Question about pursuing equine med

[hopefulvet21]

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I just finished up my second week of working on a horse farm and I really enjoyed it. I've shadowed some equine vets (about a month total) and I also really enjoyed that. I'm thinking I would really like to pursue equine medicine, but I am worried that because I didn't grow up on a horse's back or compete in horse shows all my life that I won't "fit in" so to speak. The horse industry seems a little foreign to me- showing, sales, training, etc.- but I really enjoy working with horses and I think they are fascinating. Is it possible to be a successful equine vet without a 20 year history with horses? Will you be just as good at diagnosing lameness without a thorough knowledge of riding?

 

[Bill59]

Yes you can be a good equine practitioner despite not growing up with horses. And some equine vets have never been on the back of a horse. But it certainly helps to get as much experience as you can.

Just don't put all your eggs in one basket. The first step is getting into vet school and many vet students change their career path before graduating (or after).

 

[shortnsweet]

Well, I am a horse person, but I have heard that some of the best equine vets are ones that have no experience in the field. They can offer a "fresh" outlook on situations, and aren't bogged down with varying opinions of treatments. It takes a little more effort to learn some of the ins and outs of the equine world, but it's a great place to be!!!!

 

[ORvetgirl]

This is great to read...I too have always loved horses, and while I have some horse experience (a little western as a kid, english as a pe class in undergrad) and have shadowed/assisted equine vets in the past, I had pretty much given up on the idea of being an equine vet because every single one I met had always had horses. Now I feel like this is something I can actually pursue if I want to (though I have several fields I really like).

 

[rugbychick16]

The vet I'm currently externing with went into vet school as a non-trad, after getting a PhD in Immunology and doing research. She did her internship year at a large practice in Kentucky because she wanted someplace she could get the most hands on experience possible, and that equine practice happened to match with her. Then she stayed on there for two more years as an associate because she discovered she loved equine medicine!
She recently opened her own equine/small animal practice near my hometown and loves it. She gets alot of business because she is the only vet in the area that does joint injections, some colic surgeries, lameness work, teeth floating, etc. She doesn't really ride horse, and only owns a couple horses because they were rescues she took in.

So it is defintely possible!!

 

[meadow36]

It is possible, but I won't lie to you - there is some aminosity by "horse people" about vets without prior equine experience. Believe me, it shows - the way they walk around the barn, the way they don't understand when you're describing a shortness in stride while doing 10 meter circles, etc. Also, when the vet comes out and doesn't speak completely in layman's terms, they are going to get some frowns.

An example - during a pre-purchase exam, are you going to be able to adequately understand "intended use" when speaking to a potential buyer? I wouldn't buy a horse with old fused hocks to go out and do the 3'6" equitation classes, but this horse might be entirely suitable for a short stirrup / pre-children's kid. Do you understand the concept of "maintanence" in the eyes of a horse owner? As in, "yeah he gets his hocks / ankles / stifles injected once a year and does great". This is the type of stuff that clients get annoyed about when the vet just doesn't understand.

However - that doesn't mean you can't learn all this stuff. Are you opposed to taking some riding lessons? This is a great way to break into the "world" and get to know the lingo. Try to hang out at the barn, muck some stalls, get involved in the local riding club, hang out with fellow horse owners, etc.

 

[jglovicz]

An example - during a pre-purchase exam, are you going to be able to adequately understand "intended use" when speaking to a potential buyer? I wouldn't buy a horse with old fused hocks to go out and do the 3'6" equitation classes, but this horse might be entirely suitable for a short stirrup / pre-children's kid. Do you understand the concept of "maintanence" in the eyes of a horse owner? As in, "yeah he gets his hocks / ankles / stifles injected once a year and does great". This is the type of stuff that clients get annoyed about when the vet just doesn't understand..

Yes, it's important to have an idea of the industry but I think a lot of the above mentioned can be learned...but no vet is going to know all about each discipline...I've worked with horses my whole life but if someone was explaining details about a competitive driving horse, I would also have to do my research. I think if you're interested in equine medicine and immerse yourself in equine experiences you can definitely be an equine vet. Good luck!

 

[DVMorBust]

Yes, it's important to have an idea of the industry but I think a lot of the above mentioned can be learned...but no vet is going to know all about each discipline...I've worked with horses my whole life but if someone was explaining details about a competitive driving horse, I would also have to do my research. I think if you're interested in equine medicine and immerse yourself in equine experiences you can definitely be an equine vet. Good luck!

👍

The main thing's probably comfort around horses and learning the everyday jargon that spans disciplines - but that'll be there for any field.

I would also wholeheartedly second getting exposure outside of the veterinary world through riding lessons or something, because it's easier to get comfortable with handling a horse who loves your grooming than one who's kicking at your head while you try to bandage a leg.