18/06/2026
EVA PAST YOUNG MEMBER PRESIDENT SERIES 🎉
Continuing our Thursday tradition of celebrating a past EVA Young Member President, this week we are excited to shine the spotlight on Dr. Kat Lovell! 🐴✨
🐎 How did you get into equine practice?
“I am a second generation veterinarian! Both my parents are vets so I grew up in the industry. In fact, Mum went in to labour with me in the swab stall at the Albion Park Trots - so I was literally very nearly born in to it! 😂🐴
I grew up nursing for them, and for much of my University time was an equine surgical and hospital nurse. When I graduated, I went straight in to elite race track practice Melbourne, a wonderful time during which I learned so much.”
📅 What year were you YMG President?
“I was lucky enough to be President for two consecutive years, 2012-13 and 2013-14. It was a wonderful chapter in my life.” 💙
🤝 What did being YMG President teach you and how did your involvement with YMG shape your career?
“Being YMG President, and through my broader involvement across various committees within the Australian Veterinary Association, I came to genuinely appreciate the importance of having a strong, united representative body for our industry, as well as the value of collegiality, connection and support between veterinary professionals at every level of the profession.” ✨
🩺 What is your favourite part of equine practice?
“The medicine. Horses are incredibly complex creatures and their medical nuances continue to hold an incomparable source of fascination for me.” 🐴🔬
💡 What is the best piece of advice you would give to new graduates entering equine practice?
“Remember that every situation, good or bad, presents it’s own learning opportunity.
Develop an appreciation of perspective, and take regular pauses to reflect on what you have learned, and what your future goals are.
Stay true to yourself, your beliefs and your commitment to upholding the values and standards that define our profession.” 💙✨
🎤 One thing outside of work that keeps you balanced.
“Singing! I always used to sing in the car between stable visits (and in the shower!), but recently I finally had the confidence and opportunity to pursue this seriously and it is the BEST outlet. Music of any form really is extremely therapeutic.” 🎶🎙️
☕️ Your coffee order or favourite conference survival tip.
“An iced long black with a dash of milk. rocket fuel!” 🚀☕️
🎭 If you weren’t an equine vet, what would you be?
“If I wasn’t an equine vet, I’d probably be a barrister (or, professional singer 😘)… or the person giving the pre show talks at operas, ballets and musicals, the storyteller helping the audience fall in love with what they’re about to see before the curtain even rises.” ⚖️🎤🎭
🌅 Sunrise early farm starts or late after-hours emergency calls?
“Sunrise ALWAYS. So many fun memories from my racetrack vet days!” 🌅🐎
🏇 Stud work or sport/private horses?
“Sport/private.” 🏇
🤍 Chestnuts or greys?
“Greys 💯” 🤍🐴
Mares or geldings?
“Life is already a juggle. Geldings all the way 🤣🤣”
Thank you, Kat, for your service to the EVA Young Member Group and for sharing your story. We are grateful for your contribution to the YMG community and the positive impact you have had on young equine veterinarians over the years. 💙🐴
