Nathan Kindred wins national laboratory award
01 January 0001
Our very own Rising Star!
We're absolutely delighted to share that Westgate's Dr Nathan Kindred has been named Rising Star at the 2026 Lab Awards!
The award was presented on Wednesday 4 November at Lab Innovations at the NEC Birmingham, where the UK laboratory industry came together to celebrate the people, projects and organisations advancing laboratory science.
We couldn't be prouder to see Nathan recognised amongst them!
Nathan received the award for his outstanding work developing our large redworm larval culture test, a project that has brought a valuable new diagnostic service to horse owners and veterinary professionals across the UK.
Large redworm is one of the most dangerous parasites affecting horses, but until recently there was a significant gap in the diagnostic tools available to identify it. Standard worm egg counts can't distinguish between large and small redworm, making it difficult to target treatment confidently without risking unnecessary wormer use.
His research, collaboration and lab work, he developed and refined the process that enabled Westgate to launch the UK's first commercial large redworm larval culture service in 2025.
Nathan said: "It's a real honour to receive the rising star award. Developing the large redworm culture test has been a fascinating challenge, with lots of research and refinement throughout. I've learnt a huge amount along the way and had great support from everyone at Westgate. Seeing the test become a service that vets and horse owners can use is really satisfying, and winning this award is a lovely bonus!"
Sarah Mitchinson, our Operations Director, said: "We're incredibly proud of Nathan and delighted to see his hard work recognised with this award. At Westgate, we've always believed in staying one step ahead when it comes to parasite control, identifying emerging threats and finding practical ways to help horse owners protect their animals.
"With concerns growing about the re-emergence of large redworm, we recognised the need for a reliable diagnostic test, and Nathan really rose to the challenge. His dedication, curiosity and technical skill have helped us turn that ambition into a valuable new service that is already making a difference to horse health. It's a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved.
Westgate has always believed in investing in people, encouraging new ideas and giving our team opportunities to develop their skills. Nathan's achievement is a wonderful example of what that approach can deliver.
Most importantly, his work is helping us tackle a real challenge in equine health, supporting more informed parasite control decisions while helping preserve the effectiveness of worming treatments for the future. Read more about large strongyle larval culturing.