About Us
Our Story
Mackay Equine Vets was founded after recognising a need for an equine focused veterinary business in Mackay.
Although still in its early days, Mackay Equine Vets aims to deliver the highest standard of care to your equine friends, and aims to do so with a friendly and compassionate smile. As horse people, we understand the magic of owning and caring for these creatures and we pride ourselves on knowing how to speak the 'horse people' language. We will deliver no-nonsense service, provide our honest opinions and deliver this with compassion and a friendly smile.
Located approximately 15 minutes west of Mackay, MEV services clients ranging from Proserpine to Carmila, and west to Eungella.
Dr Ashleigh Fisher BVSc MANZCVS (Eq Dentistry) - Director
Dr Ashleigh Fisher attended veterinary school at the University of Queensland (Gatton Campus). She graduated in 2018 and spent her early years at a well respected mixed practice clinic in Mackay.
In 2022, Ash sat her ANZCVS membership examinations in the topic of equine dentistry and was successful. This was an outstanding result following 18 months of intensive study and she already has her sights on the next topic to come!
Following her exams, Ash felt the pull of equine veterinary work stronger than ever, and saw the desperate need for an equine focused vet in Mackay. She set about creating her own business (and learning new skills that come with being a business owner!) and Mackay Equine Vets (formerly Blue Water Veterinary Care) was born!
Ash and her husband Nathan have a plethora of animals at home, including 3 horses, 2 dogs, a cat and an ever expanding brood of chickens. They also welcomed their son, Riley, in May 2023 and are adjusting to life with a small person around the house!
In her spare time, Ash loves to ride her horses, train her young Labrador and relax at home, enjoying the country lifestyle that Mackay has to offer.
Dr Hope Woods BVSc - Senior Equine Veterinarian
Dr Hope Woods has been a valued member of our team for over two years and has become a familiar face to many of our clients. She joined us after completing a 12-month equine internship at the well-renowned Agnes Banks Equine Clinic, just outside of Sydney, along with time spent in mixed practice.
Originally from Central Queensland, Hope completed her veterinary degree at James Cook University in Townsville and is now happily based in Mackay with family close by.
Hope has a strong passion for equine veterinary medicine, with particular interests in lameness and nutrition, and a growing focus on foal medicine. She is known for her calm, thorough approach and her genuine care for both her patients and their owners.
Outside of work, Hope enjoys spending time with friends and her own horses.
Dr Carly Pontifex DVM - Equine Veterinarian
Originally from South Australia, Carly has been horse-crazy since the age of four. That early passion has led her through a wide range of equestrian pursuits, including dressage, eventing, mustering and stock work, as well as a brief stint driving harness racers.
After many years of study at the University of Adelaide, she graduated in December 2025 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
During her final year, Carly was searching for a supportive and knowledgeable first role to launch her career in equine practice, something that proved difficult to find in South Australia. When she discovered the opportunity at Mackay Equine Vets, she completed a short placement and quickly fell in love with the region, the community, and the wonderful team at the clinic. She is now proud to be part of the Mackay Equine Vets team.
Outside of work, Carly enjoys spending time with her horses and dogs, and exploring the local area with her husband.
Jess Grech - Equine Veterinary Nurse
Jess joined Mackay Equine Vets in September 2023 and quickly became an invaluable part of our team, helping keep our vets organised and running smoothly out on the road (including making sure they actually make it to the right place!).
A Mackay local, Jess spent her younger years heavily involved in the equestrian scene, competing in English disciplines with a particular focus on show jumping and Horseball.
Her love for horses hasn't left, she still has several of her own keeping her paddocks full and hopes to get back into competing again in the near future.
Jess and her partner Will welcomed their first child in 2024, and we’ve loved having her back on the road with us following her maternity leave.
Allysha Wallace - Equine Veterinary Nurse
Allysha is a born and bred Mackay local who started her career as a veterinary nurse in 2016, beginning in a small animal clinic before moving into mixed practice to gain experience with larger animals.
Her love for animals started young, leading her to volunteer at wildlife parks and Australia Zoo, where she got a behind-the-scenes look at zookeeping. Despite this, veterinary nursing always felt like the right fit.
Horses have always been a big part of her life, thanks to her dad’s passion for them. From riding together growing up to later enjoying contract mustering and trail riding, her connection to horses has only continued to grow.
After taking time away from the industry to raise her two energetic boys, Waylon and Teddy, Allysha is excited to return to veterinary nursing as part of a mobile equine team, combining her experience with her passion for horse health and welfare.
Outside of work, she enjoys riding, painting, and spending time with her family and animals.
Brooke Conklin - Practice Manager
We’re thrilled to officially introduce Brooke as the Practice Manager at Mackay Equine Vets! A proud local living in the valley, Brooke brings not only a genuine passion for animals but also a wealth of hands-on experience from life on her very own hobby farm.
With three horses of her own, and a side passion for breeding miniature sheep and goats, Brooke is no stranger to the dedication and care it takes to look after animals. Being surrounded by animals every day truly is a dream come true and a big part of what drew Brooke into the equine veterinary world.
As Practice Manager, Brooke is the friendly voice you hear on the phone, the organised mind behind the scenes, and the person helping keep the clinic running smoothly day to day. From coordinating bookings and supporting the team to assisting clients and improving clinic operations, Brooke plays a key role in ensuring both horses and owners are well looked after.
Always approachable, keen to learn, and passionate about what she does, Brooke is excited to continue growing in her role and supporting both our team and clients. We can’t wait for you to meet her, whether out on the road, at the clinic, or over the phone!
Nathan - Assistant Director / Husband
Nathan was roped into full-time assistant director duties after his loving wife (Ash) decided to pursue a business in mobile veterinary medicine.
While his primary duties involve encouraging Ash on the days she feels overwhelmed, and providing dinner when she's home late again,
Nathan also works full time as a critical care paramedic in Mackay, and can often be found in the skies above, working on the CQ Rescue helicopter.
Nathan has an extraordinary level of human medical knowledge and also provides excellent banter and comic relief!
Nathan is a true supporter of the business, and we'd be lost without him! Make sure you say G'day if you see him out and about on calls.