Horse physiotherapist wins NI Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Dr Nicholas OShiel, Chairman of Enterprise Northern Ireland; Ruth Todd, BDO; Katie Jane Wray, Horse and Hound Physiotherapy; Simon Hamilton, Minister for the Economy. Katie was supported with her new business by LEDCOM (Local Economic Development Company) based in Larne.

Katie Jane Wray, of Horse and Hound Physiotherapy, Ballyclare, was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Enterprise Northern Ireland Awards.

Katie works mainly with horses as well as treating a range of other farm and domestic animals. Uniquely, she also organises high level training for animal physiotherapists and their trainers, bringing in top therapists from the UK to offer the best possible continuous professional development.

In just one year, she has set up a thriving business and works across Ireland and is in such demand she accompanies some of her clients to prestigious shows in Europe.

“I always loved animals and grew up riding horses and competing in national competitions. When I was competing I saw the level of sports therapy given to horses at this level. I spent five years studying and then went freelance but I really wanted to start my own business,” she said.

Katie Jane received support in setting up her business from LEDCOM (Local Economic Development Company) in Larne.

“Just over a year ago I met with LEDCOM. They helped me so much with all the aspects of setting up the business and I am so grateful for the support that I’ve received from them. To be recognised as one of the top young entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland is just so amazing and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I feel it’s quite uncommon for an agricultural business to be recognised in this way and I’m really proud that this highlights the innovation within our sector,” she added.

The award judges highlighted the innovative specialist training that Katie organised and how this added to the core services of her business. They said Horse and Hound Physiotherapy is constantly evolving with new products and services being introduced giving the business a competitive advantage. Katie Jane is currently looking at developing research partnerships with a university in Sydney, Australia.

Ken Nelson, of LEDCOM, said: “This award was well-deserved. Katie has achieved so much in such a short time. She really encompasses the energy and drive of the best entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland. At LEDCOM we strive to offer the highest quality advice and support to start up businesses and we are so encouraged to see young people like Katie opting to start their own enterprise.”