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Horses Heifers and Hairy Pigs

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Based at the Skeldale Veterinary Centre, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, the modern, relocated practice featured in the classic stories of James Herriot, and with a foreword by James Herriot’s son, this is a warm and evocative memoir from a young vet whose love for his vocation shines through on every page. From alpacas to exotic pigs, puppies to rabbits, Julian has treated them all and his book is packed with stories about his loveable patients and will prove a firm favourite with all animal lovers. Dealing with unexpected exotic pets – and handling excitable humans too – Julian has seen all sides of the veterinary world and writes about it all with humour and affection. Just as happy calving a cow, treating a dehydrated chameleon or tending to the overgrown teeth of a rabbit, his passion for his work shines through on every page, as does his love for Yorkshire.Julian Norton also stars in Channel 5’s fly-on-the-wall documentary series The Yorkshire Vet, one of the channel’s highest rated shows (with series four set to return in 2017). Warm, evocative always compassionate and often funny, Julian’s tales bring to life the world of the working vet and the highs and lows he and his colleagues face on a daily basis.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

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362 people want to read

About the author

Julian Norton

16 books35 followers
Julian Norton is a British veterinary surgeon, author and TV personality, best known for his appearances on the Channel 5 TV series The Yorkshire Vet

Norton was born and brought up in the mining town of Castleford and went to school in Wakefield at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, before gaining a place to study veterinary medicine at Cambridge University

Since 2015, Norton has been involved, taking the titular role in Channel 5 docuseries The Yorkshire Vet, produced by Daisybeck Studios in Leeds. The programme has been popular, achieving viewing figures of over 2 million, making it one of the channel's most successful.Julian has also featured as a regular guest on The Wright Stuff as well as Springtime on the Farm and Big Week at the Zoo.

He contributes a weekly column in The Country Week of The Yorkshire Post.

He performs regular "in conversation" events with comedian and stand up poet, Kate Fox.

Julian's website is www.thenakedvet.co.uk which offers links to the podcasts of the same name, which he performs with Kate Fox.

Norton attained a certificate in Small Animal Practice in 2007 and has been awarded the Dalesman "Yorkshireman of the Year 2017".

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5 stars
709 (55%)
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390 (30%)
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145 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Leila.
442 reviews243 followers
August 9, 2020
Anyone interested in country places in Yorkshire and the daily lives of Vets who practice there will probably enjoy Julian Norton's books. Unlike James Herriot's books Julian's are autobiographical, but he grew up admiring James Herriot, (real name Alf White) whose actual surgery is situated in Thirsk. After working there with Peter Wright for some years he is now living and working in nearby Boroughbridge with his wife (also a vet) and sons. He cares for farm animals and small animal such as dogs, cats and other family pets.
Profile Image for Helen.
626 reviews32 followers
November 11, 2018
'The Yorkshire Vet' is a favourite TV programme of mine, so I was keen to read about Julian's path to becoming a vet. I also remember reading some of the James Herriot books when I was still in primary school (a bit beyond my comprehension at the time, but like lots of children I wanted to be a vet!) and so the Alf Wight connection held some nostalgia value for me. He is clearly dedicated to his career and life in North Yorkshire (I really don't think being a vet is anything like a normal job; like being a doctor or farmer, it's a way of life) and comes across just as warmly as he does onscreen, taking genuine pleasure in caring for and helping animals. It's obviously incredibly hard work, and I was surprised to read of all other athletic pursuits he has in his limited spare time, I wish I had such energy levels!

A lovely read for animal lovers, proper Yorkshire folk and those interested in countryside life.
Profile Image for David Lowther.
Author 12 books32 followers
November 17, 2017
Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs is a very good book indeed. Julian Norton, the Yorkshire Vet in the UK television's Channel 5 series, tells of his life to date, his demanding six year vet training course at Cambridge University, early days as a vet, marriage, children, practice partnership and sport.

Behind this is a tale of struggle, illness and tragedy. Personal tragedy in the death of a friend in a climbing accident and professional tragedy in the shape of the aftermath of the BSE and foot and mouth crises. It's also the story of financial pressures, government incompetence and sporting triumph.

Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs has, as the title suggests, plenty of very funny moments as well as more salutary ones and is exceptionally well-written, edited and illustrated. Highly recommended.

David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Two Families at War, Liberating Belsen and The Summer of '39
Profile Image for Louise Bath.
191 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2022
I loved this; it's a really good, mostly gentle read, which opens up the world of modern veterinary work at the practice in Thirsk made famous by Alf "James Herriot" Wright's All Creatures Great and Small novels. Julian Norton also recounts stories about his early life and love of animals, and his journey towards becoming a qualified vet.

There are many surprises here, such as Norton's love of cycling and his taking part in triathlons. He was also a keen mountaineer at Cambridge University and relates the tragic story of a friend's shocking death whilst they were climbing the Matterhorn.

The book describes Norton's work as a vet in a modern yet traditional mixed practice, and introduces us to well-loved characters like Alf Wright trainee and fellow vet Peter Wright, Jean and Steve Green, and Lothario, the eager but not always effective stud alpaca! Julian also talks about the practice being approached by Daisybeck Productions to film the series that would become The Yorkshire Vet, about which the practice staff were initially unsure; right up until the 11th hour there was a strong possibility that Skeldale Vets would turn the offer down, leaving another vets' practice to take all the glory. He also talks about the changes in farming, not always for the better, that he's observed during his career.

I described this book as "mostly gentle" because whilst it is a gentle read, the chapters about the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in early 2001 are disturbing and utterly grim. Its effects on farmers, livestock, vets, livelihoods, mental health, families and farms owned for generations are upsetting and break your heart: especially when many farmers, vets and scientists felt that MAFF and the government didn't handle the outbreak as well as they could have done.

On a lighter note, there's no doubt that occasionally Julian displays elements of Mark Gatiss' disaster-prone Mr Chinnery. There's Harvey the labrador who swallowed a mole whole, and had to be dosed with laxative until the mole, squeaking crossly as it went, made its way through and out of his system. Or another Harvey, this time a border terrier, who became inflated - literally - after his trachea was damaged in a fight with another dog. Julian, trying to lighten the mood with his owner Sylvia, suggested that when he came in for his next check-up, she should bring him in on a string, disguised as one of a bunch of balloons. He doesn't relate what Sylvia's response was to this!

An entertaining, quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa W.
67 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
3,5 stars.
In the beginning I found it very slow paced and I almost wanted to give up and leave it as a DNF. But I continued the book anyway, since I love animals and medicine and reading about either of those topics, and I’m glad I did. I just had to get used to the writing style and pace. But once I did I actually quite enjoyed the book. It’s not just about animals though, it’s also about the writer’s personal life, so you really get to know the writer, which is nice. I find it gets more engaging throughout the book and the stories are diverse. Some lovely, some sad, a lot of them hilarious.
Profile Image for Margaret.
Author 20 books104 followers
June 5, 2019
Autobiography of Julian Norton one of television's Yorkshire Vets.

I read and loved James Herriott's books, and it was interesting to see how veterinary medicine has changed, especially in the area he lived and worked in.

Sad at times and laugh out loud at others.

A reasonably enjoyable read.
471 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2020
Pretty good, but not James Herriot quality--yet. Whereas Herriot jumps right in with the practice, the people, and the animals with his personal life details scattered across his books, Norton brings you immediately into his life. The first portion of the book moves a bit slowly in as much as his writing style and technique are developing as he goes. It is a charming enough start to merit going the full ride. Overly Norton-focused and very linear in the recounting, still we meet the expected cast of characters, human and animal, that enrich and enliven, indeed provide the whole purpose of this book. Had Norton held back some of his accomplishments as an athlete/competitor for future works, we might have grown warmer in extended familiarity and been more impressed. As it is, we know more about his mountain climbing successes and a tragedy long before we really get to see him as a passionate vet. Quite simply, he needed to focus on his developing rapport with his neighbors and clients. That's what we are all here for. However. . . .

By the last third of the book, Norton hits his stride, and we are regaled with good anecdotes rife with description and personalities, not always funny or happy but very real. His narrative about the hoof and mouth and BSE outbreaks are quite good, and his consideration of their effect on the culture and economic realities, which of course alter his practice, are important and thought provoking. In these chapters going forward, there is a stronger narrative with strength and intent beyond sharing a few interesting moments in his career.. This may be the result of Norton having worked through his personal history and feeling more confident in expressing his viewpoint regarding diagnoses and treatments. Certainly, his writing is more lively with both events and his details drawing us into his working world.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I will be returning to Herriot, but this provides a nice bridge from the past.
Profile Image for Paula Nichols.
503 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2019
February's book from the library. I wanted to be a vet when I was a kid, but wasn't brainy enough so had to settle for tv programmes and re-reading James Herriot books!! I saw this on the shelf and thought 'why not!'

I've never seen the TV programme so had no preconceptions of the Julian Norton at all. He comes across as a hard working bloke who is driven by challenges both professional and personal. The anecdotes are warm and amusing , and the personal aspects are interesting (although the section on triathlons seemed a bit out of place...)

It's an easy read regardless of whether you have seen the programme, and will make you thankful you're not a vet, whilst having the utmost respect for those who are!!
Profile Image for Laura.
206 reviews
December 8, 2019
This was such an excellent book, I would recommend it to anybody. I know others felt that there wasn't enough vet/animal focus in this, but I really enjoyed the mix of personal life and veterinary practice. I found the chapter about the foot and mouth epidemic fascinating. It was infuriating to find out about the way that the government and other associations dealt with it and what those poor farmers and vets had to go through. I liked the fact that Julian was a normal working class lad that got himself to Cambridge through hard work and determination, I think it's a great motivational story for young teens to read. It just goes to show if you put the hard work and effort in, you can get to where you want to be and I think that's a fantastic message.
Profile Image for Angie Rhodes.
765 reviews23 followers
March 28, 2018
Loved this book.
Julian is the Yorkshire Vet from the hit TV Series, (which is the same Vet surgery, James Herriot practised from) and here Julian lets the reader, share some of his wonderful stories, about the animals he treats and their larger than life owners.
It will have you giggling at the antics of his own dog Paddy who manages to get tipsy on beer ,

If you loved the James Herriot books, you will love this, warm, funny, and tender, perfect for amy animal lover.
Profile Image for Emily T.
691 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
Very much enjoyed the anecdotes interspersed throughout. Some sections were somewhat less interesting to me though.
Profile Image for Zara Harper.
717 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2020
I enjoyed it mostly, I did feel myself getting slightly bored in parts that were talking in detail about training and fitness but the rest was good!
Profile Image for Sue.
123 reviews
November 18, 2020
I've given this five stars because like the tv series, it is pure gold.

Julian's writing style is conversational, easy going, fun and anecdotal, in a very similar vein to Herriot's original books, even when he's explaining a veterinary procedure or condition.

If you haven't seen The Yorkshire Vet, it is quite addictive viewing. Yorkshire is a beautiful county. Coupled with the trials and tribulations of the vets in practice there, their interesting and at times quirky clients and the huge variety of animals and cases they see, it is never a dull moment.

What comes across more than anything is the level of dedication and commitment needed by vets moving from university through to practice. Unsociable hours and unpredictable cases seem to inspire those working to do the best they can for their patients.

He does take a thinly-veiled swipe at referral practices (there is if course a very popular referral series currently running on UK tv directly rivalling Julian's programme), commenting that an experienced first opinion veterinary surgeon should be able to carry out most surgeries without the need for extortionately-priced referral specialist centres.

The best anecdote of the book (mainly because I remember watching the episode) involves the Mangalitza pig and Julian screaming...but you will have to read the book to find out more, then watch the episode!!

If a Sixth Former is considering a veterinary career, I would recommend reading this for day one clinical tips and an insight into the veterinary world. I have as part of my recommended wider reading for UCAS applicants.
Profile Image for Helen Birkbeck.
244 reviews
January 9, 2024
This is an informative and enjoyable trip through Julian's life and his work as a vet in our local practice, where he once treated our cat! It is very good on the highs and lows of veterinary practice and the challenges facing farming, and is pretty well written, with only a few little grammatical niggles that most readers probably wouldn't notice.

I must confess I flipped quickly through the sections on climbing and triathlons, as I am not at all sporty and he made me feel inadequate (!), but I really admire the way Julian overcame his illness to do so well.

The book doesn't have the masterful touch and laugh-out-loud humour of the original James Herriot stories, but it is still a welcome addition to our local and vet collections.
Profile Image for Rebecca .
638 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2017
Having watched the TV series ‘A Yorkshire Vet’ I was looking forward to reading Julian’s book. It’s a very entertaining read and gives a great insight into how much veterinary practice has changed over the years and of course, into how the programme came into being. Throughout the book Julian’s love of Yorkshire and his love of animals is apparent. I also enjoyed reading about his personal achievements as it gives us an appreciation of what his personal interests are and what an accomplished athlete he is! I had no idea. It’s certainly not an easy job and it has only increased my admiration for him and all the others at Skeldale. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Natalie.
11 reviews
August 15, 2018
This book was wonderful! As an aspiring vet myself it was interesting to read, and I particularly enjoyed hearing Julian's views on certain veterinary topics, as well as the clinical anecdotes. However, more importantly, this book gave off a real sense of warmth and encapsulated perfectly the personal, compassionate side of the profession. This book has also made me consider mixed practice when I eventually become a vet - something I never thought reasonable given my lack of farming background! Thank you to the author for creating such a fantastic book: the hard work of everyone involved is much appreciated.
5 reviews
April 21, 2018
Brilliant read ,after having dealt with some not so good vets in my time, it is refreshing to know there are still some vets who care more about animals than wanting to charge you as soon as you walk through the door I was lucky enough to have been put in touch with two Italian vets who have a practice and take care of the local greyhound track who look after my two greyhounds,nothing is too much trouble and they dont charge the earth, sounds much like Julian, make sure you read the book. you wont be disappointed
Profile Image for Sarah.
293 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2019
Growing up I devoured the fantastic stories of James Herriot. Even now, I love to read the books to my children. Norton's book is very similar, even in location. Tales of anxious hogs, troublesome cats, and confounded dogs fill the pages of this book. But it also goes a step further, and talks in detail about the difficulties he faced during the outbreaks of mad cow and hand, foot, and mouth. All of which was very fascinating. My biggest complaint was a lack of cohesion between the stories.

4/5 stars.
8 reviews
January 3, 2018
A modern day version of James Herriot

I loved this book as much as I loved reading the James Herriot books in my younger days. I have seen a few of the TV shows (must have been on at the wrong time for me) but it doesn't make any difference, it's just a nice, easy to read book with some funny, and some poignant moments. I read it in 2 days so it must be flipping brilliant ...sit back, relax and read it!
922 reviews18 followers
April 9, 2019
Julian Norton is one of the stars of the UK's Channel 5 televison series 'The Yorkshire Vet'. This is Julian's memoir of his life and his love for the animals he cares for. He worked for the veterinary practice made famous by the James Herriot books and shows how dedicated he is to his career, his wife and family, North Yorkshire where he lives and the animals he sees every day.
A brilliant read which is warm, funny, sad and touching......
37 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2021
Great read! Thank you for this book!

I am a very grown up woman who grew up on James Herriot and Skeldale House stories! Thank you so much for continuing this legacy and indeed for making the story grow and progress! I’m enjoying this series immensely and it is well written as well! You have made it your own while still valuing and validating the great history of Skeldale House! Hoping to be able to watch the series as well! Thanks again!
83 reviews
April 15, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was an eye opener as to how many strings Julian has to his bow. He's not just a great vet in the Herriot tradition, but an accomplished athlete, mountain climber etc. The style of his writing was easy and like a friend telling you about what they have been up to. Can't wait to read the next one of his books.
22 reviews
April 15, 2020
This is a very enjoyable and informative book. Julian Norton has made the story come alive and it is very exciting to read. I didn’t want to stop reading it! He describes everything in great detail which makes this book even better. I love how he portrays the people so that you really feel like you are experiencing what they are going through. You experience.
Profile Image for Kirsty Farmer.
122 reviews
July 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I have never seen the Yorkshire vet series (now I do!) I have always been a Noel Fitzpatrick fan, but this is another angle of a super vet! I love Noel, for his love of Technological advancement, but this is more of a traditional homely vet and I love it. It is certain,y worth a read!
Profile Image for Sarah.
571 reviews23 followers
October 25, 2020
Julian Norton is The Yorkshire Vet of the first few series of the TV show of the same name (he moved on to a different practice in the later series). Both laugh-out-loud funny and desperately sad in some parts, this is a great read and not to be missed, whether you are a fan of the show or have never seen it.
1,604 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2022
Another good read by this author.
It was interesting to read about the practicalities of a vet’s practice and the problems caused by Foot and Mouth disease. I did feel sympathetic towards Julian’s family for his competitiveness in sport though e.g. he had to go for a cycle the morning of his wedding! I know that he still is competitive too.
On to the next book of his.
4 reviews
May 11, 2024
Humour and the awe factor

What a great book. The author captivated me with his humorous anecdotes whilst his obvious passion for his job, his clients and most of all his patients comes across on almost every page. His tales made me laugh, made me smile and sometimes made me very sad. But I was gripped from beginning to the end of this book.
Profile Image for joan caryl jewitt.
251 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2017
I just had to read it!!!

Being originally from Yorkshire and being a great fan of the TV programme "The Yorkshire Vet", I just had to read this book!
It certainly did not disappoint and I look forward to Julian Norton's next book with great anticipation!!!
69 reviews
January 3, 2018
What a disappointment!

Glad I didn't pay full price for this, more about his sporting prowess and his life boasting about all his training and other sports than hi m being an actual vet, James Herriott he ain't! Boring boringboring.
Profile Image for MARILYN RAYNER.
151 reviews2 followers
Read
November 1, 2019
Fascinating

Watch the series with laughter and sometimes tears. I could hear Julian speaking as I read this interesting book of his early years , in training and working as the Yorkshire Vet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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