Are university hospitals better?
“Better” depends on your case. University centres (Camden, Werribee, UQ, Murdoch) excel in complex, research-driven medicine and surgery; large private referral hospitals often match or exceed them in specific sub-disciplines and may be closer to your farm.
Q5: What about WA and SA options beyond Murdoch?
WA has strong private practices like Ascot Equine Veterinarians and Perth Equine Hospital with 24/7 emergency services; if you’re in SA, ask your ambulatory vet which surgical hospital they refer to most frequently, and confirm after-hours coverage.
Wrapping Up
Australia’s equine veterinary hospitals are among the best in the world, with their specialized care for horses of all types and disciplines. Their facilities provide world-class care backed by experienced veterinarians and cutting-edge technology. Choosing any of them that aligns with your horse’s needs and your location guarantes your equine companion the best possible medical attention.
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