Dr Samantha Hird BVSc MRCVS

I was born at the family farm near Settle, North Yorkshire. Being brought up on a farm and trekking centre, my life and interests have always revolved around animals, both “great and small”. I just loved being with and caring for all the animals around me. From rescuing injured rabbits whilst out riding on my shetland pony, Ringo, down to training calves to jump and even riding my pet Cow "Terror" around the local bridleways as well as teaching her to jump cross country jump courses!

I rescued my first stray kitten when I was 10yrs old, Mitton. Currently we have three cats, all of which I have re-homed from the practice. They love living on the farm and spend most of their time out roaming the fields and woods or sleeping in the comfort of the house. We also have two border collies, Spot and Stumpy (she has a short tail), who we bred on the farm and are the 4th generation in the line and love nothing more than rounding up sheep or playing with their toys.

I always knew my life would continue to be centred around animals, I either wanted to be a farmer or a vet and now I do both!

I was educated at Bentham Grammar School and spent much of my time playing various sports especially Hockey for the 1st XI's. I was also a keen member of the local Young Farmers Club which involved me in various activities including cattle and pony judging and public speaking.

I chose to pursue a vet career and I graduated from Liverpool University in 1999 and joined the Veterinary Health Centre (Daisy Street Vets) in 2003 as a locum and became a partner in July 2004. I had gained experience in mixed practice in Blackburn and Carnforth, before working in a small animal practice in Lytham St Annes.

I love working with all species of animals (except spiders I am afraid!) and my veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery (anything delicate where you need a womans touch), dentistry and diagnostic imaging. We are all in practice with one aim – to make animals better and there is nothing I enjoy more than helping a poorly animal get better.

Outside work I am still a keen horse rider and can be found many a weekend hacking around the beautiful bridleways of the Yorkshire Dales National Park either on my horse Tekoda. 

I was also a “Flyball” enthusiast, and for many years was found competing all over the country with my two Border Collies “Pip” and "Taz", and "Bess" my rescued terrier cross. Sadly all our flyball dogs have now passed away but I highly recommend the sport to anyone with a dog who loves playing with a ball.

As well as running the family farm with my small flock of 30 ewes, I also run a small livery yard, with currently 7 horses. Life is always busy at Rawlinshaw. Take a look at my website and enjoy the photos of farming life in Yorkshire . I also love to sing and perform, with my partner Jez, in our Duo "The Little Things" - you will even see me appearing with my horse Takoda in one of the videos!  

Please also take a look around the practice website at some of the things we do here in our day to day lives working with the animals we care so much about.

Daisy Street Vets Reviews Page