
About Us
“We know that we're caring for a member of your family” – GR
Gil Riley Equine Vets is a new venture launched by local vet Gil Riley and his wife, Emma, aiming to deliver the best equine care with a smile, founded on a passion for people and horses alike.
Based at Woodpecker Stables, just five minutes from Junction 25 of the M1 and in the lovely village of Dale Abbey, we run a clinic-based practice, while also operating an ambulatory service in Derby and the surrounding areas.
Our purpose-built stables include a soft and hard lunge area, trot up track and 20mx40m all weather arena, and we are currently in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art, two storey clinic.

“When I see a horse it's my case - and we don't like to let go until we've got an answer” – GR
Our strength is preventative healthcare and we believe that the key to achieving this is by communicating clearly with our clients. Sometimes the optimum care options for a horse aren’t realistic for owners or stables. We provide a care plan that maximises the outcome for your horse, tailored to your circumstances.
We run regular events to educate local owners on how they can care for their horses, and tell our clients that if they ever need reassurance or advice, we’re just a phone call away.
We know what we’re good at and we focus on providing the very best first opinion equine care we can.
That’s why, if we believe one of our neighbours offer a service your horse will benefit from, we’ll make the introductions.
Our passion is your horse's welfare, and we want to work with other local practices, many of whom are our friends as well as our colleagues, to keep your horses and ponies as healthy as can be.
We have particularly close links with Pool House Vets, who Gil helped to expand over the last 25 years, and who can provide advanced imaging and surgical options for our patients when necessary.
“My work is my passion, I never plan to retire!” – GR
Meet The Team
