Meet Palm Beach Equine Clinic Veterinary Technician Cassidy Hoff

Cassidy Hoff is a veterinary technician and assistant to Dr. Richard Wheeler of Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Originally from Middletown, CT, Cassidy joined the team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in April of 2015.

What is your background with horses?

I’ve always had a passion for horses and I started riding lessons when I was seven years old. I attended Centenary College (now a University) in Hackettstown, NJ, and rode competitively as a student. I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with concentrations in Riding Instruction and Therapeutic Riding Instruction, receiving an additional PATH certification (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International).

How did you start at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?

I moved to Florida after graduating from college in 2012 and landed my first job as the head instructor of a therapeutic riding center. I worked there for about three years. Through that experience, I realized that I had a strong interest in the veterinary side of the equine industry. Dr. Greenfield was the center’s primary veterinarian, which is how I learned about Palm Beach Equine Clinic. I applied for a job at Palm Beach Equine Clinic and the timing was perfect to work for Dr. Wheeler.

What is your typical day like?

We usually work six days a week, but during the busy winter season, seven days a week is more likely. Typically, my day begins around 8 a.m. and continues until we are finished with our client appointments.  At the end of our day, I send out reports to clients we worked with throughout that day which contain discharge instructions for the findings from each appointment.

Dr. Wheeler mainly focuses on sport horse medicine. I assist him with lameness evaluations, joint injections, ultrasound exams, nerve blocks, and taking radiograph images. I am also responsible for keeping the truck well stocked and organized, replacing medications we use throughout the day and administrative work. Additionally, we complete many pre-purchase exams and I am responsible for putting together the findings for the final exam documents.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the teamwork aspect. A lot of the horses we treat compete in the WEF Saturday Night Lights or in the AGDF Friday Night Stars classes. Being able to watch these top competitions is even more exciting when you know the horse and their whole team! I feel lucky to be working with Palm Beach Equine Clinic and these horses at the top levels of their sport, and even more fortunate that the clients are amazing to work with. It takes a village to get a horse to the top levels and it is really exciting to be a part of that.

What do you do when you are not working?

I still try to find time to ride, which will always be a passion of mine. It is a little bit easier during the off-season summer months. I also enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with friends and reading.