Dr. Natalia Novoa has been part of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team since 2011. Dr. Novoa focuses primarily on sport horse medicine, lameness, pre-purchase exams, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and preventative medicine.
When and why did you decide that you wanted to become a veterinarian?
I decided to become a veterinarian when I was in high school. I enjoyed working with animals at my family’s farm. I spent time with the farm’s vet, and I learned how to do artificial insemination before I even finished high school. I liked the problem-solving aspect of it. I found it fascinating to have the ability to identify and understand what the problem was and then help relieve the suffering of animals after injuries or illnesses. It was an indescribable sensation. Nothing beats helping an animal when they are sick or in pain. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you are making a difference in a horse’s life. It is a very satisfying feeling.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Natalia Novoa
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
I am most interested in sports medicine and lameness (conventional medicine) as well as alternative medicine (chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture). The most rewarding cases for me are the challenging ones where I have to “solve the puzzle.” I like when I have to rely on my detailed observation including a thorough exam and accurate history, then put together all the data and information I gathered from the diagnostic tools, choose the appropriate treatment, and then reach a successful outcome.
What do you enjoy most about working with performance horses?
I enjoy treating them as top athletes through the combined use of our practical skills, the new technology, and evolving therapies. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, we are very fortunate to work on a variety of horses of all disciplines, including horses that are the best athletes in the world in dressage, show jumping, polo, etc. We use the most advanced equipment to provide the best service. Also, at Palm Beach Equine Clinic we have an amazing team of veterinarians with different specialties, knowledge, and skills to help these performance horses execute and perform at their best.
Photo courtesy of PBEC
What has been one of your favorite moments while working for Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
One of my favorite moments was when my daughter Lola told me she wanted to be a veterinarian after watching the process of resolving a challenging lameness case in a grand prix level show jumping mare. Lola was able to observe the positive outcome and cheered for the mare when she won a big jumper class.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
I am a fearless squash player, and I also enjoy playing tennis and ping pong. I love traveling with my family and showing my daughter Lola the world.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
I am a fearless squash player, and I also enjoy playing tennis and ping pong. I love traveling with my family and showing my daughter Lola the world.
The importance of good quality hoof care in competition horses cannot be denied. Farriery can be a major asset during the show season and beyond. The farrier can be proactive in keeping the horse’s feet healthy and thus preventing lameness. Learn more as Dr. Stephen O’Grady of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, explains the philosophy behind correct basic farriery in sport horses.
The Hoof
The equine hoof is unique as it is comprised of a group of biological structures (anatomy) that follow the laws of biomechanics. Therefore, if the veterinarian and farrier know the anatomy of the equine foot combined with an understanding of the biomechanics and good basic farriery principles, proper physiological farriery can be consistently applied (see Figure 1A and 1B). There are three important aspects of farriery used to keep the horse sound, beginning with the appropriate foot trim, along with the correct size and placement of the horseshoe.
The farrier session begins with an evaluation of the conformation of each foot. This means viewing the foot from the front, the side, and behind to observe the height of the heel bulbs (see Figure 2). It is important for the clinician to observe the horse in motion to see whether the horse’s foot lands flat or slightly heel first, which is desired. If the horse lands markedly heel first with a toe flip, it is a sign the heels have migrated dorsally (toward the front), decreasing the ground surface in the palmar section of the foot, or the size of the shoes is too small. The foot that lands toe first is an indication that the musculotendinous unit of the deep digital flexor tendon is shortened or the horse is experiencing palmar foot pain. Lastly, the foot should be observed for an asymmetrical landing pattern that is dictated by limb conformation because, if severe, a heel bulb can be displaced proximally resulting in the foot conformation termed “sheared heels.”
The Trim
The use of guidelines or landmarks when approaching the trim provides consistent, repeatable results that can be used on each foot regardless of the conformation. The three guidelines used are: 1. Trimming the foot to achieve a straight or parallel hoof-pastern axis, 2. using the widest part of the foot, which correlates closely with the center of rotation, and 3. trimming the palmar foot (heels) to the base of the frog or to where the heels of the hoof capsule and the frog are on the same plane (see Figure 3A and 3B). A closer look at these three guidelines, which are all interrelated, will help to show their importance.
1. If the dorsal (front) surface of the pastern bone and the dorsal surface of the hoof are parallel or form a straight line, then the bones of the digit (in the hoof) are in a straight line, and the force from the weight of the horse will go through the center of the joint. Furthermore, and equally important, if the hoof-pastern axis is straight, the weight will be distributed evenly on the bottom or the solar surface of the foot.
2. The second guideline is the center of rotation (COR). The COR is located a few millimeters palmar (behind) the widest part of each foot. This guideline allows the farrier to apply the appropriate biomechanics to each foot. The foot is trimmed in approximate proportions on either side of the widest part of the foot, which addresses the moments on either side of the COR and provides biomechanical efficiency.
3. Lastly, the palmar section of the foot is trimmed to the base of the frog or trimmed such that the heels of the hoof capsule and the frog are on the same plane. Adherence to this guideline keeps the soft tissue structures (frog, digital cushion, ungula cartilages) within the hoof capsule, which is necessary to absorb concussion and dissipate the energy of impact (see Figure 4). It is important to remember that heels do not grow tall; they grow forward. If the heels migrate forward, the soft tissue structures will be forced in a palmar direction out of the hoof capsule. Furthermore, as the heels migrate forward, the weight is placed on the bone via the lamellae thus bypassing the soft tissue structures of the foot. Allowing the heels to migrate forward also decreases the ground surface of the foot. Two examples of this guideline are shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B where the palmar foot was managed appropriately, and a size larger shoe was applied.
The three guidelines described here can be applied to any foot and can serve as a basis for maintaining a healthy foot and a basic starting point for applying farriery to a horse with poor foot conformation or one with a distorted hoof capsule. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a hoof where all three of these guidelines have been applied.
Thoughts From Dr. Stephen O’Grady
Most competition horses now show year-round instead of on a seasonal basis. My observation is based on years of experience regarding the farriery performed on these horses. Many of these horses are given a rest from competition prior to leaving for Wellington for the winter show season. Many horses arrive with very reasonable foot conformation. However, upon arrival, horses are often shod with various specialty shoes, wedges, pads, pour-ins, etc., as a means of protection and perhaps to enhance their performance.
As the season progresses and the workload becomes more intense, the sole thickness starts to decrease, and the feet become softer from multiple baths. Now the farriery that was applied for protection at the onset may be causing pressure on the thinner, softer structures of the foot, thus becoming somewhat detrimental. The horses continue to be trimmed and shod on a monthly basis, and the farrier may not be aware of the change in the integrity of the hoof structures, especially the sole, and perhaps some horses may be over-trimmed. As the season progresses into March, the structures of the foot deteriorate further as a result of the workload. Many horses begin to become foot sore. At this point, the farrier options become limited because all the protective methodology was already used at the beginning of the season.
One recommendation would be to refrain from trimming the sole (trade the hoof knife for a wire brush), create ground surface in the palmar foot with a rasp, and decrease toe length vertically from the dorsal section of the foot to preserve mass. Always remember that adequate breakover in the shoe is important, as it decreases the stress in the deep digital flexor tendon and decreases the moment about the distal interphalangeal joint, both of which preserve sole thickness.
I remember the words of Joe Pierce when I was an apprentice learning the farrier trade many years ago, “No one will know if you leave the last few rubs of the rasp on the foot, but everyone will know if you take a few too many rubs!”
Palm Beach Equine Clinic offers a farriery consultation service to both veterinarians and farriers. This unique service provides a second opinion or simply “another set of eyes” available to both professions when treating difficult farriery cases. Please call 561-793-1599 or visit equineclinic.com for more information.
Do you ever wonder what all those letters at the end of a veterinarian’s name actually mean? It is kind of like a secret language where they signify a variety of different veterinary qualifications. Palm Beach Equine Clinic explains how to crack the code of letters.
DVM
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine: This qualification is given to graduates of veterinary colleges. Although this was once only for graduates of American veterinary colleges, the abbreviation is now given to graduates from several other universities around the world. The vast majority of the veterinarians at Palm Beach Equine Clinic are DVMs that earned their degrees at U.S. institutions.
DACVS
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Holders of this qualification are board-certified specialists in Surgery. Board-certified means that the veterinarian has a mastery of advanced knowledge and skills after completing required testing. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Robert Bruise, Dr. Jorge Gomez, Dr. Weston Davis, Dr. Liz Barrett, and Dr. Karen Beste are all specialist surgeons.
Photo by Jump Media
DACVIM
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine: This qualification means that the veterinarian is board-certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Peter Heidmann and Dr. Fernando Marqués of Palm Beach Equine Clinic are both board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine.
DACVR
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology: This qualification indicates the holder is a board-certified specialist in Radiology. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Sarah Puchalski is a DACVR.
DACVSMR
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: A relatively new specialty, this qualification indicates the veterinarian is a board-certified specialist in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Both Dr. Christopher Elliott and Dr. Fernando Marqués of Palm Beach Equine Clinic have this qualification.
BVETMED
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine: This distinction is given to veterinary graduates of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London, which is the first and oldest English-speaking veterinary college in the world. Dr. Richard Wheeler and Dr. Charlie McColough of Palm Beach Equine Clinic are both graduates of the famous RVC.
BVM&S
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery: These letters indicate a graduate of The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland, which is Scotland’s oldest veterinary school. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Sarah Allendorf is a Dick Veterinary graduate.
BVMS
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery: This particular abbreviation is given to graduates of several British veterinary schools. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis and Dr. Tyler Davis both have this qualification as graduates of the Glasgow University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Photo by Jump Media
Photo by Jump Media
BVSc
Bachelor of Veterinary Science: These letters were typically associated with veterinary graduates from Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The qualification is now granted by numerous vet schools around the world. Within Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Christopher Elliott has this qualification from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in Australia.
MVB
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine: This renowned abbreviation indicates graduates of the University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, which is Ireland’s only veterinary school. Dr. Laura Hutton of Palm Beach Equine Clinic is a University College Dublin School graduate.
MVZ
Medico Veterinario Zootecnista: This qualification is given by several Spanish-speaking veterinary schools. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Jorge Gomez has this qualification as a graduate of the University of Caldas in Colombia.
MRCVS
Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: These celebrated letters indicate the holder as satisfying the stringent regulatory requirements to practice as a Veterinary Surgeon in the United Kingdom. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Richard Wheeler, Dr. Scott Swerdlin, Dr. Stephen O’Grady, Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis, Dr. Tyler Davis, Dr. Charlie McColough, Dr. Sarah Allendorf, and Dr. Christopher Elliott are all MRCVS.
MANZCVS
Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists: These letters indicate the veterinarian has studied at the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and is an advanced practitioner in a particular area of veterinary science. Dr. Christopher Elliott of Palm Beach Equine Clinic is a MANZCVS in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
CERPM
Certified in Equine Rehabilitation & Performance Medicine: This is a post-veterinary school qualification focusing on the early diagnosis of performance deficits, how to correct them, and rehabilitation after injury. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis holds this qualification.
CVA
Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture: Veterinarians with this post-veterinary school qualification have studied the fundamentals of equine acupuncture including points and techniques. This is a postgraduate qualification also held by Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis.
CVMMP
Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner: This is a post-veterinary school qualification where veterinarians are educated in how to perform medical manipulation to treat musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Ryan Lukens of Palm Beach Equine Clinic has this qualification.
Dr. Karen Beste joined the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team in January 2023. Dr. Beste is a board-certified large animal surgeon. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Beste and her background as a veterinarian.
Where did you grow up and what is your background with horses?
I grew up in a small town in north Texas called Double Oak. My father loved horses. His parents had a small property with several horses and a Shetland pony that I learned to ride on. We were involved with the Lewisville Saddle Club and went to “playdays” together throughout my childhood where I learned how to barrel race and compete in speed events. During this time I started to train my own horse named Buck. I joined the Marcus Rodeo Team and competed in high school rodeo for four years with Buck who took me to the finals for pole bending my senior year. In college I switched gears and joined the Texas A&M University polo club my freshman year. I quickly fell in love with the game, and through a lot of hard work I made the polo team my sophomore year. During my senior year I went on to be the team captain.
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a veterinarian?
I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian at a very young age. When one of our horses became injured and ultimately had to be euthanized despite surgical intervention efforts I knew I wanted to be able to help horses as a career. In third grade I wrote a book describing how I wanted to go to Texas A&M University in order to become a veterinarian, and I followed my dream.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Karen Beste
What is some advice you would give someone who wants to become a veterinarian?
I would recommend they spend as much time as they can with a veterinarian. It is important to understand the commitment that is required and how rewarding it can be working on animals that people not only compete on but truly love as members of their family.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
As a surgeon, I am obviously interested in being in the operating room and helping horses in emergency situations or with routine surgery. I find the most joy in watching a horse I have been involved with have a good outcome in the show ring following surgical intervention.
What is something interesting people may not know about you?
The most exciting animal I have done surgery on was a baby bongo!
There’s nothing more exciting than buying a young horse with a lot of potential. When Margo Crowther of Fort Myers, FL, purchased three-year-old “Sissy” she was looking forward to the young mare’s future as a barrel racer.
In 2016, when Sissy was a four-year-old, Crowther, a professional barrel racer, took the mare to an event in South Carolina. The pair successfully made it to the top 30 in a barrel race competition to qualify for the final taking place the next day. Unfortunately, while making the turn around the first barrel in the final, Sissy slipped and fell down. Crowther came off, caught Sissy, and took her back to the stabling area to check her over.
Photo courtesy of Margo Crowther
“Once we reached the stalls, Sissy began to limp with her hind end,” explained Crowther. “After traveling home, I knew something wasn’t right. We immediately brought her to Dr. Weston Davis at Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Dr. Davis is the best, and he’s a good friend of mine. He was also the only vet that had worked on Sissy at that point.”
Dr. Davis examined Sissy when she arrived at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL. She was lame at the walk but had no swelling or signs of where the injury was located.
Photo by Springer
“We ended up doing a bone scan to diagnose Sissy,” commented Dr. Davis. “She had a really hot bone scan at the hock. We decided to do several different special x-ray views and found she had a central tarsal bone fracture. This is a very uncommon source of lameness in equine athletes. It was an atypical slab fracture, which meant it spanned from one joint to the next.”
Dr. Davis and his team of veterinarians found the fracture on x-rays, but a standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to help accurately define the fracture configuration.
“We did our surgical planning on the MRI,” said Dr. Davis. “Then we put a screw across the fracture line. A lag screw stabilization promotes compression and primary healing of the bone and is considered the treatment of choice for this type of injury.”
Sissy stayed at Palm Beach Equine Clinic for a few days then returned home to Crowther’s farm where she remained on stall rest for four months. Her next step was a few weeks of daily hand walking, followed by a gradual return to working under saddle. Crowther made sure to take it slow with Sissy, especially in the beginning. Dr. Davis checked the mare on a monthly basis throughout the recovery period. At Sissy’s three-month check-in, Dr. Davis removed the screw.
After a successful recovery, Crowther and Sissy made their return to the show ring exactly seven months after the injury happened. The duo competed in the Fort Smith Derby in Fort Smith, AR, where the pair won $26,000.
“It was a huge accomplishment and even more so since it was her first run back from her injury,” explained Crowther. “We were all shocked, to say the least.”
Sissy is now 11 years old and continues to be Crowther’s main competition horse. In 2022, Crowther and Sissy competed at the National Finals Rodeo, known as the “super bowl of rodeo,” where the pair won $86,000 in prize money. Sissy’s lifetime earnings have topped $450,000.
“Sissy is a family member to my husband and me as well as our kids,” Crowther said of the mare. “She means the world to all of us. My kids joke that if I could build her a stall in the house I would. She is the kindest horse, and she loves her job. She is one in a million.”
Thanks to the team of top veterinarians at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Sissy was able to have a successful career as a barrel racer. Crowther and Sissy will continue to compete and look forward to more top-place finishes.
Thanks to the team of top veterinarians at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Sissy was able to have a successful career as a barrel racer. Crowther and Sissy will continue to compete and look forward to more top-place finishes.
Morgan Barbançon (FRA) piloted her own Habana Libre A to the top of the podium in the Grand Prix Special CDI4* presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, FL, on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Barbançon and the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding received an unbeatable score of 74.404%. The victory was special to Barbançon who has had Habana Libre A since he was four years old.
Photo by Susan J. Stickle Photography
“When I came out and saw the score, I started crying because he has come a long way,” commented Barbançon. “Today I had such a floaty and fluid ride, and I didn’t push. My goal was to give him confidence in the ring and have a fault-free test. That was my goal, and that’s what I had. There were a few hiccups here and there, and there are things that can get better, but it felt like such a nice ride.”
Barbançon is looking forward to continuing her success during the rest of the AGDF season with Habana Libre A.
“I’m looking at the five-star with him,” explained Barbançon. “He’s going to tell me when he’s ready, and I’ll just take it week by week. I’m here until the end of March so there is no rush and no pressure. I’m here to compete as much as I can. I want to give him the confidence in the ring, where he really wants to go and really wants to do it.”
Photo by Susan J. Stickle Photography
Anna-Christina Abbelen (GER) and Sam Donnerhall, owned by Abbelen and Silke Abbelen-Mooren, finished in second place with a score of 71.234%. Pablo Gómez Molina (ESP) and Ulises de Ymas, owned by Javier Bacariza, Cristina Danguillecourt, and Yeguada de Ymas S.L., rounded out the podium after receiving a score of 69.915%.
The FEI Young Horse 7 Year Old Preliminary and FEI Young Horse 7 Year Old Final presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic took place on Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29. Juan Francisco Fernandez Muñoz (ESP) took top honors in both classes aboard Fraggle Rock, owned by Precision Sport Horses. Muñoz and the seven-year-old gelding received a score of 72.482% on Saturday and a 72.643% on Sunday.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic is the Official Veterinarian of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, FL. The third week featured the Grand Prix Special CDI4*, the FEI Young Horse 7 Year Old Preliminary, and the FEI Young Horse 7 Year Old Final presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic. View results, live stream replays, and more at gdf.coth.com.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic is the Official Veterinarian of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, FL. The third week featured the Grand Prix Special CDI4*, the FEI Young Horse 7 Year Old Preliminary, and the FEI Young Horse 7 Year Old Final presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic. View results, live stream replays, and more at gdf.coth.com.
The $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic National Grand Prix took place under the lights in the International Arena on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Wellington International in Wellington, FL, during the third week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Kent Farrington (USA) piloted Greya, owned by Kent Farrington LLC, to top honors in the competitive class.
Farrington and Greya went 17th in the starting order of 45 riders and were the first pair to produce a fault-free round over the technical course designed by Catsy Cruz (MEX). Six more horse-and-rider combinations produced clear rounds to join Farrington in the jump-off including Ben Maher (GBR), Jos Verlooy (BEL), Sam Walker (CAN), Bertram Allen (IRL), Michael Murphy (USA), and Mimi Gochman (USA).
Photo by Jump Media
“It was Greya’s first time jumping under the lights,” said Farrington of the nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contender). “My plan was to just work out of her normal gallop, which is already pretty quick. Luckily, it worked out tonight.”
Farrington and Greya were the first pair to return for the jump-off and set the pace with a quick time of 37.756 seconds. Although the remaining competitors tried to beat the duo’s time, Farrington and Greya proved to be uncatchable.
“I thought she was incredible,” said Farrington of his mount. “I think it is a very special horse. I thought she jumped great tonight. I think she has a promising future so I’m looking forward to that.
Photo by Jump Media
“She is a very opinionated mare,” continued Farrington. “She has her own ideas, and those types are sort of my favorite horses. I think in the end when you can train the horse to work with you and use all of their energy to go in the right direction they can be great.”
Maher and Enjeu de Grisien, a nine-year-old Selle Français gelding owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, claimed second-place honors with a time of 38.835 seconds. Verlooy and Nixon Van’t Meulenhof, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion owned by Eurohorse BVBA, rounded out the podium after stopping the timers at 39.767 seconds.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic is the Official Veterinarian of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Week 2 of the 13-week series featured competition sponsored by Palm Beach Equine Clinic. View results, live stream replays, and more at WellingtonInternational.com.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic is the Official Veterinarian of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Week 2 of the 13-week series featured competition sponsored by Palm Beach Equine Clinic. View results, live stream replays, and more at WellingtonInternational.com.
Sarah Panico has been a part of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team for the past seven years. Panico is one of the Hospital Technicians and is an integral member of our Hospital Management team.
Panico grew up riding horses, and by age 14 she was the assistant manager of a private stable in Coconut Creek, FL. She later began teaching lessons, running summer camps, training horses, and more. Panico started competing and traveling on the show jumping circuit in New York, Kentucky, and Canada. In 2015, at the age of 19 she decided she was ready for a change and applied for a position at Palm Beach Equine Clinic. The rest was history, and Panico found her true passion as a Hospital Technician.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Panico
“I absolutely love spending time with my patients and pouring every ounce of my abilities into the care of these amazing equine athletes,” commented Panico. “It’s such a great feeling being able to help them. There’s no greater feeling than watching a patient you’ve spent so much time caring for and rooting for improve and get to go home. On the other hand, there are days when sad moments occur too. Having the opportunity to be the person who is with these horses, providing them with love and compassion in their final moments, is certainly difficult but honorable at the same time.”
A typical day for Panico at Palm Beach Equine Clinic starts with doing early morning treatments, running blood work, placing catheters, performing physical exams, and admitting patients for elective surgeries or procedures. If there is a patient that is in a more critical condition, the majority of her time is dedicated to that patient. Being part of the Hospital Management team means that she handles the more critical cases and assigns the other patients accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Panico
“There are days we have multiple emergencies come to the clinic at all different times, and sometimes there are multiple emergencies at the same time,” explained Panico. “Some end up going into emergency surgery right away. Time management, communication, and delegation are vital in this profession. You never know what is in store for the day, and honestly that’s probably my favorite part. I enjoy the unknown as to what my day will be like, the fast-paced environment, caring for critical patients, aiding the doctors, and the unique cases that come in.”
Photo courtesy of Sarah Panico
Outside of Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Panico can be seen driving her drift car. Although it is something she does for fun, she is looking forward to being able to compete next year. She also enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, going to the gun range, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Layla.
The team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Elliott. Dr. Elliott was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, and graduated from the University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science in 2007 with First-class Honors. Since then, he has become board-certified in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Elliott has experience working at Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) equestrian events in more than 20 countries. As well as being a dedicated FEI Veterinarian, Dr. Elliott has been a Private Athlete Veterinarian, Team Veterinarian, Permitted Treating Veterinarian, and Official Veterinarian. Dr. Elliott is the Veterinary Services Manager for FEI Competition at Wellington International for the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Elliott and his role as a veterinarian at Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a veterinarian?
Like most young boys I knew, I had illusions of grandeur that I was going to be playing cricket or rugby for Australia. As I got older, I decided I needed to knuckle down on my studies and veterinary medicine made sense. I decided this around the age of 15 and, since then there was nothing else I could possibly imagine I ever wanted to do. My background in horses from my father’s side and my love of animals from my mother’s side led me to veterinary medicine as the perfect career and lifestyle choice for me.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become a veterinarian?
Young people considering a career in veterinary medicine should spend as much time as possible working in practices in order to fully understand what makes it a challenging career choice. Aspiring veterinarians should take the time to truly understand what the profession is really about. I love being a veterinarian and it is all I could possibly imagine ever doing, but some people have a job that pays for their lifestyle and other people have a job that is their lifestyle. Young people who would like to become a veterinarian should be positive that it is the career they want and enjoy before committing to it.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
My chosen specialties are Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Ever since I became a veterinarian, the unique challenges of keeping equine athletes fit, sound, and competing at the highest level have always appealed to me. I enjoy performance management, investigating lameness, and helping my clients achieve their equine athletic goals. Regardless of the competition level, each combination of horse and rider has specific aspirations, and it gives me great satisfaction to help achieve those goals. Whether it be in the pony ring, at the grand prix level, or Olympic level, they all pose their unique challenges and are equally enjoyable.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
What is your role as the new Veterinary Services Manager for FEI Competition at Wellington International?
My job as the Veterinary Services Manager is to provide veterinarian services during each week of FEI competition. Tasks range from coordinating our Palm Beach Equine Clinic treating veterinarians on the showgrounds to assisting during the arrival exams and horse inspections. I am also the Attending Veterinarian ringside for each night class and FEI class. I have been working within the FEI all over the world for close to 15 years, and I look forward to working at this prestigious venue this year.
What are some of your other hobbies or interests?
I love traveling with my wife, Kjersten Lance, and going on fun adventures around the world. I enjoy all things sports related as well. I love watching team sports, especially live at the stadium. Coming from Australia, I played cricket and rugby and still follow them closely. A little-known fun fact about me is that I collect stamps.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) returns as the Official Veterinarian of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) for the 2023 show season. The veterinarians of Palm Beach Equine Clinic will be on-site to provide excellent care to all of the competing sport horses as well as those in the surrounding Wellington area.
Although we all hope emergencies will never occur, owners and riders can rest easy knowing that top sport horse veterinarians will be immediately available to help resolve equine medical emergencies. Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians will provide veterinary services at the Annex Office located on the Wellington International showgrounds. Dr. Christopher Elliott, board certified in Sport Horse Medicine and Rehabilitation, will be the lead veterinarian at the showgrounds. Veterinarians will be available at the show to provide diagnostic evaluations, treatment, emergency care, and regular veterinary needs. At AGDF showgrounds at Equestrian Village, PBEC vets are on-site to help with any problems that arise during competition days.
Photo by Jump Media
At its main facility, Palm Beach Equine Clinic has an extensive team of more than 30 veterinarians offering a wide variety of services and remedies including internal medicine, emergency care, reproduction and fertility, alternative medicine, regenerative medicine, dentistry, podiatry, and more. From sport horse evaluations to non-traditional alternative medicine therapies such as equine medical manipulation and acupuncture, Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians think outside of the box to prevent and treat injuries.
Photo by Erin Gilmore
Offering exceptional knowledge, capabilities, and commitment, the team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is thrilled to be part of equine athletes’ success during the Wellington winter show season and beyond.
What Does Palm Beach Equine Clinic Offer?
Cutting-Edge Technology
The modern medical imaging modalities at Palm Beach Equine Clinic allow veterinarians to gather all the information they need to make a timely diagnosis and are available for all equine patients, even if their primary veterinarian is not at Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Surgical Center
Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s 24/7 emergency services are led by three board-certified surgeons, who perform some of the most advanced and least invasive surgeries in the world. Head of surgery Dr. Robert Brusie, as well as Dr. Weston Davis and Dr. Jorge Gomez, make up the team of surgeons who are adept in many procedures from colic cases to injuries that require high levels of expertise and advanced equipment.
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Internal Medicine
Understanding why a talented prospect may be coming up short makes Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians determined to find the answers and develop solutions. PBEC proudly offers internal medicine services led by board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Peter Heidmann. Going beyond standard veterinary care, the staff at Palm Beach Equine Clinic can identify the root of subtle changes in a horse’s health or performance with internal medicine evaluations and diagnostic procedures. Comprehensive internal medicine offerings include respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neuromuscular evaluations.
Alternative Medicine
Employing a holistic approach to treating patients, Palm Beach Equine Clinic considers all the available avenues for health care. Alternative medicine therapies are often used in conjunction with traditional medicine and can be uniquely tailored to enhance a horse’s performance and overall health. Alternative medicine offerings include acupuncture, equine medical manipulation adjustments, Chinese herbal medicine, laser therapy (photobiomodulation), and extracorporeal shockwave.
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Reproduction and Fertility
Palm Beach Equine Clinic offers a broad array of reproductive and fertility services for stallions and mares, available at the equine hospital or in the barn. With expert care and advanced practices, PBEC maximizes the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. As the process of breeding sport horses is ever changing, Palm Beach Equine Clinic proudly offers clients modern reproductive services to produce the talent of the future.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic is partnered with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute (HEMI), one of the leading equine medical centers in advanced reproductive medicine. Through the partnership, equine reproductive specialists work collaboratively with Palm Beach Equine Clinic to expand upon the traditional reproductive services currently being offered.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic has provided the highest quality of equine health care for 41 years. With a world-class facility, state-of-the-art technology, and great compassion for the horses, Palm Beach Equine Clinic is committed to providing the best possible service for both patients and owners.