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.