Ambulatory & Field Services
Our ambulatory veterinarians travel widely across KwaZulu-Natal, bringing clinical-grade care directly to your property — from major racing centres to farms and studs throughout the region.
Exceptional Equine Care
— Since 1969
In pursuit of veterinary excellence
KwaZulu-Natal’s leading equine veterinary hospital, serving the Summerveld racing community and equine owners across the region for over 55 years.
Est. 1969
55+ years of excellence
24/7 Emergency Care
Always available
20 In-Patient Stalls
On-site monitoring
KZN-Wide Coverage
Ambulatory field services
What We Offer
Comprehensive Equine Veterinary Services
From routine wellness visits to complex surgical procedures, our experienced team is equipped to care for your horse at every stage of life.
Learn more
Emergency & Critical Care
A 24-hour line straight to a veterinarian for colic, lacerations, fractures, foaling complications, choke and sudden-onset lameness — any hour, any day.
Surgical Services
Abdominal surgery for life-threatening colic, orthopaedic and arthroscopic surgery, and ophthalmic surgery — under general anaesthesia and standing sedation in our purpose-built theatre.
Internal Medicine
Diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions including cancer, pulmonary disease, infectious disease, and complex medical cases. Lameness investigations are a core part of our clinical work.
Ophthalmology
Corneal ulcers, uveitis and more complex ocular cases — managed intensively and, where needed, in collaboration with specialist ophthalmologists.
Diagnostic Imaging & Endoscopy
Digital radiography, diagnostic ultrasound (2–10MHz), videoendoscopy, gastroscopy and exercise scoping — available in-hospital and in the field.
About Us
A Legacy of Care in the Heart of Summerveld
Summerveld Equine Hospital is situated on 80 acres in the heart of Summerveld, KwaZulu-Natal. Since 1969, we have provided emergency and routine veterinary care for horses across the region — from life-threatening colic surgery and traumatic laceration repair to routine wellness visits and pre-purchase examinations. Our team responds to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
80
Acres
Purpose-built hospital grounds
55+
Years
Serving KZN’s equine community
20
Stalls
In-patient monitoring capacity
KZN
Wide
Ambulatory service coverage
Our Veterinarians
Meet the Team
Decades of combined experience and a shared commitment to the health and performance of your horse.
Dr Ralph Katzwinkel
BVSc (Onderstepoort, 1980), MBA (Henley Business School, UK)
Managing Partner — Surgery, Equine Sports Medicine, Pre-purchase Examinations, Orthopaedic & Arthroscopic Surgery, Colic Surgery
Dr Ralph Katzwinkel qualified from Onderstepoort in 1980 and has been in private equine practice ever since. He has served on both the SAEVA and SAVA committees. Ralph’s surgical interest has been honed over decades towards orthopaedic, arthroscopic and colic surgeries. In 2000, he was awarded his MBA at Henley Business School in the UK. Outside of veterinary medicine, Ralph is a competitive clay pigeon shooter who has represented KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa at national and international level, including the 2012 World Championships in American Skeet in San Antonio, Texas.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Dr Emma Schonken
BVSc (Onderstepoort, 2021), MSc (University of Pretoria, 2024)
Partner — Equine Medicine, Emergency & Critical Care, Ophthalmology, Diagnostic Imaging
Dr Emma Schonken graduated from Onderstepoort in 2021 and joined Summerveld Equine Hospital shortly thereafter. In 2024, she completed a Master’s degree with distinction, focusing her research on African Horse Sickness — a field of particular relevance to the horses under her care in KwaZulu-Natal. Outside of the hospital, Emma is a keen birder and owns both horses and dogs, reflecting her broader love of animals and the outdoors.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Dr Ellie Canning
BVSc (Onderstepoort, 2024)
Veterinarian — Lameness Evaluation, Diagnostic Imaging, Soft Tissue Surgery
Dr Ellie Canning graduated from Onderstepoort in 2024, after which she completed her community service year in Standerton, gaining broad clinical experience across a range of species and case types. She has since joined the team at Summerveld Equine Hospital, bringing a strong foundation and enthusiasm for equine practice to her work. Outside of the hospital, Ellie is a keen runner and birder, and dotes on her horse, Protea, with whom she shares a close bond.
Languages: English
Our Services
Exceptional Care at Every Level
Summerveld Equine Hospital offers a comprehensive range of equine veterinary services — from routine preventative care to advanced surgical procedures. Our ambulatory vets travel widely across KwaZulu-Natal, and our in-hospital facilities support the full spectrum of equine medical and surgical care.
In pursuit of veterinary excellence
Field ServicesEnquire About This Service
Ambulatory & Field Services
Our ambulatory veterinarians travel widely across KwaZulu-Natal, bringing clinical-grade care directly to your property — from major racing centres to farms and studs throughout the region.
Advance booking is recommended for non-urgent field calls. For emergencies within our service area, call our 24-hour line at any time. Field vets carry a full range of emergency supplies for on-site wound management, laceration repair, fracture stabilisation and colic assessment prior to hospital admission where required.
24/7 CareEnquire About This Service
Emergency & Critical Care
Equine emergencies require immediate, expert response. Our 24-hour line connects you directly to a veterinarian for any critical situation — including suspected colic, severe lacerations and wounds, traumatic injuries and fractures, foaling complications, choke, and sudden-onset lameness. Call +27 31 769 1256 at any hour. The on-duty vet’s number will be provided and your horse attended to as soon as possible.
- Colic — medical and surgical
- Lacerations and trauma
- Foaling difficulties
- Choke and respiratory emergencies
- Eye injuries and acute conditions
Emergency line (all hours): +27 31 769 1256
SurgeryEnquire About This Service
Surgical Services
We perform a full range of surgeries under general anaesthesia and standing sedation in our purpose-built surgical theatre, including but not limited to:
- Abdominal surgery for life-threatening colic
- Orthopaedic surgery including arthroscopy and fracture repair
- Ophthalmic surgery with specialist collaboration
Cases under general anaesthesia are monitored with a cardiocap monitor and positive pressure ventilator, with recovery taking place in our fully padded induction and recovery room. Emergency abdominal surgery for life-threatening colic is one of the most time-critical procedures we perform — early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Internal MedicineEnquire About This Service
Internal Medicine
Our team diagnoses and treats serious health problems including cancer, pulmonary disease and infectious disease. Medical cases and lameness investigations make up a significant part of the work undertaken at the hospital.
OphthalmologyEnquire About This Service
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic cases form an important part of our caseload, often in collaboration with specialist ophthalmologists. Equine eye conditions can progress quickly, and intensive, hands-on management — frequent rechecks, consistent medication schedules and close monitoring for change — plays a key role in achieving positive outcomes. Our team is experienced in managing a range of ocular conditions, from corneal ulcers and uveitis to more complex cases requiring surgical intervention.
DiagnosticsEnquire About This Service
Diagnostic Imaging & Endoscopy
Accurate, timely diagnosis underpins effective treatment. Our diagnostic capabilities include:
- Digital radiography — portable digital machine, available standing and under general anaesthesia
- Digital ultrasound — probes from 2.0–10MHz for abdomens, eyes, tendons and pregnancies
- Videoendoscopy — multiple portable flexible scopes for upper airway and GI evaluation
- Video gastroscopy — identifies gastric ulcers, tumours, obstructions and oesophageal disease
- Exercise scoping — dynamic respiratory assessment
Most of our diagnostic tools are also available in the field via our ambulatory fleet.
Performance & RehabilitationEnquire About This Service
Equine Performance & Rehabilitation
We diagnose poor performance in racehorses and sport horses, including gait analysis, orthopaedic assessment and identification of respiratory obstruction or abnormal airway noise in the equine athlete.
Shockwave therapy is also available to help injured athletic horses return to performance more quickly. Treatment protocols are tailored to each patient.
AnaesthesiaEnquire About This Service
Anaesthesiology
General anaesthesia is administered for both surgery and diagnostic procedures. All anaesthetic cases are carefully monitored using a cardiocap monitor and a positive pressure ventilator, with post-operative recovery in our fully padded induction and recovery room.
FarrieryEnquire About This Service
Farriery Consultation
We work with top farriers to provide comprehensive hoof examination and therapeutic shoeing, ensuring that structural and biomechanical hoof issues are addressed in conjunction with veterinary diagnosis.
In-House LaboratoryEnquire About This Service
In-House Laboratory
Our fully equipped on-site lab means bloods and biochemistry are run right here — with results often ready within the hour. For colic and other emergencies, that speed can make all the difference in getting your horse the right treatment, fast.
The Team
Our Veterinarians
Our veterinarians combine decades of experience with a genuine passion for equine health. Led by Dr Ralph Katzwinkel, the team at Summerveld Equine Hospital is committed to providing the highest standard of care to every patient.
Veterinary team members
Dr Ralph Katzwinkel
BVSc (Onderstepoort, 1980), MBA (Henley Business School, UK)
Managing Partner — Surgery, Equine Sports Medicine, Pre-purchase Examinations, Orthopaedic & Arthroscopic Surgery, Colic Surgery
Dr Ralph Katzwinkel qualified from Onderstepoort in 1980 and has been in private equine practice ever since. He has served on both the SAEVA and SAVA committees. Ralph’s surgical interest has been honed over decades towards orthopaedic, arthroscopic and colic surgeries. In 2000, he was awarded his MBA at Henley Business School in the UK. Outside of veterinary medicine, Ralph is a competitive clay pigeon shooter who has represented KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa at national and international level, including the 2012 World Championships in American Skeet in San Antonio, Texas.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Dr Emma Schonken
BVSc (Onderstepoort, 2021), MSc (University of Pretoria, 2024)
Partner — Equine Medicine, Emergency & Critical Care, Ophthalmology, Diagnostic Imaging
Dr Emma Schonken graduated from Onderstepoort in 2021 and joined Summerveld Equine Hospital shortly thereafter. In 2024, she completed a Master’s degree with distinction, focusing her research on African Horse Sickness — a field of particular relevance to the horses under her care in KwaZulu-Natal. Outside of the hospital, Emma is a keen birder and owns both horses and dogs, reflecting her broader love of animals and the outdoors.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Dr Ellie Canning
BVSc (Onderstepoort, 2024)
Veterinarian — Lameness Evaluation, Diagnostic Imaging, Soft Tissue Surgery
Dr Ellie Canning graduated from Onderstepoort in 2024, after which she completed her community service year in Standerton, gaining broad clinical experience across a range of species and case types. She has since joined the team at Summerveld Equine Hospital, bringing a strong foundation and enthusiasm for equine practice to her work. Outside of the hospital, Ellie is a keen runner and birder, and dotes on her horse, Protea, with whom she shares a close bond.
Languages: English
Our Support Team
Behind every clinical interaction is a dedicated support team. Our administration, reception and stable staff ensure the hospital runs smoothly around the clock, providing attentive care to every patient in our facility.
Maria
Patricia
Richard
Sam
Stanley
Lindile
Macgywer
Mzed
Namgamso
Thandile
For enquiries, please visit our contact page.
Contact the TeamOur Facilities
Built for Equine Excellence
Our hospital is set on 80 acres in Summerveld — purpose-built for equine care at every level, from routine field work to complex surgical intervention.
Location
Hospital Grounds
Summerveld Equine Hospital occupies 80 acres in the heart of Summerveld, KwaZulu-Natal — one of South Africa's premier thoroughbred training and racing precincts. Our location gives us direct access to the region's largest equine population, allowing rapid response to emergencies and seamless co-ordination with trainers, breeders, and owners.
The property has been developed over more than five decades to support all aspects of equine clinical care, with dedicated areas for surgery, in-patient stabling, diagnostics, and recovery.
Surgery
Surgical Theatre & Anaesthesia
Our purpose-built equine surgical theatre is equipped for orthopaedic, ophthalmic, upper airway and abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia. All cases are monitored with a cardiocap monitor and positive pressure ventilator.
The theatre features a fully padded induction and recovery room to maximise patient safety. All anaesthetic cases are managed by an experienced veterinarian, with post-operative monitoring by our clinical nursing staff.
Recovery
Induction & Recovery Room
Recovery from general anaesthesia is one of the highest-risk moments in equine surgery. Our fully padded induction and recovery room allows horses to come round safely under continuous supervision, minimising the risk of injury as they regain their feet.
In-Patient
In-Patient Stabling
Our in-patient facility accommodates up to 20 horses. The complex includes a treatment room, pharmacy, office and reception area. Two intensive care stables feature fluid hangers and a viewing window from the all-night duty room.
A quarantine block accommodates patients with infectious diseases. Twelve grass paddocks and staff accommodation on-site support 24-hour standby care. Owners are kept informed throughout the admission and are welcome to visit by arrangement.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic Suite
Accurate, timely diagnosis underpins effective treatment. Summerveld Equine Hospital is equipped with a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools:
- Digital Radiography — portable digital machine, available standing and under GA
- Digital Ultrasound — various probes (2.0–10MHz) for abdomens, eyes, tendons and pregnancies
- Videoendoscopy — multiple portable flexible scopes for upper airway and GI evaluation
- Video Gastroscopy — identifies gastric ulcers, tumours, obstructions and oesophageal disease
- Exercise Scope — dynamic respiratory assessment
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy — supports return to performance in injured horses
- Advanced Dentistry — latest equipment with complete oroscopic examination
Many of our diagnostic tools are also available in the field via our ambulatory fleet.
In-House Laboratory
On-Site Laboratory
Our fully equipped on-site lab means bloods and biochemistry are run right here — with results often ready within the hour. For colic and other emergencies, that speed can make all the difference in getting your horse the right treatment, fast.
Did You Know?
Gastroscopy — More Common Than You Think
Gastric ulceration is a serious condition affecting competition horses — most commonly racehorses. It causes poor performance, anaemia, a lacklustre coat and weight loss. Gastroscopy allows us to identify ulcers, tumours, infections, obstructions and oesophageal disease. You would be surprised how often a horse in apparently good form is harbouring a significant ulcer — the only way to know is to scope them.
Ambulatory
Ambulatory Fleet
Our ambulatory fleet is fully equipped to bring clinical-grade care to your property. Field vehicles carry portable diagnostic equipment including X-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy, alongside a comprehensive range of medications, surgical instruments, and emergency supplies.
Our vets travel widely across KwaZulu-Natal — from the major racing centres to farms and studs throughout the region.
Book a field visitOur Facilities in Pictures
Emergency Line (All Hours): +27 31 769 1256
For all after-hours emergencies, please call our 24-hour answering service.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Our team is here to help — whether you need to book a horse call, discuss a billing query, or reach us in an emergency.
EMERGENCY LINE — ALL HOURS: +27 31 769 1256
For colic, lacerations, fractures, foaling complications or any other equine emergency — call our 24-hour answering service. The on-duty vet will be reached immediately and your animal attended to as soon as possible.
How to Reach Us
Main Line (All Hours)
+27 31 769 1256WhatsApp Bookings (office hours)
+27 82 809 9741Find Us
Physical Address
D725 Hamilton Way, Summerveld, KZN
From the Polo Pony: follow signs into Cliffdale Road → Hawkstone → Hamilton Way
GPS: -29.80825, 30.7131
Postal Address
Summerveld Equine Hospital
Postnet Suite 10018
Private Bag X7005
Hillcrest, 3650