The Team

                                                                       A note from Chris

Since growing up on a training yard witnessing the huge benefit of the close-knit relationship between my parents and their vet, I’ve been passionate about leading a veterinary team in delivering the very same considerate, personalised service with kindness at its foundation.

Whilst team members have come and gone I’ve concentrated on recruiting the most brilliant and friendly vets, nurses and receptionists to work together to provide such a service.

We believe that the best outcomes for you and your animals are achieved by developing a mutually trusting relationship from their first vaccination to their sad final day. We treat your animal as if it is one of our own and you as a vital member of our team.

We’re generous with our time and knowledge when things go wrong knowing that it is the best way to get them back in action as quickly as possible. Everything we do is focussed on keeping your animal on the road so that you both get to benefit from the full enjoyment of that special relationship that only those that have animals can truly understand.

Dr Chris Tufnell - MRCVS

Having been brought up on a busy racing yard and a childhood in Pony Club Chris always wanted to be a vet.

After a lengthy route that found him running a dairy farm and a safari camp in Zambia, Chris finally became a vet aged 30!

He joined Coach House in 2000 and has developed particular interest in lameness investigation, feet and the care of older horses and ponies. 

Away from the practice Chris is a trustee of World Horse Welfare, has worked with charities in Africa and India and has been a member of the Council of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). He was RCVS President in 2016/17. 

Chris is married to Nicky and when not working life is more than fully occupied by their two sons, Harry and Hector and their dogs, cats, sheep and chickens!

Mobile: 07879 474948 

Email: chris@coachhousevets.com

Dr Mateus Forni - MRCVS

Born and raised in Brazil, Mateus Forni moved to the UK as a teenager.

He graduated from the University of Surrey in 2020, and joined Coach House Vets in April 2022 after completing an internship at a busy equine hospital in the South East of England.

Despite not growing up around horses, Mateus learnt to ride as a kid and developed a strong interest in equine medicine during vet school. He is particularly interested in emergency and critical care, poor performance, dentistry and surgery.

Outside of work Mateus enjoys travelling, following horse racing, chilling with his dog Dumpling and cat Squid and making his own perfumes. He is also a very keen football fan!

Dr Phill Robinson - MRCVS

Phill qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2007.

He may also look familiar as he featured in Paul O’Grady’s For The Love of Dogs. He spent four years at Battersea before moving to Hampshire, making Whitchuch his home.

Phill has been with us looking after the small animals since 2018. Phill likes his orthopaedic surgeries and working face to face with clients and their pets.

In his spare time enjoys fishing, model trains and camping with his wife, son and dogs!


Email: phill@coachhousevets.com

Dr Niamh Borman - MRCVS

Niamh Graduated from the University of Surrey in 2022 and has worked at Coach House as one of our small animal vets ever since. 
She grew up in Sussex but has experienced living in both France and America which unlocked a real love of travelling and exploring new areas. 
She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but particularly enjoys surgery, imaging and getting to know our lovely clients and their pets. In her spare time, Niamh enjoys gym classes, skiing and curling.

Gabby Copping - Head Nurse RVN

Gabby joined Coach House in 2023 having previously worked in a busy referral hospital. 

Gabby has an interest in anaesthesia and has done an anaesthesia certificate so is very knowledgeable monitoring patients as they undergo surgery or investigations at the practice. She enjoys working with both horses and small animals at the practice and really enjoys helping them recover after treatment.

Outside of work Gabby enjoys baking often bringing in treats for the team.  She also likes clay pigeon shooting and days out with her husband and son.

Katy Jex - Student Veterinary Nurse SVN

Katy joined Coach House in 2024 and is currently completing her veterinary nursing diploma.

Katy has previously worked in a small animal practice and hedgehog rescue where she started her veterinary nursing diploma and has moved to Coach House to finish her studies.

Katie has a passion for care of exotics and wildlife and has rescued many hedgehogs and birds caring for them until they go to rescue or release. Katie loves drawing and painting and can often be found at life drawing classes. When not at work she enjoys days out with her daughter and cuddles with her hamster Autumn and her dog SmolBoi.  

 

Emma Iremonger - Admin Manager

Emma joined the Coach House Vets team in 2021 after working in a dog rescue centre.

Emma is the welcoming presence you’ll encounter when you arrive at our practice. She has a knack for striking up conversations with both pet owners and their furry companions. During her time at the dog rescue centre, Emma adopted Dolly, her spirited chihuahua, who’s become a beloved regular at the practice, always keeping our vets on their toes! Dolly fits right in with Emma’s other two chihuahuas, Sheldon and Percival—it’s clear that Emma is a true dog enthusiast!

Outside of work, Emma enjoys long walks, whipping up delicious vegan meals, and tap dancing. She’s even competed in numerous dance competitions across the country, showcasing her passion for dance!

Becky Ind - Reception Team

Becky joined the team in 2021 working  as part of our reception team.

Becky has always owned horses and currently runs her own yard, at the moment she’s got 3 horses and a little donkey.  She is our go to for equine queries! Becky has two cute dogs called Bella and Twiggy who keep her active. As well as spending time with her horses, Becky loves mountain climbing with her partner and son, playing chess and dabbles in French horn she is hoping to be able to join an orchestra soon.   

Ali Brown - Veterinary Care Assistant

Ali joined us in 2023 having previously worked at the Dogs Trust as a canine carer. 

Ali loves being hands on with our lovely clients pets and enjoys a cuddle with them while coming round from anaesthetic.

Ali is a keen runner and enjoys discovering new walks and treks to take. When not at work, Ali is a keen wine connoisseur and frequents regular wine tasting sessions. She has also been to many vineyards across Europe. 

Dr Nina Perkins

Nina joined us in 2024 after recently graduating from the Royal Veterinary College. 

Nina really enjoys the variety of caring for both horses and small animals so you’ll often see her warm smile around the yard or in the clinic. With a particular passion for diagnostic imaging—especially ultrasound scanning—she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Outside of work, Nina loves playing hockey and played for her university’s hockey team. She also loves spending time with her two Labradors, exploring new walks, pub lunches with her family and collecting stamps which she has built up quite the collection of over the years.