Dr. Marta Ferrari
DrVetMed PhD MRCVS
Few veterinary professionals bring together the unique combination of clinical expertise, scientific research, and international animal welfare leadership that defines Dr. Marta Ferrari.
With nearly two decades of experience spanning equine practice, comparative biomechanics research, and senior leadership in international NGOs, Dr. Ferrari has built a career dedicated to improving both veterinary standards and the lives of working animals around the world.
Academic Foundations in Veterinary Medicine and Biomechanics
Dr. Marta Ferrari began her veterinary journey at the University of Bologna, Italy, graduating with top honors in 2004. Her early interest in equine science led her to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), University of London, where she completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery.
Recognizing her passion for research, she went on to pursue a PhD in Comparative Biomechanics, sponsored by the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
Her doctoral work, entitled “Dynamic Conformation: The Influence of Conformation on Equine Locomotion”, was based at the prestigious Structure and Motion Laboratory under the supervision of Professors Renate Weller and Alan Wilson.
This research contributed valuable insights into equine locomotion, injury assessment, and performance, and resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including the Journal of Experimental Biology and Journal of Biomechanics.
A Career in Clinical Practice
Following her PhD, Dr. Marta Ferrari spent more than 15 years working as an equine and large animal veterinarian across the United Kingdom. In these roles, she provided both routine and emergency care for horses, donkeys, and livestock, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike for her clinical precision, calm approach under pressure, and commitment to evidence-based medicine.
Her clinical experience is as diverse as it is deep, spanning ambulatory equine practice, out-of-hours emergency work, and surgical support. This foundation of hands-on veterinary work continues to inform her leadership and decision-making today, ensuring that her work in management and welfare is grounded in practical knowledge of animal health needs.
Commitment to Global Animal Welfare
In addition to her clinical career, Dr. Marta Ferrari has played a pivotal role in international animal welfare. From 2017 to 2018, she served as a Veterinary Advisor for SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), an international charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of working animals in low-income communities.
In this role, she guided projects aimed at enhancing veterinary standards and sustainable care for donkeys, mules, and horses that provide vital livelihoods for millions of families worldwide.
Her commitment to service has also been reflected in volunteer work with organizations such as World Horse Welfare, where she supported veterinary education and capacity-building initiatives in Cambodia, and through hands-on contributions to SPANA clinics in Morocco.
Leadership at The Donkey Sanctuary
In 2023, Dr. Marta Ferrari joined The Donkey Sanctuary, one of the world’s leading equine welfare organizations, as Head of Veterinary Services (Clinical Director). In this position, she was responsible for overseeing clinical teams and ensuring the highest standards of veterinary care across the sanctuary’s global operations.
In 2025, she transitioned into the role of Head of International Programme Quality, where she now leads strategic oversight of program delivery, quality assurance, and impact evaluation.
Her work ensures that the sanctuary’s global initiatives, ranging from veterinary care to community education, are delivered with measurable effectiveness, cultural sensitivity, and long-term sustainability.
Research, Publications, and Professional Recognition
Dr. Marta Ferrari’s academic and clinical contributions extend beyond her direct roles. She has co-authored several influential scientific papers on equine biomechanics, locomotion, and imaging techniques. Her publications include studies on tendon imaging, high-speed gallop locomotion in racehorses, and innovative stride segmentation methods using inertial sensors.
She is a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) and continues to be active in veterinary education, research, and professional development.
Dr. Marta Ferrari: Improving Lives Through Veterinary Science
What sets Dr. Marta Ferrari apart is not only her technical expertise but also her holistic vision for veterinary medicine. Her career reflects a seamless integration of clinical excellence, scientific discovery, and humanitarian service.
Whether treating a sick horse in the field, leading research at the cutting edge of biomechanics, or shaping international animal welfare policy, she brings the same core values: compassion, rigor, and a relentless drive to improve lives, both human and animal.
Today, as a respected leader at The Donkey Sanctuary, Dr. Ferrari continues to influence the global conversation on animal welfare, ensuring that donkeys, horses, and other working equids receive the dignity, care, and recognition they deserve.