Dr. Kathleen Timmins at LGCT Miami Beach.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
As the foremost equine clinic in South Florida, Palm Beach Equine Clinic is often called upon for its veterinary services at the most prestigious equestrian competitions. Having just finished the renowned World Equestrian Festival and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival – where PBEC serves as the Official Veterinarian – a team of PBEC veterinarians is moving south to assist at the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Miami CSI5* on April 1-4, 2026.
Dr. Kathleen Timmins, Dr. Sarah Allendorf, and Dr. Christopher Elliott provide around- the-clock veterinary supervision for European and North American contenders from the moment they arrive for the Miami leg of the LGCT. Dr. Kathleen Timmins is a 1993 graduate of the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at the Illinois Equine Hospital near Chicago. She began practicing equine veterinary medicine in Aiken, South Carolina.
Dr. Timmins joined Palm Beach Equine Clinic in 1996. She was a member of the United States Polo Association (USPA) Equine Welfare Committee and the Drugs and Medication Sub-Committee, which authored the USPA Drugs and Medications Rules Book. Dr. Timmins is an Official FEI Veterinary Delegate for jumping, dressage, and para dressage, and she treats patients from all riding disciplines.
Dr. Timmins enjoys cooking and cheering on her daughter, Schuyler, as she follows in her footsteps competing in the jumper ring.
What are your responsibilities at LGCT Miami?
We oversee U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations for horses from Europe with a Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) waiver. These horses are kept in a quarantine bubble to prevent contact with North American horses and to maintain our disease-free status. We oversee the movement of horses as they arrive and during their activities at the facility throughout the event. We also ensure the facilities meet USDA standards and that everything is properly recorded. I will act as a treating vet as needed and help with the FEI horse arrival exams.
What is the arrival process for horses that compete at LGCT Miami, and how do you interact with them?
The horses from Europe flew in on Monday, March 30, and arrived at the beach on Tuesday and Wednesday. The European horses arrive at the showgrounds from the airport and quarantine facility in Miami. The U.S.-based horses arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday. The FEI Veterinary Delegate, the LGCT vets, and I act on behalf of the USDA to check in all of the horses.
How many times have you worked at LGCT Miami?
This is my first year! It is beautiful and looks pretty fun. I’ve been to Miami Beach for polo tournaments before, so it will be great to see jumpers here too.
LGCT Miami Beach Jog.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
What is your typical day like at the show?
Although I haven’t worked at this particular show before, it will be similar to previous competitions. The days are long and start early. Between the stewards and I, we are assigned to observe the CEM horses at all times to ensure that the European horses and the American horses don’t commingle. As a treating vet, I can also handle minor needs, such as giving fluids to a horse. We also administer medications such as Legend or Adequan as requested. Dr. Sarah Allendorf will be here each day to attend to clients as well.
Do you stay in Miami for the week?
I will be staying there. That’s part of the requirement; you must be able to reach the venue quickly if necessary, in case a horse has an overnight emergency. Plus, who wants to be commuting to Miami at 5 a.m., or anytime, frankly!
Dr. Kathleen Timmins at LGCT Miami Beach.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic
What is the most challenging part of the job at a show like this?
I think the most challenging thing at this show is the logistics. There are a lot of moving parts between the horses flying in and those trailering in. It’s very tight driving in Miami Beach, too. There is a lot of traffic, and the roads are small.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the competition and the beautiful venue.
To see more about PBEC’s experience at Longines Global Champions Tour Miami, visit our Instagram page at @pbequineclinic. Learn more about Palm Beach Equine Clinic and our team of veterinarians at www.EquineClinic.com.