Jeff Huddlestone
During his 47 years as a vet in Mount Gambier/ Berrin, Denis Goulding has spent 28 of them as the team vet for Equestrian Australia, travelling to multiple Olympics, Paralympics and World Championships.
His first games was in Barcelona in 1992, then Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London, before finishing at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Paralympics.
Dr Goulding also served on the Veterinary Committee of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), which administers all high level equestrian sports.
These days Dr Goulding continues his passion, working as the official vet at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Growing up Dr Goulding pursued equestrian sports and then graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
After graduation he worked in New Zealand for a few years, before settling in Mount Gambier/ Berrin with his family in 1977.
Here he established Clarke and Goulding Veterinary Practice, which later became Gambier Vets.
Dr Goulding said he had enjoyed being a country vet.
“I still practise, however I’m winding down now,” he said.
Through his involvement in the Olympics Dr Goulding has helped Australian equestrians win some of the current tally of 14 medals, comprising six gold, four silver and four bronze.
He recalled the medal achievement of equestrians he had worked with, including Andrew Hoy with three gold and one silver, Matt Ryan with three gold, Stuart Tinney with one gold, Phillip Dutton Walsh with two gold and the late Gillian Rolton with two gold.
He said the spin-offs from these successes, particularly in the eventing category, have resulted in funding, and collaboration with authorities such as the Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Institute of Sport, to strengthen equestrian sport and its reputation.
This year, instead of travelling to the Paris Olympics, Dr Goulding will be cheering on the equestrian team from Mount Gambier/ Berrin.
He said the eventing team had strong combinations and was expected to do well, but would face fierce international competition particularly from Great Britain, Germany, the United States of America, France and New Zealand.
Dr Goulding said the team vet’s role was to advise and monitor the horses’ health, soundness and fitness preparation from one Olympics to the next.
The team vet liaises with the coach and was an important part of team management.
They prepare the horses before the flight, advising and checking on the necessary vaccinations required to enter the destination countries, then travel on the plane with the horses.
Upon arrival local Ministry of Agriculture veterinarians closely check the horses’ passports and general health.
At the event the team vet, along with the rider and groom, manages the daily routine of each horse.
Now Dr Goulding works for himself as an equine vet and owns several horses.
He enjoys riding and appreciates the bond established with his horses
“You get a good feel for them. I’ve been involved with horses since I was very young,” he said.
“There’s an affinity one develops with horses, it’s like a person and their dog.
“Over the next two weeks I will be glued to the TV cheering for all Australians at the Games.”
