About Dr Esther Skelly-Smith
BVMedSci(Hons) BVM BVS PgC(WVA&CPM) PCAC CERP FRCVS
Dr Esther Skelly-Smith is an equine veterinary surgeon and Practice Principal of Shanaghan Veterinary Services in Northern Ireland. She has particular interests in equine sports medicine, rehabilitation, musculoskeletal health, pain management, veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture and equine dentistry.
Esther graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 and subsequently worked at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, where she worked closely with Dr Sue Dyson and contributed to equine orthopaedic research. She later worked in equine and mixed practice and within an equine dental clinic before establishing Shanaghan Veterinary Services in 2017.
Her postgraduate training includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Animal Chiropractic, a Postgraduate Certificate in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management, and certification as a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) through the University of Tennessee. She is an internationally accredited veterinary chiropractor and continues extensive postgraduate education in equine sports medicine, rehabilitation and musculoskeletal therapies.
In 2026, Esther became a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.
Alongside clinical practice, Esther is active in equine welfare, research, education and veterinary leadership. She is an Honorary Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, a published researcher and peer reviewer, and has supervised undergraduate and postgraduate research. She chaired the British Veterinary Association Animals in Performance Sport Working Group and has held senior leadership roles within the veterinary profession.
Esther is also an experienced equestrian, breeder and producer of sport horses, bringing practical experience of performance horses alongside her veterinary expertise.
Shanaghan Veterinary Services
Established in 2017, Shanaghan Veterinary Services provides an integrated, evidence-based approach to equine veterinary care, combining conventional veterinary assessment with sports medicine, rehabilitation, veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, pain management, laser therapy and equine dentistry.
The practice works collaboratively with owners, trainers, referring veterinary surgeons and allied professionals to optimise each horse’s comfort, function, performance and long-term wellbeing.