Dr. Wendy Periam

BSc BVMS(hons) MANZCVS(Eq Med) CMAVA

In the world of equine reproduction and stud medicine, few professionals command the respect and trust that Dr. Wendy Periam has earned over her decades-long career.

As the Director of Gundy Veterinary Services, she leads the resident veterinary team at Arrowfield Stud, one of the world’s most prestigious thoroughbred breeding operations, located in Scone, the heart of Australia’s equine industry.

Dr. Wendy Periam’s role at Arrowfield Stud places her at the forefront of equine reproductive management and stud medicine. Overseeing the health, breeding, and welfare of approximately 400 broodmares and their foals, her team’s work extends from conception to yearling preparation, ensuring each horse receives world-class veterinary care.

In addition, she and her team manage the health of 10 to 12 elite stallions who collectively cover over 1,200 mares every breeding season, an operation that reflects both scientific precision and deep horsemanship. The stud’s adjacent training facility also benefits from her expertise, completing a comprehensive approach to equine care that is both clinical and compassionate.

A Journey Defined by Curiosity and Commitment

Graduating from Murdoch University in 1992, Dr. Wendy Periam began her veterinary journey in mixed practice, embracing the full spectrum of animal care across Australia’s vast landscapes. Early in her career, she worked alongside the Royal Flying Doctor Service and national health teams, providing vital veterinary support to remote communities in the outback.

These early experiences honed her adaptability, clinical versatility, and appreciation for the human-animal bond that extends far beyond urban and agricultural boundaries. Her growing fascination with equine reproduction soon shaped her career path.

In 1996, she completed a formative internship at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital under the mentorship of the late Dr. Angus McKinnon OAM, one of the most influential figures in equine reproductive medicine. That experience marked the beginning of her specialization in advanced reproductive technologies and stud management.

Global Experience, Local Leadership

Following her internship, Dr. Wendy Periam expanded her professional horizons with international placements that enriched her perspective on global equine health practices.

She worked seasonal stints at Littleton Large Animal Hospital in Colorado, gaining exposure to high-performance equine medicine in the United States, and later continued her career development in the United Kingdom. These international experiences deepened her understanding of comparative breeding systems and reproductive management techniques across hemispheres.

Upon returning to Australia, she established herself as a key figure in equine referral and stud practice in Perth, where she combined her clinical expertise with a strong focus on client communication, mentorship, and evidence-based veterinary care. Her leadership style, grounded in collaboration and continual learning, has become a hallmark of her professional identity.

Leadership at Arrowfield Stud and Beyond

In 2010, Dr. Wendy Periam, her husband, and their three sons relocated to Scone, where she assumed her current role with Arrowfield Stud. As both a hands-on clinician and strategic leader, she has cultivated a veterinary service that balances scientific rigor with practical, day-to-day stud operations.

Under her direction, Gundy Veterinary Services has become synonymous with quality, consistency, and innovation in reproductive management. Her influence also extends beyond Arrowfield. Dr. Wendy Periam serves as a director on the Board of the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre, a leading organization dedicated to advancing equine science and welfare.

More recently, she was appointed to the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel, where she contributes her deep practical and academic insight to national strategies for the sustainability and advancement of Australia’s thoroughbred breeding industry.

Dr. Wendy Periam: A Legacy of Expertise and Dedication

Dr. Wendy Periam’s career reflects the perfect blend of technical skill, scientific curiosity, and lifelong commitment to the health and progress of the equine species. From the rugged outback to world-class breeding facilities, her journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Today, she stands not only as a respected veterinarian but also as a mentor, leader, and advocate for continual improvement in equine veterinary care, both in Australia and beyond.

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