Neil graduated from Bristol University in 2004 with an intercalated degree in Equine Science. Following a brief period in mixed practice, he completed an equine internship at Liverpool University and a surgery residency at the University of Edinburgh. He rejoined Liverpool University as a Surgery Clinician in 2010 and attained European Diplomas in both Equine Surgery and Equine Dentistry. He joined Three Counties Equine Hospital in 2015. He set up his own business Neil Townsend Equine Dentistry and Surgery in May 2023.