Dr. Bruce Bladon – Expert in Complex Equine Surgery
BVM&S, Cert EP, DESTS, Dipl ECVS, FRCVS, RCVS & European Specialist in Equine Surgery
Dr. Bruce Bladon is one of the most seasoned and widely respected equine surgeons in the United Kingdom, with a professional career defined by surgical mastery, diagnostic innovation, and leadership at the highest levels of the veterinary profession.
Known for his calm authority in complex clinical situations and his ability to translate advanced techniques into practical outcomes, Dr. Bruce Bladon has become a trusted voice in equine surgery both nationally and internationally.
Early Career and Professional Direction
Dr. Bruce Bladon qualified from the University of Edinburgh in 1988, earning his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. His early career began in mixed practice in Hertfordshire, where he spent a formative year developing broad clinical judgement across species and disciplines.
While this foundation proved invaluable, his professional focus soon shifted decisively toward equine medicine, leading him into equine practice in Salisbury.
In 1992, Dr. Bruce Bladon joined the Newbury-based equine practice then known as Blackman and O’Gorman. This move marked a pivotal moment in his career, embedding him within a referral-oriented environment that encouraged surgical development and long-term professional growth.
That same year, he was awarded the Certificate in Equine Practice, recognising his growing expertise in equine clinical care.
Advanced Surgical Training and Specialist Accreditation
Driven by a commitment to excellence in surgery, Dr. Bruce Bladon undertook a formal residency in equine surgery at the University of Bristol beginning in 1995. This period provided intensive exposure to referral-level surgical cases and complex perioperative decision-making, shaping the technical and analytical approach that continues to define his work today.
His postgraduate qualifications continued to expand with the award of the Diploma in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery in 1999. In 2001, he achieved Diplomate status of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons, one of the most demanding credentials in European veterinary surgery.
He has been recognised as a Specialist in Equine Surgery by both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and European regulatory bodies since 2000. In recognition of his sustained contribution to veterinary surgery, leadership, and education, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2016.
Donnington Grove and Clinical Leadership
Following completion of his residency, Dr. Bruce Bladon returned in 1998 to Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery in Newbury, the practice now known as Donnington Grove Veterinary Group. Over the subsequent decades, he has played a central role in the development of the hospital into a leading equine referral centre.
He currently serves as Clinical Director and Principal Equine Surgeon, combining strategic leadership with an active and demanding surgical caseload.
Dr. Bruce Bladon’s surgical interests encompass the full breadth of equine surgery, with particular emphasis on colic surgery, arthroscopy, fracture repair, and airway procedures. He is also recognised as one of the most experienced equine surgeons in the UK, valued for his clinical judgement in emergency situations and his meticulous approach to complex surgical interventions.
He has been among the early adopters and advocates of surgery in the standing horse, contributing to the evolution of safer and more flexible surgical options.
Diagnostic Imaging and Technical Innovation
A defining feature of Dr. Bruce Bladon’s work is his long-standing engagement with advanced diagnostic imaging. He has a particular interest in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, alongside scintigraphy and radiography.
He has been closely involved in the establishment and ongoing development of MRI and CT services at Donnington Grove, ensuring that advanced imaging is fully integrated into surgical planning and case management. This diagnostic expertise has played a key role in improving accuracy, outcomes, and client confidence in referral cases.
Research, Publication, and International Teaching
Alongside his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Bruce Bladon has maintained a strong academic presence. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications, contributing meaningful clinical data and surgical insight to the veterinary literature. His ability to bridge research and real-world practice has made him a highly sought-after educator.
Dr. Bruce Bladon has lectured extensively across the globe, delivering invited presentations to equine veterinary associations in the United Kingdom, Australia (including the Bain Fallon Conference), New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Israel, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, and Hungary.
He has also spoken at meetings of both the European and American Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons, sharing expertise with specialist audiences at the highest level.
Service to the Profession and Major Sporting Events
Dr. Bruce Bladon’s influence extends beyond practice and education into professional service. He served as Emergency Services Team Leader for equestrian events at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 and has also acted as an equine surgeon at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
These roles demanded not only advanced clinical skill, but also leadership, coordination, and decision-making under exceptional pressure.
He was scheduled to serve as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) in 2024, a role that reflects the confidence placed in him by peers across the profession and his long-standing commitment to veterinary leadership.
Why Dr. Bruce Bladon Is a Speaker of Distinction
Dr. Bruce Bladon offers audiences an exceptional blend of experience, insight, and credibility. His career encompasses frontline referral surgery, diagnostic innovation, academic contribution, and national professional leadership. As a speaker, he delivers content grounded in real cases, shaped by decades of decision-making, and informed by a deep understanding of how equine surgery continues to evolve.
For conferences, specialist meetings, and professional development events seeking authoritative perspectives on equine surgery, imaging, or clinical leadership, Dr. Bruce Bladon remains one of the most compelling and trusted voices in the field.
Dr. Bruce Bladon is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from him, Jessica Kidd and Dr. Filip Vandenberghe, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.