Introduction.....The life of a Horse Vet

I've been told that I should be writing a blog!  :) 

Not only to get down in writing all the thoughts and information rattling around my head, but instead of just having info put out in a Newsletter, a blog goes out into the World Wide Web!  And that is supposed to be a good thing! Hmmmm, OK I guess I'm up for change!  I'm always open to new medical information and techniques so why not be open to the ever changing computer world!  Hey, even my mom texts me now, LOL!

.....Hello writers block!  So I will ramble on a bit here about how I came to be a horse vet and why I do what I do. 

I was introduced to horses when I was about 5 when my best friend across the street used to take horseback riding lessons and we used to play with her plastic Breyer horses.  I was hooked right then and I'd never met a horse before.  When my parents bought a house in Del Mar and I was devastated about leaving all my friends behind, they bribed me with the ill fated promise that we could have a horse at the new house.....well that didn't quite happen (Thank God since no one knew how to care for a horse!) I eventually took horseback riding lessons, worked as a groom, and finally owned a horse at 15.  But I look back and wonder how a 5 year old's passion for something she'd never seen in person turned into a life long career and love affair. I feel lucky that I was so guided at a young age, that I became directed and persistent in what I wanted to do. I also feel lucky that everyday I get to be touched by horses.  You are horse people so you know.....they are very special, sensitive if not spiritual animals.  Just their presence can heal.  I've seen horses that can be boisterous and challenging, slow down and quietly sniff a child....as if they know they have to be extra careful.  I know there is a lot of romanticism with horses but I also have witnessed many special moments that keep their place in my life in special regard.

So, back to a day in the life of a vet.  Hmm, every day is different, some are slow, some busy, some stressful and some plain fun.  But I guess what I do want to convey is that in every case I see, every horse I am treating, I take that home.  I take on the responsibility for helping your horse get better.  I mull over and think about your horse's issues at night, because maybe there is a better way or maybe there is something else we can do.  I also think about you, the extra work you may now have to do, or the stress and pain you might be feeling if your horse is really sick. So, if I call you to check on your horse (sometimes repeatedly), just know that you and they have been on my mind.  Let me know, even if everything is fine.  I love to hear the good results even if it seems mundane to you.  And I want to hear if there hasn't been improvement, maybe I can suggest something different.  I tell my friends that it's not a job or even a career, but being put in the special place of caring for the well-being of a horse...it is more like a calling and it is my life.

That sounded a bit grandiose, and most of you know that I am pretty down to earth, I just truly feel honored to have the career/life that I have.

Next time....back to giving you information on topics you can use to help your horse.

Lisa