Shanaghan Veterinary Services is Ireland’s first integrated veterinary referral service

Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the delicate insertion of ultra-thin, sterile, stainless steel needles through specific points on the body. Targeting the peripheral and central nervous system, acupuncture also acts through connective tissue and fascial mechanism.

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Veterinary Chiropractic

Veterinary Chiropractic can often help eliminate the source of acute or chronic pain. Chiropractic treatment involves the application of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to induce relief in joints, muscles and reflexes. 

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Equine Dentistry

Routine dentistry is important to maintain the health and function of your horse’s mouth. Even the smallest issue can have a detrimental effect on permanence. Problems are better identified at routine dental appointments well in advance of symptom development, significantly reducing serious effects and meaning less invasive treatment required at the later stage.

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MLS Laser Treatment

MLS Laser Therapy increases the temperature of the tissue, increasing vascular supply and soothing the area. It provides a boosted source of energy for the cells of the tissue to repair and grow. 

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Clinical Rehabilation

Clinical Rehabilitation is to provide optimal care and return your horse to a level of function that meets or exceeds the previous performance level, following an injury or surgery.

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Veterinary Referrals

Shanaghan Veterinary Services works in partnership with your primary care veterinary surgeon to offer your horse the best care. A referral can be made to our practice.

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About Shanaghan Veterinary Services

Northern Ireland’s first integrated veterinary referral service offering veterinary acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic, laser therapy, chronic pain management, rehabilitation and equine dentistry.

At Shanaghan Veterinary Services, we follow an integrated and holistic approach to equine veterinary medicine and welfare, using innovative and proven methods of treatment and care. We work in partnership with horse owners by providing reliable information and steadfast resources about veterinary medicine and welfare. This knowledge, supported by strong research and evidence will support horse owners in the compassionate care of their horses. Our many years of practice allow us to be empathetic in our attitudes, behaviour and decision-making across our range of services. We work in partnership with horse owners, trainers, veterinary surgeons and allied professionals to bring you the best service available. We strive to be innovative in our thinking towards the equine industry and are always seeking new ways of being more effective with our services, contributing to horse owners’ knowledge and that of the equestrian industry as a whole.

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Our Mission

“Shanaghan Veterinary Services works with horses, horse owners, stakeholders and government to improve equine veterinary care and welfare standards.”

Our Vision

“Shanaghan Veterinary Services provides “patient-centred-care” where each horse is cared for individually using an integrative veterinary approach to treat and prevent injuries/disorders and is supported through clinical rehabilitation to maximise their wellbeing.”

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about our
Services

Veterinary Chiropractic

 Chiropractic care can be beneficial in treating many health and performance issues. 

Veterinary Acupuncture

We offer patient-centred care therefore each acupuncture treatment is specifically tailored to each individual. 

Laser Treatment

Laser therapy is an innovative, safe and drug-free technique used to promote tissue healing and painful inflammation.

Clinical Rehabilitation

A rehabilitation program provided by a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner and veterinary surgeon.

Equine Dentistry

Equine dental care begins with prevention. Problems are better identified at routine dental appointments

About Esther

Esther is an innovative veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in equine veterinary practice, with a special interest in equine welfare, sports medicine and rehabilitation. After graduating from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in 2012, Esther went on to work at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, working closely with Dr Sue Dyson. Since her return to Northern Ireland, she worked as an equine vet in mixed practice and for an equine dental clinic while pursuing further professional development. She is also an experienced breeder and producer of Irish Sport Horses and has competed in various equestrian disciplines. Esther farms on a part-time basis, producing both commercial and pedigree sheep.

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Veterinary Referrals

Shanaghan Veterinary Services works in partnership with your primary care veterinary surgeon to offer your horse the best care. A referral can be made to our practice. 

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“As well as being very knowledgeable, I find Esther to be so kind and caring towards my horses. She was a big help when a clients horse had a dental issue and my horses loved having chiropractic treatments from her.“
Heike Holstein,
Olympic Dressage rider and International Coach

“The service Esther provides is second to none in keeping both my horses happy and healthy!  Esther’s chiropractic sessions and rehabilitation work are completely tailored to what your horse needs, getting to the bottom of any problems you feel under saddle or if I have ever felt my horse out of form.  She has helped hugely with both rehabilitating after injury, and the day-to-day maintenance ensuring the horses are kept in good condition to prevent injury and strain with regular sessions.”

Victoria O’Connor

Esther always keeps Banjo comfortable and free moving during the tough training months and international competitions.  We wouldn’t have a Euro Eventing Medal without her!

Caoimhe Crozier,
European Pony Eventing Bronze Medallist 2021

“I have been using Esther to treat my horses for a number of years now and cannot recommend her services highly enough. A thoroughly professional and friendly experience every time. All the horses respond really well to the treatment and Esther has a lovely mannerism with them all and they all seem to enjoy their treatments.”

Claire Sedgeman,
Dressage Rider and Coach

“We have been using Esther here on the yard for around 5 years now on a variety of horses from our show jumpers and show cobs to our veteran horses which are retired. Esther also treats a lot of my client’s horses and as a coach, it is excellent for me to chat with her and to work together to help our clients achieve better results, improve their horses and their performance. Esther is a fountain of knowledge and is always at the end of the phone for advice when I need it. Our horses have also benefitted from Acupuncture and Laser treatments. I wouldn’t have to think twice about recommending Shanaghan Veterinary Services to anyone.

Kyle Hayes,
 Aldertree Equine.

“The comfort condition and health of my competition horses inside and out is paramount to me. Dressage horses work extremely hard and especially at the higher levels, the stress that their muscles, tendons and ligaments are put under is high. They are top athletes!

Esther is a great asset to my team. A visit from Esther on a regular basis means that she can not only treat any issues she finds but can also prevent future issues by picking up minor changes in the horses muscular or skeletal frame. My Grand Prix horse Gucci really enjoys his visits from Esther and feels softer and more free after treatment.”

Carolyn Mellor,
International Dressage Rider

“I highly recommend Esther. My horse had a low-grade lameness, working with other vets and performing a very thorough examination Esther identified the problem. She treated my horse, and this resulted in an immediate and substantial improvement in his carriage and way of going. This has been maintained with regular treatments.”

Rebecca Martin,
Veterinary Surgeon

“I have known Esther Skelly-Smith professionally for over three years now. Esther is a credit to her profession. She is incredibly knowledgeable regarding equine matters, particularly when presented with horses displaying physiological issues or back pathology.

The welfare of the horse is her utmost priority, and she remains warm and approachable to the owner, ensuring they fully understand their options and any next steps advised. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services. Esther is a National Treasure for the horses and owners of Northern Ireland!”

Stephanie Bradley,
Freedom Saddlery, SMS Reg Master Saddle Fitter & Dip. M.S.F.C