Dr Amanda Shoobridge, BVSc
10 August 1980 – 22 July 2018
Equine Reproduction Specialist
Revelwood Stud, Somersby, New South Wales, Australia
Dr Amanda Shoobridge in her lab. where many hours were spent in her work on embryo transfer with the critically rare and endangered Suffolk Punch draught horse, and where she achieved success not once, but four times.
It was with profound sadness that news of the unexpected death of Amanda Shoobridge whilst in the UK in July this year, was received in Australia.
To her family, her many colleagues and friends, we extend heartfelt condolences for their devastating loss.
A Memorial Service was held at her alma mater, the University of Sydney, on 9th August 2018, attended by some 600 family, friends, colleagues from Australia and New Zealand, and friends and former staff from as far afield as Europe. It would have been Dr Amanda Shoobridge’s 38th birthday the following day.
Amanda Shoobridge was a dedicated and accomplished veterinarian. As one of Australia’s leading equine reproductive specialists she leaves a unique and extraordinary legacy to the world of heavy horses generally and specifically to the Rare and Critically Endangered Suffolk Horse.
Between November 2016 and December 2018, as a result of her outstanding commitment, four embryo transfer Suffolk foals were born: two fillies and two colts.
This was truly an historic first. There had only been one embryo transfer Suffolk Horse foal born previously; in the UK in 2013.
Dr Amanda Shoobridge’s gift to the preservation of the Suffolk Horse will continue to be lauded and cherished by all owners and breeders worldwide; her knowledge, skill and tenacity will continue as an exemplar to which young equine reproductive specialists will aspire.