Success starts with someone to drive it!
At Paardenkliniek Wolvega, the success of Standing Equine MRI has been largely driven by one determined advocate – Don van de Winkel. An ISELP-certified veterinarian, and specialist in orthopaedics and medical imaging, Don had closely followed developments in Hallmarq’s image quality for many years before the decision was made to introduce their standing MRI to the practice. So, when the time came to replace the clinic’s existing high-field MRI system at Wolvega, he was ready to lead the change.
Don’s drive to innovate is matched by an enthusiastic operator and clinical team invested in making MRI work across the practice. Together, they have built Standing Equine MRI into Wolvega’s wider diagnostic service, using it alongside radiography, ultrasound and CT to investigate lameness and pathology of the foot and limb without the need for general anaesthesia.
A clear case for Standing Equine MRI
Already an established equine hospital, with a prominent sports-horse caseload and more than a decade of MRI experience, Wolvega’s decision to move to a Hallmarq standing MRI machine was informed by clinical experience rather than novelty. Improved image quality was central, while scanning the standing, sedated horse brought down costs and reduced the dependency on staff resources. In addition, it has made MRI easier to discuss with owners concerned about general anaesthesia and patient safety.
The change also broadened the team’s use of the modality. Standing MRI has provided a practical route to detailed images of bone and soft tissue in the distal limb, helping clinicians incorporate MRI more readily when radiography or ultrasound does not provide the complete answer.
Built around image quality and innovation
From the very outset, Don wanted to engage with the next stage of Hallmarq’s technology and has been keen to explore how software innovation can strengthen diagnostic confidence in everyday cases. His enthusiasm and drive led to the site being closely involved in early testing of SEEMORE Technology: the very latest from Hallmarq in iNAV enhanced motion correction and pAIce for swifter AI-enhanced imaging. This early collaboration continues and reflects a partnership built around continuous improvement rather than a one-off equipment purchase. As Don says:
The image quality was the reason we made the move to Hallmarq. With developments such as iNAV and pAIce enabling a much broader MRI caseload, we can obtain consistently useful detail from the standing horse and keep improving how we investigate challenging foot and limb cases.”
Don van de Winkel, Paardenkliniek Wolvega
A challenging installation solved together
Introducing Standing Equine MRI to Wolvega’s practice was not as straightforward as other installations tend to be. It formed part of a wider hospital expansion and required the clinic’s existing MRI room to be re-sited. To make the project feasible, the existing radiofrequency (RF) shield also needed to be reused. Hallmarq’s own engineering, clinical, commercial and project teams worked directly with Wolvega to resolve the practical and financial requirements and deliver the new service.
That early experience established the working relationship that followed. Don has a direct route to in-house specialists across Hallmarq, while the practice team can draw on imaging, applications, engineering, service and commercial expertise from within one organisation. Don explains the value this brings to the team:
The relationship with Hallmarq goes well beyond the scanner. Whether we need advice on imaging, software, engineering or the development of the service, the expertise is always available in-house, and the team works with us to find a practical solution.”
Don van de Winkel
Turning clinical enthusiasm into a visible service
Clinical commitment has been reinforced by consistent communication. Don actively promotes the value of advanced imaging to colleagues, owners and referring veterinarians, while the practice has supported the service through its website and social media. On launch, the team hosted an MRI open day linked to the expanded hospital and provided an opportunity for their referring vets and horse owners to see the system for themselves.
This combination of internal ownership and external marketing has helped make Standing Equine MRI a visible part of Wolvega’s orthopaedic offering which clearly shows in the recorded scan data. Growth in the practice’s MRI caseload has been exponential (allowing for expected seasonal variations).
While there’s no questioning Don’s dedication to the MRI service, Wolvega’s operator team has been equally important. Their day-to-day involvement and willingness to buy into the modality, supports reliable workflow and image quality. With Don providing senior clinical ownership, the result is a shared practice investment rather than a system dependent on one person alone.
What’s next for Paardenkliniek Wolvega?
Wolvega’s first year with Hallmarq shows what can happen when clinical leadership, an engaged practice team and responsive manufacturer support come together. Don remains a driving force behind standing MRI at the practice, but the service succeeds because colleagues on both sides continue to contribute their time and expertise.
Whether working in orthopaedics or sports medicine, the team at Wolvega shares a commitment to continuing professional development and understands the value of standing MRI in helping manage lameness cases. With around 90–95% of Wolvega’s MRI caseload coming from in-house referrals, the focus now is on making the service as convenient and accessible as possible for both horse and owner. Key to that is addressing owners concerns about their horse’s welfare and managing expectations throughout the process. With no need for general anaesthesia, owners can be reassured of the team’s focus on delivering a safe and efficient service without compromising image quality or diagnostic value.
Looking ahead, Don plans to introduce dedicated standing MRI scan days that bring Wolvega’s specialist team together to make the patient journey – from pre-scan checks through to image acquisition – as smooth and efficient as possible.
It’s a natural next step for a service that continues to evolve. And, as Wolvega looks to build on the progress of its first year, Hallmarq will continue to work alongside them as their advanced imaging partner, to offer continued support in the ongoing development and success of standing MRI at the practice.
