Dr Tony Parsons recognised as Honorary Life Member of ESNZ

NZEHA congratulates Dr Tony Parsons, Deputy Chair of the NZEHA for his recent acknowledgement . Tony was recognised by Equestrian Sport New Zealand at their 75th anniversary celebrations on June 27th in Wellington as an honorary life member of ESNZ for his contribution to equine welfare.

Tony Parsons has taken part in competitions at all the world’s continents apart from Antarctica, in his role as an FEI official vet.  As one of twenty-seven FEI vets in New Zealand, Tony is the first to achieve Level 4 certification in Endurance, while also certified at level 3 in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing.   Based in Taupō, he had to pass online examinations before passing a three-day course in Lausanne, Switzerland.  

Tony’s journey caps off a long-standing history of veterinary work which began in the late 1980s. Coming from a sheep and cattle farm in Wairarapa, Tony began his career in the Tokoroa District, and he began attending to horses under the guidance of Dr Wally Niederer.  He moved to Taupō in 1997 and has been an official vet for ESNZ since 1994.  He retired from his practice in 2020, but his official ‘sideline’ has continued.  Tony’s time over the years has been equally split between Eventing and Endurance, and he also supports Dressage and Jumping events.  However, Endurance does seem to be his favourite discipline. Tony continues to be the ESNZ Vet General on the ESNZ Technical Committee, advising all disciplines on Veterinary and Horse Welfare.

While also being Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Equine Health Association, soon to be our new Chairman, Tony’s passion for equine welfare is further extended as he also stands as Chairman of the Equine Welfare and Ethics (EqWE) Group which is a isubcommittee of the NZEHA. Tony has served as the representative of ESNZ on the NZEHA for over 15 years and spends many voluntary hours each month overseeing many of the NZEHAs busy projects.

Tony also holds a seat on the board of the NZ Horse Ambulance Trust, further showing his significant contribution to equine welfare in New Zealand.

Congratulations Tony, a well deserved accolade.


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