Torch Farm & Equine Vets

Torch Farm & Equine Vets Strengthens Future with New Vet Owners

Torch Farm & Equine Vets has announced the appointment of six new vet owners as part of its long-term succession planning, reinforcing its commitment to remaining an independent, locally led veterinary practice serving farming and equine communities across North Devon and beyond.

Established in July 2012, Torch Farm & Equine Vets was formed when the farm and equine departments of Charter Veterinary Hospital Group and Torbridge Veterinary Hospital came together with a shared ambition: to provide proactive, high-quality veterinary care rooted in local communities. Since then, the practice has continued to grow while remaining firmly independent, including the acquisition of the farm and equine departments of Tamar Vets in 2019 and the subsequent opening of its Holsworthy practice in 2020.

The introduction of new vet owners follows the retirement of long-standing shareholder Mike Blake and represents an important step in securing the future of the practice. Joining the ownership team are Adam Reid, Arturas Puodziunas, Hana Cooper, Jenny Schmidt, Jess Partlett and Miriam Rigby. They join existing shareholders Jennifer Rodliff, Natalie Van Heesewijk, Nich Roper, Paul Jarvis and Rebecca Cavill.

The expanded vet owner group reflects Torch’s focus on developing leadership from within the practice and ensuring continuity of care for clients. By investing in people who already play an active role in the business, Torch aims to safeguard its independence while continuing to evolve in response to the changing needs of modern farming and equine clients.

Director Nich Roper said “Succession planning is vital to the long-term health of an independent veterinary practice. Welcoming new vet owners allow us to continue investing in the future of Torch, retain talented people within the business and ensure continuity for our clients. Being independent means we can continue to make decisions promptly and remain close to our communities, offering the practical, high-quality veterinary care that Torch is proud to deliver. “

Torch Farm & Equine Vets recognises increasing demand for a focused veterinary service that goes beyond treatment alone. The practice places strong emphasis on management advice, disease surveillance, biosecurity, horizon scanning, price transparency and the use of new technologies, alongside a personal understanding of individual farms, yards and the wider agricultural and equestrian community.

Speaking following his appointment, Adam Reid BVMS MRCVS, farm vet and new owner, said:

“Torch has been a big part of my life. I have been a farm vet at Torch for almost a decade, having joined shortly after graduating. During that time, I have had the privilege of working alongside a fantastic and highly experienced team across the whole practice, getting to know our clients well and regarding many of them as good friends. My own family has been born and grown up here, and I truly love my job. It is an honour to be part of the local farming community and to work with such good people.

I am proud to now become an owner of Torch as an independent and progressive veterinary practice, and I am very much looking forward to bringing new ideas, skills and enthusiasm to the business to support our farmers.”

Miriam Rigby BVMS MRCVS CertAVP, fellow new owner, added:

“Becoming an owner at Torch is something I am incredibly proud of. Torch’s independence, values and commitment to its clients and community are what make it such a special place to work. I am excited to play a part in shaping the future of the practice and to help ensure that we continue to deliver practical, forward-thinking veterinary care for our clients for many years to come.”

Remaining independent is central to Torch’s ethos, allowing the practice to make decisions locally, invest in its people and facilities, and remain accountable to clients and communities rather than external corporate interests.

Torch Farm & Equine Vets looks ahead with confidence, continuing to support livestock and equine clients with trusted, independent veterinary expertise while investing in the next generation of veterinary leadership.