Dr. van Tonder graduated in 1986 at University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty.
He worked in England for 6 months in a small animal practice then did his 2 year military training where he looked after the army’s patrol horses in the bush war on the borders of Namibia and Angola. From here he did a MBA degree at University of Pretoria full time. After this he worked in a mixed veterinary practice in Malmesbury for 2 years before joining WAHG in 1992.
Dr. van Tonder currently specialises in equine practice with the main focus on Reproduction and Sport Horse medicine and surgery.
He also served for a number of years on the committee of the SA Equine Veterinary Association and was President of the association for 2 years. On top of this he is also a member of the Vets with Horsepower Team, a Scottish Charity Organisation consisting of Equine Specialists and keen motor bikers giving CPD lectures to equine vets in different parts of the world and thereby raising money for different charities.
Dr. van Tonder also loves to travel the world, loves sport and is a very big rugby supporter.
He enjoys the outdoors, hiking and motor biking with friends on the many quiet off-the-beaten track dirt roads in South Africa and neighbouring countries. Having a love for the ocean he also scuba dives in his free time.