Like more mainstream veterinary medicine, there are a plethora of options for specializing in vet med within the military. Army veterinarians can choose to focus on animal medicine, research and development, or veterinary public health. Each of these is vitally important to the protection of troops and the public.

Veterinarians working as animal care specialists get to treat everything from military working dogs to ceremonial horses stateside, and they assist with all sorts of Military Working Animals if deployed.

In addition, Army veterinarians participate in a variety of humanitarian missions to assist local communities with animal care.

From Amarillo to the Army

Born in Japan as the youngest child of a Naval officer father, Cris Young, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVPM, moved to Alvaton, Ky., when his father returned to his hometown upon his retirement. Young grew up with a focus on cattle; he didn’t get his first horse until he was 18. But from there, his passion for horses was off and running.

Having been raised in a military family and always showing an interest in the armed forces, Young’s parents had high hopes that he would become a military surgeon. However, his heart belonged to veterinary medicine.

He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, and upon graduation, moved to Amarillo, Texas, where he focused on cattle and “a little bit of horses,” he says.

Young had been out of school for five years when he began to consider a military career.

“I did it backward of how many people do it,” he says. Young was commissioned into the United States Army as a 29-year-old veterinarian in 1998. He was the only veterinarian commissioned that year as military manpower was being downsized under the Clinton administration.

The Role of an Army Veterinarian

Animals have been part of military operations since 1775; the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps was established to care for them in 1916. The Army is the only branch of military service that has veterinarians; it provides veterinarians to all other branches of service as needed.

In addition to caring for military animals, Army veterinarians are in charge of the inspection of food before it’s delivered to troops. The role of “veterinarian” has now expanded to include sanitary food inspectors and animal health specialists.

Army veterinarians can be direct commission officers (DCOs), meaning they’re civilians who have a professional degree and skills needed for a specific role in the military—in this case, veterinarians. The civilian then gets “hired” by the military to fill open positions that are integral to the military’s functioning.

A DCO doesn’t need to go through boot camp, but he or she will complete a Direct Commission Officer Basic Course, which covers things like military leadership, customs, military law, and Army values. Young notes that about 90 percent of military veterinarians had their DVM and then went into the Army Reserve, rather than going to veterinary school after being an enlisted soldier—though either is possible.

There are currently more than 700 veterinarians in the U.S. Army Veterinary Service in both Active duty and Reserve capacities. These veterinarians are tasked with providing care at the 19 duty locations in the United States to a significant number of horses, Young says.

These locations encompass places like United States Military Academy West Point; Arlington National Cemetery; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Riley, Kan.; and Fort Irwin, Calif.

While veterinarians care for the horses there, they also care for myriad other animals, owned both by civilians and the military, Young explains.

“They’re not equine specialists—they’re Army veterinarians,” he says.

Marine Corps Crossover

Interestingly, the Marines have the largest contingent of military equids stateside, according to Young. The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport, Calif., teaches Special Operations Forces soldiers how to ride horses, load pack animals, and maintain animals for military work in remote and dangerous environments. The course is designed to teach Marines how to use pack and riding animals to transport people and supplies when air or ground support isn’t feasible.

Army veterinarians assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command teach soldiers about animal anatomy and care, and animal first aid. The soldiers also learn animal packing techniques, horsemanship, capability of different animals, and other relevant trainings.

The course is taught on horses and mules, but the principles taught can be applied to any pack animal, including the nine species the Marines use: camel, dog, donkey, elephant, horse, llama, mules, ox and even reindeer.

World Traveler

Now in his 26th year of service, Young has had some incredible experiences, both stateside and abroad.

“When I was a Captain stationed with Marines out in the Middle East, I took care of the Australian Special Forces pack animals that they bought there,” he says. “We worked on procuring the pack animals locally because of disease pressure and the risk of disease introduction into the local environment.”

Young has done a variety of tours; his favorite was the 15 months he spent working with a Special Operations command in South America helping small communities with their beef and dairy cooperatives.

“A lot of people don’t know we do humanitarian assistance and civil affairs,” he says. “I’m not a Special Ops soldier, but I got to work with Special Ops folks for those missions.”

Young has been to Afghanistan, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Tanzania and Uganda—and more.

“I never had any idea when I went to vet school that this is where I would end up,” he says. “I’ve done trade missions to China and Mexico, I’ve walked across the Nile River at its source. I’ve done all sorts of crazy things.”

Financial Benefits

In addition to the amazing places he’s traveled, Young’s military career has helped support him financially, he says. He received money to help defray his student loan debt from veterinary school, in addition to drawing a salary. He also received good life insurance and health insurance.

“For a young practitioner who’s just getting started, the perks [of going into military service] are incredible,” Young says. “I was in my third year in the Army when I paid off my [vet school] loans. And we were getting paid $25,000 a year just for showing up. In the higher years of your service, it’s a part-time job that compensates you well—and you can work anywhere you want [with your full-time job].”

Just Say Yes

Now a Professor of Practice at Auburn University with an appointment to the College of Veterinary Medicine and an Adjunct Pathology Professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (among many other roles), Young is surrounded by vet med students.

“When I talk to my students, I tell them to say ‘yes’ a few times,” he says. “If they think, ‘I couldn’t do that job for a year,’ I remind them that you can do ANY job for a year. And if it takes sweat and dirt and lays the foundation for you to get to the next job, it’s worth it. The time goes by really quickly. Whatever it is you want to do, your debt and your attitude are what control your future.”

Now a Colonel in the U.S. Army Veterinary Reserves, Young credits the military with his ability to pay back his student loans in a hurry—and the opportunity to have incredible adventures in a life he never expected.

* The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

This article about veterinarians in the military appeared in the May 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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In either instance, and in many others like them, seeking a second veterinary opinion can be a wise choice. Let’s explore what it means for you, your horse, and the relationship with your veterinarian.

What is a Second Opinion, Anyway?

A second opinion is when a second, independent veterinarian examines your horse after your primary vet has done so. This can be done at any point during a case work-up, from your horse’s initial diagnosis to chronic treatment plan, and is generally requested by the client.

A second opinion is slightly different than a referral, which is the term used when a general practitioner sends a case to a specialist clinic for further diagnostics, surgery, or management. Referrals are almost always requested by the primary veterinarian.

Horse owners seek second opinions for a wide range of reasons, but the most common include situations such as:

◆ When the prognosis for your horse is poor;
◆ When treatment is expensive and/or possibly long-term and prognosis is uncertain;
◆ When management is complicated/difficult;
◆ When end-of-life decisions are being considered;
◆ When you’re frustrated by a lengthy recovery time or a non-responsive recovery;
◆ When you’re confused or unsure of what’s going on with your horse or feel like you’re not being listened to.

Why Does It Feel Weird, Then?

For some, seeking a second opinion may feel uncomfortable, like sneaking around behind your vet’s back, especially if you’ve had a long, solid relationship with a specific individual. Keep in mind that vets, as medical professionals, acknowledge that second opinions are warranted and are part of the practice of veterinary medicine.

In fact, a second opinion could technically be considered part of a thorough work-up. We actually do it ourselves sometimes, calling colleagues or specialists when we feel the need for another point of view or a pair of fresh eyes. It’s also helpful in cases where we seek a more creative or innovative option, especially with complicated or chronic cases or when more traditional treatment regimens aren’t working.

If you’re experiencing anxiety over obtaining a second opinion, go through the exercise of asking yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. Identifying why you’re dissatisfied with your current vet’s plan can be a very valuable piece of information.

These can be hard questions to ask yourself, but be honest and try not to judge yourself on your responses. These answers may help you set expectations for the second opinion and help you clearly communicate what you’re looking for. Don’t let your angst or avoidance of a potentially awkward conversation prevent you from seeking the best care for your horse.

How Do You Get a Second Opinion on Your Horse’s Diagnosis?

As with most things in life, clear communication is the best approach when seeking a second opinion. You don’t have to justify yourself to your current vet, but letting her know your plan is the polite, direct, professional, and potentially mutually beneficial thing to do. If the second opinion unveils a novel treatment or other consideration, your current vet may be glad to know about it for the future.

If you use a multi-vet practice, a second opinion can be as simple as asking to see another vet. However, depending on where you live, sometimes finding another vet that serves your area can be a challenge.

Trailering to a vet school or larger clinic may not be an option for those with limited resources or who live in remote areas. Talking with other horse owners in the area may help you find another vet. Depending on the situation, you could also consider asking your current vet for a recommendation.

Once you’ve established contact with the vet who will give the second opinion, make sure she knows that’s what is happening. If it’s a complex or acute case and there are medical records, make sure the second vet has access to them, preferably before the visit. A complete history of the case is critical to obtaining a useful second opinion.

Some clinics have procedures regarding second opinions and may require that medical records be sent a specified number of days prior to the farm call. For this reason, when scheduling the second opinion, make sure the clinic knows about it ahead of time.

What Happens Next for Your Horse’s Diagnosis?

One of two options usually occurs after a second opinion: Either the second vet agrees and therefore confirms the first vet’s diagnosis and plan for your horse, or she offers other suggestions.

Of course, there are numerous shades of gray in between, and now it’s up to you to decide what to do. Here’s where those questions you asked yourself before come in handy: What were you looking for? Were the questions or concerns you had addressed? How do you feel about the situation now?

One scenario to beware of, however, is the one of endless opinions. If you find yourself jumping from vet to vet to vet trying to get an answer that you’re satisfied with, tap the brakes. Some further self-questioning and possible soul-searching is needed at this point.

Is your horse simply no longer ridable and you’re having trouble accepting that? Can you not afford the care offered? Is the care needed beyond your ability or comfort level? Again, try not to judge yourself. Sometimes roping in an independent third party, even a non-horse person, can help sort things out or identify a red flag where you’re unable to.

What Isn’t a Second Opinion?

Do you and your horse a favor; if you decide to seek a true second medical opinion, don’t settle for a shortcut. The main one to avoid is the internet. Social media is full of opinions, that’s for sure, but even well-intentioned individuals online haven’t physically examined your horse. This is a key component of a vet/client/patient relationship.

For this reason, also beware of online ads that read something like this: “Ask a vet online NOW! Free second opinions!”

Although some telemedicine by licensed veterinarians is legal and of high quality, its use depends on the situation and the state. Ultimately, you’ll end up saving time and maybe even money just going straight to a second veterinarian in your area.

In most instances, a vet and horse owner can amicably navigate a second opinion to yield a satisfying result that ultimately benefits the horse. And really, in most people’s opinion, acting in the horse’s best interest should always be the goal.

This article about second opinions for a horse’s diagnosis appeared in the August 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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DULUTH, Ga. – With a dwindling number of veterinarians entering equine practice and existing practitioners leaving the industry altogether or shifting to small animal practice, many are concerned about a looming shortage of equine veterinarians. To help identify the specific issues facing this group, Boehringer Ingelheim conducted an anonymous survey of more than 100 equine veterinarians. The pain points identified by respondents fell into the following categories:

Personal Wellness

By far the leading area of concern was personal wellness with nearly 50% citing it as a challenge. Dealing with owners, colleagues, running a business, performing euthanasias and being on call takes a toll on equine veterinarians. And with fewer entering the profession, the pressure is increasing on those that remain. The toll is both physical and mental exhaustion.

Work/Life Balance

“Being able to take time off” and “being able to find relief vets with equine knowledge” were both cited as contributors to an undesirable work/life balance. Working long days and then being on call is particularly challenging for the equine veterinary professional. “It’s hard to say no,” said one respondent.

Marginal Wages  

Upon graduation from veterinary school, the average amount of student debt is $183,000. Often, after earning their four-year degree, new veterinarians go on to internships or residencies, deferring debt repayment and thereby accruing even more interest. Once they do start earning wages, the average starting associate salary, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, is $89,000, making the debt-to-income ratio an uncomfortable range.

“The pay rate isn’t very desirable for the economy we are in,” noted one respondent.

Difficult Clients

While most respondents cited good client relationships as a plus to working in equine veterinary medicine, some indicated challenges related to their clientele, including collecting payments in a timely manner, unrealistic expectations and lack of respect. One respondent noted, “Some clients have very selfish attitudes and think they should dictate to the doctor what they want done.”

The Silver Lining

While the survey sought to better understand the challenges facing equine veterinarians, there were also some positive comments from respondents who remain upbeat about their career choice.

“I love feeling valued. Being able to go out and help people and their animals makes me feel like I do some good in the world.”

How Boehringer Ingelheim is Helping

Results of this survey are being used to help inform the development of a wellness initiative from Boehringer Ingelheim called The Stable Life, which is a wellness initiative dedicated to transforming the future of equine medicine and helping veterinarians thrive. Multiple Stable Life webinars and in-person presentations have already taken place, covering such topics as conflict management, practice growth and establishing boundaries. And more are on the way as well as financial and volunteer support of other groups and initiatives with a similar goal.

“We are doing a much better job as an industry of recognizing there is a problem in the equine veterinary profession,” says Sarah Reuss, VMD, DACVIM, technical manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health. “Part of the solution is to offer resources that will help veterinarians better manage their practices, their client relationships and their workload so their career is sustainable. While the survey results are certainly sobering, we plan to use them to better inform and guide the support we offer to veterinarians through The Stable Life.”

For more information about The Stable Life initiatives, talk to your Boehringer Ingelheim sales representative or professional services veterinarian.

— Edited Press Release

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, producers, and governments in more than 150 countries, they offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock.

Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA.

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I was standing near the arena gate with my daughter, Morgan, who was waiting her turn to show Kevin, our American Saddlebred gelding (although he was regularly accused of being an Arabian cross). I’d been hopeful that my large hat and sunglasses would conceal my identity, but my flamboyant horse was a dead giveaway, in case anyone was actually fooled by my outfit.

It is the law of all things veterinarian that should vets appear in public, someone will hit us up for free advice, launch into a long saga about a sick or lame horse, or try to get us to look at a horse or a dog, so we always try to lay low. Unfortunately, with Kevin around, that was not possible. So much for balancing vet life with mom life.

And So It Begins

A horse had been excused from the arena, and the owner poked at him and announced that he was probably “out” in his hips. Her trainer pointed at me, and Morgan sighed in frustration as the woman walked over to us. She was used to people approaching me, but it was the third time today, and it was wearing on her.

“If you could just look inside my horse’s mouth real quick?” said the woman. “We think he might have some sharp points, or he might need his hips put back in. The chiro from Yuma was out last week but didn’t get to my horse, and he knows treatments that vets don’t learn about. Also my friend’s horse had ulcers, so could I get a few tubes of Gastrogard from you?”

She thumped Kevin’s neck. “I had an Arabian-cross once.”

Morgan glared.

“Mom, can you double-check my girth? And I’m thirsty—can I have my water bottle, please?”

I sighed, tightened the girth, and handed over the water bottle, which was filled with Morgan’s favorite blue sports drink. I explained that I was not working today and that I wasn’t handing out prescription drugs for horses that weren’t my patients and told the woman to call Monday for an appointment.

Fun fact: This type of owner almost never calls to schedule an actual appointment with the vet, but you better believe they have the lay-tooth-floater and the internet-certified “back-popper” on speed dial.

I was muttering to myself when the loudspeaker blared, and my blue-lipped daughter tapped my arm anxiously.

Making an Escape

“Mom, we have to go! That was my number!”

I noticed Morgan’s blue mouth and quickly mimed wiping it off, which she did on the inside of her show coat. We headed toward the gate, water bottle tucked under my arm. Morgan trotted confidently into the arena, and I had just started videoing when the woman’s loud voice boomed into my ear again.

“So if you could just look at his teeth real quick then I’ll know if he needs floated and then we can schedule everything on Monday. I’ve got two other horses here that need checked, too. Berty is a little thin, but he gets two cups of senior grain twice a day, and the chiro has him on a mineral supplement. Dixie has sciatica, and the chiro usually fixes her right up, but it could also be her teeth. She’s an old barrel horse, but she’s a decent jumper, and the chiro said the sciatica was from running barrels, but as long as we didn’t run her anymore and just stuck to English, she’d be fine. But Chicken Little really seems like he has something going on, and my thought is teeth or hips, but you’re the vet, so …”

I was focused on filming and didn’t respond. Kevin knocked a rail down but completed the course, and Morgan was beaming when they exited the ring.

We walked Kevin back to the trailer and the woman followed, still talking.

“Course Berty used to knock rails down but then the dentist did a special neurological-something float, and he’s never done it since, and your horse looks like he needs that, too. You should call my dentist, most vets don’t know about it …”

Electrolyte Bioactivation

I winked at my daughter. Then, turning my back to the woman, I poured some bright blue Gatorade into my hand and applied it to Kevin’s right hoof wall, then opened an app on my phone that turned my screen red, and slowly moved it back and forth over Kevin’s wet foot.

The woman’s mouth hung open.

“What are you doing to him?!”

“Oh, I would never recommend this to a client,” I said sternly. “It’s complete nonsense, and it hasn’t been researched or proven to do a thing. Some say that the iPhone 11 and 12 may have a Delta Nu red light spectrum that could improve performance, mental function and wellness. I’ve been trying it out on my own horses. The blue Gatorade on the hoof supposedly catalyzes the purple spectrum electrolyte bioactivation.”

Morgan was enthusiastic.

“Mom, today we could jump almost anything! It’s really helping Kevin!”

I gave her The Stare that mothers everywhere have perfected for when their kids are overdoing it, but the owner was studying her battered iPhone 8 glumly and hadn’t noticed. Morgan and I untacked Kevin and sponged him down, and when I looked up, the woman was gone.

When I’d snort-laughed for the fourth time in a row, Morgan looked at me.

“Mama, does the light really work?”

I sat next to her.

“The reason Kevin is doing better is because of the hard work you’ve put in! And I haven’t put Gatorade on his foot and waved my phone at it before today, I promise.”

“Did you do that because the lady was bothering us?”

“Yes, but I made it up and it seems to have backfired, because now you think that Gatorade and the iPhone 11 and 12 heals horses.”

My daughter smiled.

“Well, I guess we’ll find out next time I ride, won’t we?”

This installment of Dr. Diehl’s Vet Adventures about balancing vet life with mom life appeared in the January/February 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Best Vet Finalist: Dr. Kristi Gran

This past year, as a 38-year-old rider in the saddle since age 10, I was finally blessed with the opportunity to own my own horse, an off-track Thoroughbred, Cambridge Gray. My standards were high when selecting a veterinarian to do the prepurchase exam on my dear Cambridge. Dr. Kristi Gran, a Purdue University veterinarian board certified in internal medicine, quickly passed the test and approved Cambridge with flying colors.

We had a wonderful winter. He jumped, gave pony rides to my four kids, and participated in horse shows where he won grand champion. We had big plans and bigger dreams. Then came summer. In May, Cambridge grew a shaggy coat and started sweating in patchy places. Dr. Gran came to the rescue and started blood work, trial treatments, and a myriad of medications. As the summer wore on, Cambridge shut down. Through many tests, hours at his side, and treatment trials, Dr. Gran concluded the impossible: Cambridge was diagnosed with anhidrosis, a condition causing his sweat glands to shut down one by one.

She gave us all that she had, trying every treatment possible and consulting with specialists all over the country, but tragically, Cambridge eventually suffocated from the inside out, passing on a sad summer day with Dr. Gran by his side. Dr. Gran was with us for every question, every treatment, every joy, and every heartbreak. She worked well beyond any expectation of any veterinarian. She is truly the very best.

— Kathryn Sharer, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Best Vet Finalist: Dr. Chris Weber

After sending us for diagnostics at Tufts, my horse was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease of the small intestine. Dr. Chris Weber worked with me and my boarding barn owner to treat my horse and get him back on track. After six months of constant vet visits and multiple phone calls, my horse was back to normal.

I am lucky enough to call Dr. Weber my vet and my boss. I have been Dr. Weber’s technician at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital for nine years now. The care and compassion he showed me and my horse is the same he shows to all of his clients.

Dr. Weber is a strong believer in educating our youth. He has volunteered his time on numerous occasions at schools, after-school programs, and community events, teaching kids about veterinary medicine and basic care of their horse.

— Ashley Sharpe, Enfield, Conn.

Best Vet Finalist: Dr. Megan Fine

When we had exhausted all possible treatment for our elderly mare, Maja, and it was apparent that she was tired, Dr. Megan Fine of Cranberry Creek Equine Veterinary Services took the time to speak with me and my daughter, explaining the process and telling us what to expect when we were deciding to make the appointment.

We sat on my front lawn and chatted for a long while. She caringly answered every single question, sometimes more than once. And again, on the day of the appointment, Dr. Fine’s “bedside” manner was exceptional, as was the care she administered to Maja. She talked us through every step and made sure that Dakota (my other horse, and Maja’s companion of 10 years) was reacting as well as could be expected.

She is an excellent teacher, as well! My daughter is considering becoming a veterinarian, and Dr. Fine offered for my daughter to shadow her for a summer. She exercised patience, understanding and proudly displayed her passion for helping the patients she tended to. Thanks to Dr. Fine, my daughter followed her example and started in the vet tech program at our local college.

— Chantale Tremblay, Ontario, Canada

Best Vet Finalist: Dr. Eric Bohl

As a 10-year 4-H member during childhood, I learned about horse care. As an adult, I read books and Horse Illustrated and learned from a previous boarding facility about horse care. But watching my 27” Miniature therapy horse, Bugle, colic on my farm left me wide-eyed and helpless. I knew colic would be an expensive surgery or death sentence if not caught in time.

My first panicked phone call to Dr. Eric Bohl was met with a soothing voice. “I’m on a farm call now; I’ll be done soon.” Twenty minutes later he called back to check how things were going. He would be at my place in 15 minutes. He told me to keep walking Bugle but to let him rest if he wants.

I had only met Dr. Bohl once, when I found his name on the internet as an equine vet in the rural area I had just moved to. He had given my horses their shots that spring. We hadn’t built a relationship yet, but the night I called in a panic because my baby could die, he acted like an old friend with all the right words. He stayed 90+ minutes administering meds, assuring me that “Bugle’s vitals are stable; he’ll be fine. It’s colic caused by dehydration. You knew the signs and caught it early.”

While administering mineral oil and water, he asked about my horses. We talked about my profession as a teacher and the therapy visits Bugle and I had made to local nursing homes and to a youth homeless shelter.

Dr. Bohl put his family dinner on hold to tend to Bugle. Before leaving he said, “Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. I can come back or talk you through it.” He reassured me that because I checked in on my horses after my dinner, it was caught in time. He melted my anxiety and reassured me I’m a great horse mom. That’s Best Vet material!

— Darla Ramberg, Roberts, Wisc.

Best Vet Finalist: Dr. DeAnn Hughes

Eleven years ago, I moved to a very rural area in Central Kentucky with few veterinarians, much less equine specialists. Fortunately, about 10 years ago Dr. Hughes, who grew up raising, riding and showing horses, started her practice as an equine specialist.

She has gone the extra mile to stay current in her knowledge and (pre-COVID) to provide her customers with free seminars to make sure our horses and mules get the benefit of the most recent veterinary recommendations. With COVID, she has changed her practice from at her farm to providing all routine, dental and emergency care at your barn with blood and fecal specimens processed on her equipment rather than sending them off.

She is personable and open to calls asking about routine problems, like wound treatment and hoof soreness. If you have an emergency, she listens, asks questions, gives you options, and explains the abnormal in understandable terms.

— Geri Guerin, Horse Cave, Ky.

Best Vet Finalist: Dr. James Tilley

Dr. James Tilley has been our vet for over 20 years, caring for and often saving the lives of our equine family members. Over the years I have found him to be a man of great skill and great compassion, not just for horses, but compassion for owners as well.

I have seen him in the dead of night, like last week when we had a severe colic, and he came out at 9 p.m. and worked on our mare until almost 11 p.m. after a day of being on the road and caring for horses all over central Arkansas. We live in south Arkansas and yet he came and saved her.

One of the best things about having James Tilley as our vet is the fact that he teaches the humans as he treats the horses. He shows up at your place and you will have education for yourself as well as healing for your horse. He is incredibly patient and understanding and a huge source of comfort when my horse is injured or ill.

I have been a professional horsewoman for the better part of 50 years and have had the privilege of working with many really good vets, but I haven’t met any who can come close to this one. He has treated everything from lacerations to a bear attack. He has seen our horses through births and deaths and everything in between.

He is the very best marriage of the classic old-timey vet and the one with cutting-edge skills and equipment who will step in and save your beloved horse. He will do it reasonably, he will do it cheerfully, he will do it skillfully. “Best vet”? Not nearly high enough praise.

— Judith Vandermeer, Bismarck, Ark.

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