Elizabeth Thompson

BA (Hons), DVM, MANZCVS, GradDipTeac

With over thirty years of hands-on experience and an enduring commitment to equine health, Elizabeth Thompson, stands as one of New Zealand’s most respected and influential veterinarians.

Known affectionately as “Liz” throughout the equine community, she has built her career at the intersection of science, compassion, and clinical excellence, earning a reputation as both a skilled practitioner and a generous educator.

From California Roots to a Global Equine Career

Elizabeth Thompson’s journey into veterinary medicine began in California, where her natural curiosity for biology and animal behaviour quickly evolved into a lifelong vocation.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology (with honours) from the University of California, Santa Cruz, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis in 1988, one of the world’s leading veterinary schools.

Her early professional years were spent working in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where she gained invaluable practical experience treating horses across a wide range of disciplines.

During this period, she trained under pioneering figures such as Dr. Judith Shoemaker, Dave Duckett, and Rob Sigafoos, whose expertise in farriery and biomechanics profoundly influenced her holistic view of veterinary care. These mentors shaped her integrative philosophy, treating the horse as a complete, interconnected system rather than as a collection of isolated parts.

Building Blue Mist Equine and a Legacy in Dentistry

After relocating to New Zealand in 1991, Elizabeth Thompson joined the Te Awamutu Animal Health Centre, which would later evolve into VetEnt, one of the country’s leading veterinary groups. The following year, she became certified in veterinary acupuncture, expanding her clinical skill set to include complementary therapies for musculoskeletal and performance-related issues.

In 1994, she founded Blue Mist Equine Veterinary Centre, a mobile referral and general practice based near Waihi, North Island. Through this practice, Liz established herself as a trusted expert in equine dentistry, particularly in geriatric and complex cases that required advanced diagnostic and treatment skills.

Her clients included everyone from sport horse owners to zoological facilities, where she regularly worked with rhinos and zebras at Auckland Zoo, a testament to her versatility and technical precision.

In 2007, Elizabeth Thompson achieved a major professional milestone, becoming one of the first veterinarians to gain Membership in Equine Dentistry (MANZCVSc) through the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Alongside colleagues Dr. Glenn Beeman and Dr. Oliver Liyou, she helped elevate the standards and credibility of equine dental care across Australasia.

A Dedicated Educator and Influential Voice

Beyond clinical work, Elizabeth Thompson is deeply committed to education and professional mentorship. Holding a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Science), she has taught both secondary school biology and veterinary undergraduates, combining academic insight with real-world practicality.

She regularly mentors veterinarians looking to refine their dental expertise and has delivered numerous lectures and workshops at national and international conferences.

Her writing has appeared in Vetscript, Equine Veterinary Practitioner, and other leading industry publications. In 2010, her three-part series on equine dentistry earned her the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s Jonathan Hope Best Practitioner Publication Award.

Thirteen years later, she was honoured again in 2023 for her comprehensive survey article on Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH), a condition increasingly recognised in ageing horses.

Championing Geriatric Dental Care

Elizabeth Thompson’s upcoming presentation, “Clinical Approach to Geriatric Dentistry,” distills decades of experience into an evidence-informed and practical framework for managing older equine patients.

Her session explores the unique dental challenges of ageing horses, from tooth loss and abnormal wear patterns to end-stage management strategies that prioritise comfort and quality of life. Known for her clear communication and thoughtful teaching style, she blends clinical science with empathy, helping veterinarians translate complex pathology into actionable care.

She will deliver this session as part of the 2025 Masterclass mini-series on March 27, 2025, where her audience can expect real-world cases, data-driven techniques, and invaluable insight from one of the region’s most respected equine clinicians.

Elizabeth Thompson: A Life Rich in Passion and Creativity

Outside of her veterinary career, Elizabeth Thompson lives a life as vibrant as her professional one. Under the pen name Lizzi Tremayne, she is an award-winning historical fiction author, a skilled horsewoman, a reenactor, and a musician. She is also a proud grandmother, balancing her multifaceted pursuits with grace and enthusiasm.

Whether she’s performing a delicate dental extraction or crafting the next chapter of a novel, Elizabeth Thompson approaches every endeavour with the same blend of scientific rigour, curiosity, and compassion, qualities that have made her a true leader in equine veterinary medicine and a source of inspiration across the industry.

Discover a continuing education experience built exclusively for equine veterinarians through the Practitioner’s Program. Designed by vets, for vets, it brings together respected clinicians like Dr. Sue Dyson, Dr. Emma Mathlin, and Kristin Dean to share practical, evidence-based strategies that elevate everyday practice. Whether refining diagnostic precision or exploring new treatment approaches, the program helps veterinarians build confidence, capability, and community, empowering you to deliver exceptional equine care in an ever-evolving clinical landscape.