Jessica Kidd – Shaping the Future of Equine Surgery Through Education

BA, DVM, CertES(Orth), Diplomate ECVS, MRCVS

Jessica Kidd is internationally recognised as a leading authority in equine surgery, combining more than two decades of clinical experience with a distinguished career in education, authorship, and professional leadership.

Known for her depth of surgical knowledge, diagnostic precision, and exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity, Jessica Kidd has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary equine veterinary medicine.

Her career spans academic institutions, high-level referral practice, and global continuing education, positioning her as a speaker whose insights are grounded in real-world experience and shaped by an unusually broad professional perspective.

Academic Background and Early Career Path

Jessica Kidd’s veterinary education began in the United States, where she studied at Purdue University and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Following graduation, she spent two years working in mixed veterinary practice in New England, gaining a wide-ranging clinical foundation before committing fully to equine-focused work.

Her early equine training continued with an internship at a specialist referral hospital for racehorses in Ocala, Florida, an environment that provided exposure to high-performance athletes and complex surgical cases. This experience proved formative, reinforcing her interest in advanced equine surgery and diagnostic investigation.

Jessica Kidd subsequently returned to the United Kingdom to undertake a residency in equine surgery at the University of Bristol, one of Europe’s most respected centres for specialist veterinary training. This period marked a decisive step toward her future role as a recognised surgical specialist.

Academic Appointments and Referral Practice

Following completion of her residency, Jessica Kidd held a series of senior academic and clinical roles. She served as a surgery lecturer at the University of Glasgow’s veterinary school, contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching while continuing to refine her clinical expertise.

She later took on the role of University Equine Surgeon at the University of Cambridge, a position requiring advanced surgical judgement, teaching capability, and responsibility for complex referral cases within an academic setting.

Her career then transitioned into private referral practice, where she spent seven years as the lead surgeon at Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn, Berkshire. Working with a diverse caseload that included racehorses, sport horses, and leisure horses, she further expanded her surgical and diagnostic experience.

Today, Jessica Kidd works as an external surgical consultant to multiple equine practices, providing specialist input across a wide range of complex cases.

Specialist Credentials and Clinical Interests

Jessica Kidd holds the RCVS Certificate in Equine Surgery (Orthopaedics) and is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. She is recognised as both an RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Surgery, reflecting sustained excellence in clinical practice, professional contribution, and peer-reviewed assessment.

Her clinical interests span both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, with particular emphasis on diagnostic imaging and the investigation of challenging lameness cases. In addition, she has a strong professional interest in neonatology and the management of the pregnant mare, areas that require meticulous clinical decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration.

International Speaker and Educational Leader

Jessica Kidd is an exceptionally experienced international speaker, having delivered veterinary presentations in more than twenty countries across Europe, North America, Africa, and Australasia. Her lectures are valued for their practical relevance, evidence-based content, and clear clinical application.

She has taught a wide range of continuing professional development courses for veterinary surgeons, focusing on specialised equine surgical topics and diagnostic techniques. In addition, she has served as an examiner for the RCVS certificate examinations on six occasions, contributing directly to the assessment and development of future specialists.

Her reputation as an educator has led to repeated invitations as a keynote speaker at major international congresses. These include the New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association Congress and the South African Veterinary Association Congress in 2019, the Dutch Equine Congress in 2021, the Society for Italian Equine Veterinarians (SIVE) Congress in 2022, and the Finnish Association of Veterinary Practitioners in 2023.

Author, Editor, and Contributor to Veterinary Literature

In addition to her speaking and clinical work, Jessica Kidd has made a significant contribution to veterinary literature. She is the chief editor of The Atlas of Equine Ultrasonography, a widely respected reference text that is currently in preparation for its second edition. This role reflects her authority in diagnostic imaging and her commitment to advancing educational resources for the profession.

She has also contributed chapters to major reference works, including Auer’s Equine Surgery and Equine Neck and Back Pathology, further reinforcing her standing as a trusted expert in equine surgical and diagnostic practice.

Professional Values and Broader Impact

Beyond her clinical and academic achievements, Jessica Kidd is one of the founding members of the Horsepower CPD team, an initiative that combines high-quality veterinary education with charitable fundraising. Through this work, the group has raised close to one million pounds to support charities providing long-term assistance to working equids and children with disabilities.

Outside of her professional life, she is a keen motorcyclist and balances her demanding career with family life, including raising twin boys, a reflection of the energy, discipline, and commitment that characterise her approach to all aspects of life.

Why Jessica Kidd Matters

Jessica Kidd represents a rare blend of surgical excellence, educational leadership, and global influence. Her career has shaped how equine surgery is taught, practiced, and communicated across continents. As a speaker, she delivers not just information, but insight, grounded in decades of experience, enriched by international perspective, and focused on improving outcomes for both horses and veterinary professionals.

For conferences and educational events seeking a speaker who combines authority, clarity, and genuine passion for equine medicine, Jessica Kidd stands among the most compelling and respected figures in the field.

Jessica Kidd is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Dr. Filip Vandenberghe and Dr. Alex Young, 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.