Category: News
Allison Hart
Photo courtesy of Allison Hart
Originally from Little Egg Harbor, NJ, Allison Hart earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science, with a minor in Equine Science, from Pennsylvania State University, then completed a doctoral degree at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She joined Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) as an intern at the start of summer 2026.
What is your favorite part of working at PBEC?
What I enjoy most about working at Palm Beach Equine Clinic so far is the opportunity to learn from so many experienced and skilled clinicians.
Have you always known you wanted to be an equine veterinarian?
I have almost always known I wanted to be an equine veterinarian. There was a brief stint, as a child, when I wanted to be a paleontologist. I quickly realized that all the dinosaurs were extinct, and I couldn’t actually care for them, so back to horses it was!
What has your journey been like getting to this point?
I spent most of my childhood riding with my local 4-H group, showing at local shows, and competing with my hunt seat IEA team. I enjoyed dressage and the hunter/jumpers but eventually transitioned to the Quarter Horse circuit. Throughout high school and college, I competed in a variety of disciplines including hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, western pleasure, western horsemanship, showmanship, and halter. I knew that I wanted to turn my love for all disciplines of horses into a career.
At Penn State, I worked at the university’s Quarter Horse breeding facility as a live-in foaling attendant and assisted with colt starting. It was an unforgettable experience that developed my skills as a horseman and deepened my interest in medicine. During my time at Auburn, I greatly enjoyed my clinical rotations in equine ambulatory and internal medicine. Moving to Florida has given me the perfect opportunity to learn from highly skilled clinicians and to work alongside equally talented equine athletes. Being from up north, the warm weather is also a bonus!
What’s something you hope to learn or accomplish by the end of your internship?
The goal for my internship year is to develop my clinical decision-making and technical-proficiency skills so I can become a confident, autonomous practitioner.
What do you find most rewarding about working as an equine vet?
As an equine veterinarian, nothing is more rewarding than guiding a patient through recovery and seeing them return to full health with their loving family or back in the competition ring in top form. It is a privilege to watch your hospitalized patients steadily improve day by day.gh, and my daughter still rides in hunter/jumper divisions.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I love reading books, watching movies, spending time with my cats Olive and Popeye, crocheting, riding my horse, Riggs, and spending time outdoors, especially fishing, with my family and my partner, Nick.
Photo courtesy of Allison Hart
Dr. Kathleen Timmins
Photo courtesy of Jump Media
Dr. Kathleen Timmins graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 and completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at the Illinois Equine Hospital near Chicago. She began practicing equine veterinary medicine in Aiken, SC.
Dr. Timmins joined Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) in Wellington, FL, 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.
How has your 30-year career at PBEC progressed?
When I came to PBEC, I think I was the fifth vet in here, and now we have 50 veterinarians and a staff of 75. Obviously, it’s changed. I’ve gotten to watch the place grow from the very beginning, and some of us are still here together. It’s been like a family all along. Now it’s a huge practice, and it’s really nice having all the ability and capability to do everything necessary for these animals.
Where were you in your education when you joined?
I did an internship, and then I practiced for a couple of years in Aiken, SC. Then I came down here to Florida, and I have been here ever since.
How has your role at PBEC changed?
It’s kind of incredible when I sit here and look at it now. Our first office, where three of us shared one little room, is now the pharmacy, which has also quadrupled in size. My current office used to be a group of stalls that were hit pretty hard by the tornado many years ago. And then, of course, all the equipment and technology we have is incredible: the scintigraphy, the MRI, the CT scanner. The surgery room has gotten larger, and we have added isolation facilities. We added this big addition to the main building a couple of years ago, so I have really gotten to watch all of it.
What a great opportunity to have all of those tools available to you. What is that like?
I love that part of it, and I love being in a big practice that’s a referral facility. I like it when we can all work together and put our heads together on cases that may require information from multiple veterinarians and multiple imaging modalities. It’s so nice to have it all here at PBEC, where we can say to the client, ‘Yes, I can do this,’ instead of having to ask for help outside. We can be hands-on for them 24/7.
Photo courtesy of Cassidy Klein/Wellington International
Do you still compete in the jumper ring?
I don’t ride much anymore; too many sore body parts! I did though, and my daughter still rides in hunter/jumper divisions.
What is something that people may not know about you?
I am a born-and-bred, die-hard Ohio State Buckeye football fan. I love football. I’m one of those football people. I’m also a really good cook. If I weren’t doing this, I would consider doing that.
Photo courtesy of Flaxen Mane Media
Dr. Sidney Chanutin and Dr. Sierra Chanutin
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic
Local Florida natives Dr. Sidney Chanutin and Dr. Sierra Chanutin have always aspired to become veterinarians. The twin sisters have been immersed in the equine industry their whole lives. Throughout middle school, high school, and undergraduate studies, the sisters dedicated their free time to shadowing and working at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL. Sidney and Sierra earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Florida.
Afterward, Sidney returned to her hometown to complete a yearlong rotating equine internship at PBEC. She then remained at PBEC as an associate veterinarian and completed her residency in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Elliott. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR).
Outside the hospital, Sidney enjoys time in the saddle, riding her personal horses, or out on the ocean with her husband, George.
After graduation, Sierra pursued advanced clinical training, completing an internship at Texas Equine Hospital and a surgical fellowship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford, TX. She later returned to Florida to continue her specialized training, earning a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine while completing a large animal surgery residency at the University of Florida.
In March 2026, Sierra rejoined PBEC as an American College of Veterinary Surgeons board-certified large animal veterinary surgeon after completing her Phase II board examination.
Outside her clinical work, Sierra enjoys spending time with her beagle, Cassie, and riding her Quarter Horse, Ruby.
Can you detail your history at PBEC? When did you start working there?
Sidney: Growing up in South Florida with our own horses, Sierra and I trusted PBEC to care for them. We also spent countless hours shadowing many of the doctors throughout high school and undergrad, and we returned for externships during veterinary school. After graduating from veterinary school, I completed a yearlong internship and then stayed on as an associate with surgeon Dr. Weston Davis. When sports medicine specialist Dr. Chris Elliott joined PBEC, he approached Dr. Davis and me about starting a sports medicine and rehabilitation residency, and the pieces fell into place.
Sierra: Sidney and I spent many years shadowing veterinarians at PBEC throughout middle school, high school, and our undergraduate studies. My path back to PBEC after veterinary school was longer, including an internship and a surgical fellowship in Texas, followed by a surgical residency at the University of Florida. Afterward, I returned to the clinic, joining Sidney and bringing my additional training and experience.
What made you choose to become a veterinarian?
Sidney: Caring for animals has been my passion since before I can even remember. Becoming a veterinarian has always been my goal; I guess since the womb.
Sierra: Sidney and I have aspired to become equine veterinarians for as long as we can remember. There was no single defining moment that led us to this path; rather, it felt like a natural calling, one we recognized early on as the career we were meant to pursue.
What made you choose PBEC for internship/residency?
Sidney: The long-standing relationship I had with PBEC’s veterinarians and the fact that South Florida is home to me were major draws. I also chose PBEC for an internship because it is one of the most prestigious equine hospitals in North America. The high caseload and the multitude of exceptional veterinarians (including boarded specialists) with diverse backgrounds make it an ideal internship opportunity.
What piece of advice from another vet has stuck with you?
Sidney: Knowledge is power, and you never stop learning in this job.
Dr. Sidney Chanutin
Photo courtesy of NewStyle Digital
What was the process like for passing your boards? Can you tell me what you are board-certified in?
Sidney: The residency was a three-year program that included seeing many sports medicine cases, accumulating hundreds of continuing education hours, publishing a paper in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and passing the rigorous board examination this past February to become certified in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Sierra: To achieve ACVS board certification, I completed a rigorous four-year residency program, published original research in a peer-reviewed medical journal, and passed comprehensive board examinations. I completed my surgical residency at the University of Florida, where I had the privilege of learning from internationally recognized surgeons. As part of my training, I spent a year researching blind-end closure techniques for jejunocecostomy, a complex intestinal anastomosis used in colic surgery when ileal resection is necessary.
How does being board-certified affect your work?
Sidney: Board certification in sports medicine and rehabilitation has given me advanced knowledge to diagnose, treat, and manage lameness and poor performance in all types of sport horses.
Sierra: Earning board certification through ACVS has equipped me with the advanced knowledge and technical expertise necessary to practice at the highest standard as a veterinarian and surgeon.
Do you have any further educational goals?
Sidney: For now, I’m just enjoying using my knowledge to help horses and clients achieve their competition goals. Eventually, I would like to have my own resident to continue sharing knowledge.
Sierra: As a valued mentor once said, “The journey does not end with board certification. It has only just begun.” In that spirit, I remain committed to providing the highest standard of care to my patients by continually advancing my knowledge and skills as a veterinarian and surgeon. While I do not plan to pursue additional certifications, I am dedicated to ongoing professional growth through collaboration with colleagues and continuing education to ensure I deliver excellent, effective care.
Why did you choose your specialty?
Sidney: Performance and lameness issues in the sport horse have always been a large part of my day-to-day work. My goal is to help my patients as much as possible, so completing a residency in sports medicine and rehabilitation was the natural choice.
Sierra: Surgery is an exceptionally demanding specialty to pursue; however, it offers a level of professional fulfillment that is truly unparalleled. Whether responding to critical emergencies or helping patients reach peak performance, I take great pride in contributing to their well-being and providing meaningful support to their owners.
What do you enjoy most about working at PBEC?
Sidney: PBEC has given me so many exceptional mentors who have provided me with the knowledge to become the veterinarian I am today. I can’t express enough how grateful I am to each of my mentors and colleagues.
Sierra: What I value most about PBEC is the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled veterinarians across multiple specialties. This collaborative environment enables us to share expertise and consistently deliver the highest standard of care to our patients.
Dr. Sierra Chanutin
Dr. Sidney Chanutin
Originally from Long Island, NY, Dr. Michelle Maguire developed a passion for equine veterinary medicine through years of competing on the hunter/jumper circuit. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in Florida. During summer breaks at home, she began working at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, where she cultivated a strong interest in equine surgery.
Dr. Maguire received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Western University of Health Sciences in 2021. During veterinary school, she also pursued training in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine and became a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA).
After graduation, Dr. Maguire completed a rotating internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY, and then went on to complete a surgical residency at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in February 2026.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Maguire enjoys riding her own horses, weightlifting, and spending time outdoors with her boyfriend, Nick, and their golden retriever, Murphy.
What was your path to vet school, and why did you choose it?
I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember — really, since I was old enough to understand what that meant. I’ve always felt a strong connection to animals and a desire to care for them, so this path felt very natural to me. Over time, that early interest grew into a clear goal, and veterinary medicine became the perfect way to turn that passion into a career.
What interested you most about learning more about equine surgery?
Early on, before veterinary school, I had the opportunity to work alongside equine surgeons, and I was really inspired by their skill, attention to detail, and the level of care they provided. That experience sparked my interest and showed me the kind of clinician I wanted to become.
I’ve always been drawn to surgery because it’s very hands-on and detail-oriented. I enjoy working through complex cases and solving challenging problems, and that’s what continues to keep me excited about equine surgery.
Why did you come to PBEC?
I was first introduced to Palm Beach Equine Clinic while competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival, where I relied on PBEC veterinarians to care for my own horses. On the day I was accepted into veterinary school, Dr. Bob Brusie was performing a lameness evaluation on one of my horses. After I shared the news, he took a moment to show me how to perform a nerve block. While I already had a strong interest in equine medicine, that experience stands out as a memorable early interaction with the PBEC team.
Soon after that, I visited the clinic and observed surgery firsthand, which reinforced my interest in the field. During veterinary school, I completed two externships totaling five weeks. Through those experiences, I was drawn to the team’s expertise, collaborative environment, and the advanced techniques and modalities available at PBEC. Additionally, the diverse sport horse caseload in Wellington, combined with a robust surgical volume, makes it an ideal setting for continued growth and development.
What was the surgical residency program like, and what did it teach you?
PBEC is one of only a few private practices in the country approved to offer a surgical residency program through the American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS). To meet those standards, a hospital must provide a very high level of training, including access to board-certified surgeons, advanced imaging, and a wide range of complex surgical cases.
What made the program especially valuable was its collaborative environment. We worked closely with specialists across multiple areas, such as internal medicine and radiology, and we managed complex cases together in real time. That kind of hands-on, team-based approach is what really shaped my training as a surgeon.
Can you explain what it means to sit for AVCS board certification? What does that diploma grant you?
Sitting for ACVS board certification is the final step in a very long and rigorous training process. After completing veterinary school, you go through several additional years of specialized surgical training, during which you not only performing a high volume of complex procedures, but also training in other areas like anesthesia, imaging, and internal medicine, and contribute to research.
Once that training is complete and your credentials are approved, you’re eligible to take the final board exam. Passing the exam grants you Diplomate status, which means you’re officially recognized as a board-certified veterinary surgeon. It signifies a high level of expertise and a commitment to the highest standards of surgical care.
PBEC has six other board-certified surgeons – have you worked with all of them? What is something important they have taught you?
I’ve worked closely with all the surgeons at PBEC, and that kind of collaborative environment has been invaluable. One of the biggest takeaways from my training has been the importance of sound judgment — understanding the full picture of the horse, the injury, and the long-term outcome, rather than focusing solely on the surgical procedure.
Are there certain types of surgery that interest you more than others? How many surgeries do you perform each month?
Early on, I thought I would focus primarily on orthopedic surgery — things like fractures and joint injuries. But in real-world practice, you have to be ready to handle whatever comes through the door. On any given day, that can mean everything from airway surgery to a broken leg to an abdominal emergency.
Over time, I’ve realized that’s actually what I enjoy most. I don’t just like one niche; I really enjoy the variety. Each case has its own challenges, making the work interesting and rewarding.
We typically do between 20 and 60 surgeries per month, depending on the time of year.
What is the feeling you get when you see a horse rehab successfully from its surgery?
There’s nothing better. You meet these horses on what can be one of their worst days, and seeing them come through surgery, recover, and return to a comfortable, active life is incredibly fulfilling. That transformation is what makes the job so meaningful.
It’s also very special to help their owners and riders. Giving someone more time with their horse — whether that’s back in the saddle or simply enjoying their companionship — is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job.
Are there any further steps to your veterinary education?
Veterinary medicine is truly a field of lifelong learning. Even after completing formal training, we’re constantly learning through conferences, new research, and collaboration with colleagues. Staying current is essential to providing the highest level of care for our patients.
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, Dr. Rachael Davis, 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.
Dr. Janet Greenfield at WEF
© Devyn Ivy Media
Originally from northern California, Dr. Janet Greenfield-Davis grew up competing on the hunter circuit, which sparked her interest in equine veterinary medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University and then attended veterinary school at the University of Glasgow.
After completing an internship at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in 2010, she studied traditional Chinese veterinary medicine at the Chi Institute. In addition to providing Western medicine, Dr. Greenfield-Davis uses Eastern medicine as a certified veterinary acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine expert. Dr. Greenfield-Davis is certified in equine rehabilitation and performance medicine.
When not seeing patients, Dr. Greenfield-Davis enjoys enthusiastically cheering on her clients at competitions, swing dancing, and spending quality time with her husband and two daughters.
What are your official duties at WEF for Rolex Series week?
My official duties this week are monitoring the CEM waiver tent for WEF week 12. I make sure the participants abide by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines set to keep our country CEM free.
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can cause infertility in mares and is carried by stallions. While endemic in Europe, the disease is not currently in the U.S., so testing and quarantine for horses entering the country from areas with confirmed cases are essential to maintain that disease-free status.
Are any other PBEC vets working with you that week?
The PBEC veterinarians who are on show duty will help me, along with the FEI Veterinary Delegate, the FEI stewards, and our local USDA veterinarian. I have lots of help! I am a very small piece of a very big event, and I enjoy the part I get to play in making it happen.
Can you describe your typical day at the show?
I like to pop in to the show in the morning to ensure everything is running smoothly with the FEI steward and security. I note which of the monitored horses are showing and whether there is enough staff to walk the horses to the arena. It is quite a distance from the FEI stabling to the International Arena, and the horses must be accompanied to and from the ring. I always wear my sneakers during week 12. I will also check in the evening to make sure everyone is happy. Meeting with the USDA and addressing any concerns is also part of my job.
How many years have you been working at WEF for PBEC?
I have been at PBEC for 15 years and have been participating at the show in one veterinary capacity or another the entire time.
What makes Rolex Series week at WEF special?
The fanfare, horses, and the competitors make it very special. You can feel the crowd’s excitement to see all the big names, and the competition is always electric.
What are you looking forward to?
Saturday night, of course!
WEF Bridge at Night
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic
This spring, Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, isn’t just attending the biggest stages in North American sport; it’s caring for the best equine athletes in the game.
From Winter Equestrian Festival Rolex CSI5* Week (March 23–29) to the electric beachfront setting of the Longines Global Champions Tour Miami (April 1–4), and culminating at the prestigious FEI World Cup™ Finals (April 8–13), PBEC veterinarians are at the center of the action, ensuring the world’s top equine athletes perform at their best.
The momentum begins in Ocala during the Longines League of Nations Ocala, where the sport’s elite converge. As international horses transition from USDA CEM quarantine in Ocala to Wellington, PBEC plays a critical role in their care. Under the leadership of Dr. Janet Greenfield, the team oversees the veterinary needs of these elite athletes within Wellington’s tightly managed competition “bubble,” as they prepare for the Winter Equestrian Festival’s Rolex CSI5* week, which hosts the US Equestrian Open Jumping Final.
While fans focus on the spotlight in the arena, PBEC works tirelessly behind the scenes. As horses arrive for the Miami leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, Dr. Kathleen Timmins and Dr. Sarah Allendorf provide around-the-clock veterinary supervision for European and North American contenders from the moment they arrive.
The circuit doesn’t stop there. Dr. Christopher Elliott heads to Fort Worth, TX, to serve as the veterinary service manager at the FEI World Cup™ Finals, one of the sport’s most prestigious international championships. PBEC’s expertise extends into the dressage arena, where Dr. Weston Davis and Dr. Sidney Chanutin support top horses, including those representing Zen Elite Equestrian Center, title sponsor of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.
Across disciplines and every level of elite competition, PBEC is a constant — trusted by the best, present at the biggest moments, and integral to the success of world-class equestrian sport.
This spring, when the stakes are highest, Palm Beach Equine Clinic is exactly where you’d expect to find them: at the epicenter of excellence.
LGCT Miami Beach Jog.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Dr. Jamie Klements joins the Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, from the Midwest, where she operated her own practice as an equine chiropractor and acupuncturist. With a passion for learning, Dr. Klements has a wealth of knowledge on equine wellness and comes to the clinic to apply her skills to sports medicine alongside PBEC’s Dr. Bill Patterson.
Q: What made you want to become an equine veterinarian?
A: I was one of those kids who was born loving horses. My family didn’t own horses, but I took riding lessons and worked in barns as much as I could. I rode in the hunters as a hobby, but never as a professional. I was pre-med for most of my undergrad schooling. I started spending time with my horse’s veterinarian during my junior year of college after a summer job at the Cleveland Clinic determined human medicine wasn’t for me. I love horses and medicine, and the switch made sense. Today I am still grateful I get to work with horses for my job.
Q: What’s your background in veterinary medicine?
A: I’m grew up in Ohio and attended Miami University in Ohio for my undergraduate degree. I went to vet school at Iowa State University. After graduating from vet school, I worked at Lebanon Equine Clinic in Ohio for two years. In 2017, I started my practice called Midwest Veterinary Chiropractic and Wellness that focuses on chiropractic care and acupuncture treatment for horses. I am located near the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, OH. I have worked as a show veterinarian and see my clients at their home farms or at the horse show for acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Q: What drew you to equine chiropractic and acupuncture, and what was the training process like for these specialties?
A: I’ve always had dachshunds, and while I was in vet school, I had one that needed back surgery. There was a vet at the practice who did acupuncture on him, and it helped him so much with his rehabilitation. Seeing how positively the treatment affected him made me interested in learning how to do it for my own patients.
Currently, neither acupuncture nor chiropractic is a boarded specialty but a certification training program that is available after you are a veterinarian. I completed my acupuncture training immediately out of vet school. I attended the Chi University that is outside of Ocala, FL. I started my chiropractic training at Parker University in Dallas, TX, which is a human chiropractic school that also offers an animal certification. I have studied with a professor at the Health Pioneer Institute near Chicago, IL, who focuses on the neurology related to chiropractic. Finally, I just completed a master’s degree in Equine Integrated Veterinary Medicine from the Chi University, which covered spinal manipulation (chiropractic), rehabilitation, pain management, and acupuncture for horses.
Q: Why is continuing your education as a veterinarian important to you?
A: I’m an education junkie. I want to help my patients as much as I can, so I enjoy always learning something new. I decided to come down to Palm Beach Equine Clinic to learn more about sports medicine. I have known Dr. Bill Patterson for a while, and he practices sports medicine related to how the whole horse moves and specifically the back and neck. I am here to work with him to learn how to combine sports medicine with the Traditional Chinese Medicine that I’ve been focused on.
Q: What benefits do you think Traditional Chinese Medicine provides for equine athletes?
A: Learning Eastern or Chinese medicine helps with paying attention to the horse as a whole being and how their environment, job, and personality can affect their health. It has taught me additional signs to watch for when examining a horse and deciding on a diagnosis. Show horses are limited in the medication they can receive for pain and discomfort, but we can offer acupuncture or massage if a horse needs some care before the competition. I have been a part of helping horses with a lameness or health care issue using Chinese medicine when Western medicine hasn’t been successful or had a good answer.
Q: How has it been living and working in Wellington so far?
A: I’m still settling into my role at PBEC, but I’m excited to be here. If someone is interested in sports medicine, working here is the dream because you get to learn about every specialty all in one place. Everyone comes to Wellington to work and learn from the best in the sport horse industry. I think this is the equestrian equivalent of moving to Los Angeles to be in the movies. I love Florida. There is so much wildlife, it’s beautiful, and I can garden in the winter!
I’ll be working seasonally at PBEC. My partner and I bought a farm in Loxahatchee, near Wellington, a year and a half ago. I still see clients in Ohio and Kentucky, so I currently go back and forth. I plan to spend most of the winter in Wellington and travel to Ohio and Kentucky in the summer to see clients.
Q: How has it been working with Dr. Patterson and the team at PBEC?
A: It’s a dream come true. I’ve learned so much from Dr. Patterson and seeing more complex cases has been really interesting. Everyone at the clinic has been helpful and friendly. I am excited to get to work with and learn from the best in the industry.
Q: What does a typical week look like for you right now?
A: I often see patients for acupuncture or chiropractic treatment at the start of the week when the horses have some downtime away from the horse show. Monday is usually my busiest day and favorite day to work. A lot of barns are closed, and the horses enjoy how quiet it is while I’m working on them.
For the rest of the week, I usually ride around with Dr. Patterson and help with lameness cases as they pop up. I am also going to cover some shifts at the horse show on weekends, which I like because I get to see my clients succeeding in the ring after I’ve helped them.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in Wellington when you’re not working?
A: I ride when I can. I also love the ocean. My partner, Steve, and I like to go offshore fishing. I also enjoy spending time with my dogs. We have a dachshund named Phoebe and a St. Bernard named Bruno, which covers both ends of the size spectrum!
The winter show season in Wellington, FL, showcases incredible horse-and-rider partnerships across various disciplines. On one night, dressage horses will dance under the palm trees at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival – where PBEC is the official veterinarian – and the next, a field of show jumping horses will sail over massive fences.
Behind the scenes, these equine athletes have multidisciplinary teams of professionals working to keep them in top physical condition for competition. Dr. Christopher Elliott and Dr. Emma Newell of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, are key members of many of these teams, treating ailments in both dressage and jumping horses.
There are common injuries in sport horses, but typical ailments will vary between jumping and dressage horses due to the different demands of each discipline. “Dressage horses perform repetitive, collected movements that place sustained stress on the limbs and the back,” explained Dr. Elliott.
Ligament and Tendon Strains
The precise movements of dressage put stress on the soft tissues in a horse’s legs, but unlike in jumping sports, soft tissue injuries are commonly observed. Dr. Elliott pointed out, “The most common hind limb ligament injury is the proximal suspensory, and the most common tendon injury of the forelimb is the deep digital flexor tendon. These structures are loaded more for dressage horses than for jumpers, especially during collection, work transitions, and lateral movements.”
These injuries tend to present subtly and are associated with a decline in overall performance, though the rider may also notice inconsistent lameness. A loss of impulsion, difficulty maintaining collection, resistance to performing lateral movements, and other behavioral changes under saddle warrant a visit from the horse’s veterinarian.
The return to full work under saddle can be a lengthy process, beginning with straight-line exercises. The veterinarian may also suggest adjusting other aspects of the horse’s management, including reducing the intensity of the horse’s training in the future, having the horse’s saddle evaluated, improving the rider’s balance, or even reconsidering the type of footing the horse is ridden on.
The hocks are often under significant strain during collected movements.
Hock Arthritis
The hocks in a dressage horse carry a substantial load during collected work and are a common site of arthritis. The issue can be identified by stiff movement, resistance to transition or collection work, or a general decline in performance. A veterinarian will confirm this diagnosis with a thorough lameness exam, flexion tests, nerve blocks, and radiographs.
Like joint pain in jumping horses, hock arthritis in dressage horses can be treated with joint injections and anti-inflammatory medication. Reducing the difficulty or quantity of movements performed may be necessary, but regular work is usually still recommended. “Consistent, low-impact exercise is encouraged, rather than prolonged rest, with ongoing management to maintain comfort,” noted Dr. Elliott.
Diagnostic imaging may be necessary to accurately diagnose soundness issues.
Sacroiliac (SI) Pain
The sacroiliac (SI) area in the horse’s back becomes active during collected work when a horse engages its hind end, tilts its pelvis, and brings its hind legs underneath its body. A horse experiencing discomfort in this area may struggle with flying lead changes and exhibit uneven hind-end engagement, reduced impulsion, or behavioral changes under saddle.
“Diagnosing these issues can be challenging and often involves ruling out other sources of hind-end lameness,” admitted Dr. Elliott, adding that diagnostic block and advanced imaging may be necessary to evaluate the horse.
Targeted SI joint injections can improve comfort, while physical therapy exercises aimed at strengthening the horse’s hind end and core muscles are often part of the long-term management plan for the horse.
The Secret to Success
Riders and caretakers play a significant role in maintaining their horses’ health and well-being. Early recognition of subtle lameness signs is essential, and Dr. Newell emphasized, “Knowing your horse and knowing their nuances, I think, is what’s really going to keep our equine athletes in work longer.”
With a full suite of diagnostic equipment and an expert team of veterinarians, PBEC is fully equipped to provide equine patients with a high standard of care. “A highlight of being a veterinarian at PBEC is the ability to conduct a CT, a bone scan, or a standing MRI. We can provide clients in-depth imaging with a quick turnaround on results with the amount of technology we have here at PBEC,” shared Dr. Newell. She also noted that radiographs and ultrasounds can be conducted in the field, eliminating the need to visit the clinic.
Whether your goal is to trot down the centerline at Adequan Global Dressage Festival or make the jump-off at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Palm Beach Equine Clinic is dedicated to helping your horse perform their best. Visit www.EquineClinic.com for more information or call 561-793-1599 to make an appointment.
From inside the dressage boards to the jumping arena, the risk of injury for equine athletes always exists. Dr. Christopher Elliott and Dr. Emma Newell of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, explained that some riding activities are more closely associated with specific injuries. “The physical demands of each discipline place stress on very different parts of the horse’s body,” noted Dr. Elliott.
In the sport of jumping, the concussive forces of takeoff and landing put strain on the horse’s legs. Joints and soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, are designed to absorb this shock, but excessive and repetitive force on these structures can cause problems. Suspensory ligaments, flexor tendons, and joints are three areas Dr. Elliott commonly treats for injuries in jumping horses.
Suspensory Ligaments
The suspensory ligament can become injured through repetitive strain. A lameness exam, nerve blocks, and an ultrasound are used to determine the location and severity of the injury. Clinical signs of a suspensory injury can vary from subtle or intermittent lameness, reluctance to jump, or, potentially, a gradual decline in performance. Overt and persistent lameness can be seen in more significant injuries.
Rest and a controlled exercise rehabilitation program are the cornerstones of treatment. Additional therapies include shockwave and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which may further support healing.
Dr. Newell reminds horse owners that rehabilitation is tailored to each horse and begins with ground exercises before gradually progressing to ridden work over the course of several months. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring progress and making adjustments to the treatment as needed.
PRP Injections
Flexor Tendons: The DDFT
Flexor tendons, specifically the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT), are another common site of injury in jumping horses.
Injury to the DDFT in the jumping horse typically occurs within the hoof capsule. Horses will present with varying degrees of lameness that are eliminated by distal limb nerve blocks. An MRI is required for definitive diagnosis of injury to the DDFT within the hoof.
A horse with this injury will likely be prescribed rest, controlled exercise rehabilitation, and corrective shoeing, with return to previous levels of performance typically being seen between nine and 12 months.
Dr. Santiago Demierre performing a flexion test
Photo courtesy of Jump Media
Joint Pain: Inflammation and Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common ailments in competition horses, especially jumping horses. Nearly all of a jumping horses’ distal limb joints undergo repeated strain throughout the course of their careers, with the stifles, hocks, and forelimb coffin joints being common sites of inflammation.
If joint inflammation is suspected, the horse’s veterinarian will conduct a physical evaluation, including limb palpation, watching the horse trot in hand, and often also under saddle. Flexion tests are frequently performed along with nerve blocks and radiographs, if necessary, to pinpoint the area of concern.
Managing osteoarthritis is complex and should be tailored to each horse. Veterinary treatment of joint inflammation typically includes targeted joint injections, either with corticosteroids or biological agents. Other systemic treatments involve nutraceutical supplements (oral and injectable), judicious use of systemic anti-inflammatories, and other targeted complementary therapies.
By paying close attention, owners and riders can detect ailments early, giving their horse the best chance at sustained performance. Dr. Newell advised, “Knowing your horse is the best way to prevent these types of injuries. Working closely with your veterinarian to continually evaluate a horse is the key to success.”
To keep your horse on the right track, contact Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.