Personal Narrative: A Career In Horse Training

Blood rushed through my veins and my heart began to race as the powerful equine athlete beneath me was preparing to run into the arena. Fifteen seconds and three barrels later, my heartbeat began to slow down, tears flooding my eyes, as Lulu’s first run in two years had commenced. After years of rehabilitation, dedication and patience, Lulu was back at it, doing her job. She came out of the arena as if she were on top of the world; her head held high, looking for her reward (a horse treat)! Lulu’s return to competition after lameness, along with many hours spent at horse farms and veterinary clinics, has given me an appreciation for the veterinary field and the discipline and dedication it takes to keep animals healthy and performing at

their best.
My interest in equine lameness began at a quarter horse ranch in Jordan, Minnesota. This time was invaluable, as I spent a majority of it exercising horses on a lunge line to keep them conditioned for competition. The many hours I spent lunging these equine athletes gave me the opportunity to analyze how they move. I learned how to watch for subtle changes in movement and also came to know what “normal” movement is for a horse. While working at the ranch, I was connected with Dr. Bob Racich and Dr. Audrey Declue, whom I would go on to work for the following years.
At Dr.

Racich’s clinic, Lake View Equine, I learned valuable veterinary skills, but more importantly, I learned how to handle horses that came into the clinic. I quickly came to understand the actual value of a horse, whether $500 or $1 million, doesn’t have any importance on how a veterinarian cares for them. They are all worth their weight in gold to their owners. Working for Dr. Audrey Declue, who also specializes in lameness of performance horses, taught me the importance of taking your time to be thorough with every horse. This allows for a complete diagnosis while keeping the horse relaxed, enabling the treatment process to go smoother. Another key take-away from Dr. Declue was the importance in follow-up. Following the veterinarian’s post-treatment recommendations is vital to the success of the equine athlete returning to competition. A relapse is probable if proper follow-up is not executed, resulting in recurrent lameness and the need for further

treatment.
Even though I have desired to be a veterinarian for quite some time, in 2014 I decided not to apply to vet school a second time.

The delay in applying a second cycle gave me opportunities to grow as a person. These opportunities include volunteering at Haven Acres, a youth ranch for disadvantaged and at-risk youth, along with giving riding lessons at a local stable. During my time at Haven Acres, I also had the opportunity to donate my horse Ruby. Ruby was a horse with sensitive feet deeming her unfit for competitive riding. Tom Smith, the trainer of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit said, “You don’t throw away a whole life just cause it’s banged up a little.” Ruby was banged up a little but it wouldn’t stop her from being a vessel to reach youth who would learn from her. My time at Haven Acres and the local stable helped me develop more effective communication skills, and discover my true passion in the process. I realized I do enjoy helping others and teaching, but I also realized I my true passion for working in a veterinary setting, where I not only care for animals, but also educate their owners on how to care for them. My ultimate goal as a veterinarian is to specialize in equine lameness and sports medicine. Along with specializing in this particular field, I desire to hold educational seminars to teach horse owners how to better care for their horses on a daily

basis.
Lulu’s first run after a two year rehabilitation process was a wonderful reminder to me as to why I aspire to become a veterinarian. The countless hours I have spent caring for Lulu and working for veterinarians has shaped me into the person I am today and the veterinarian I desire to become. In reflection, I am truly thankful for the opportunities I have had with the Quarter Horse Farm, Dr. Racich, Dr. Declue and at Haven Acres, for broadening my understanding of the veterinary profession. My future as a veterinarian is boundless; filled with unlimited opportunities to discover and explore the veterinary field.