07/03/2025
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬
In a time when headlines move fast and opinions even faster, the recent news of a veterinarian’s temporary license suspension has sent shockwaves through the equine community. Many of us know and love our vets like family. We trust them in moments of crisis, we rely on their guidance, and we see them pour their lives into the horses we love. So naturally, when one of them faces scrutiny or disciplinary action, our first reaction is often emotional.
But this moment — hard as it may be — calls for something greater than emotion: patience and an understanding of due process.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞
Becoming a licensed veterinarian is no easy feat. It requires years of schooling, clinical training, and passing a series of rigorous exams. Once licensed, vets are held to a high standard — both ethically and legally. Their first oath is to the animals in their care, and their license is a privilege granted under the authority of a governing board tasked with protecting public safety, animal welfare, and the integrity of the profession.
When a board steps in with disciplinary action — warnings, fines, suspension or revocation — it is not a decision made lightly. It follows a detailed investigation, opportunities for the veterinarian to respond, and a process that often takes months, if not longer. The board must review evidence, interview witnesses, and determine whether violations of veterinary medical law have occurred. Remember these are humans too who are for veterinarians and the horses. The process is not easy for anyone to walk through.
𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧
In every industry — especially one involving life and death — rules are not suggestions. They are safeguards, designed to protect both animals and the professionals who care for them. When those rules are broken, intentionally or not, there can be serious consequences — not just to careers, but to the lives of horses.
Yes, it is incredibly hard to see a trusted vet go through trials. It feels personal, very personal. But the veterinary board exists for a reason — not to punish without reason, but to ensure that standards are upheld for the safety of all. When a license is temporarily suspended, it is because the board found that there was substantial cause, reviewed with care and caution. Especially now, when we face a nationwide shortage of equine veterinarians, such decisions are not made without deep deliberation and consideration of the consequences of such action.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐩
Social media can be a powerful tool, but in moments like this, it often becomes a breeding ground for slander, assumptions, and division. We must resist the urge to rush to judgment or to share half-truths.
This is not the time to bash, but the time to pause. To trust that the process is doing what it was created to do — seek truth and uphold justice.
𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
As horsemen and horsewomen, we are called to higher standards too. Integrity. Honor. Respect. Let’s not allow raw emotion to override rules, standards, or values. There is a board and a process for a reason - to protect our veterinarians, us, and our animals. A social media public division of the community isn't going to change the process. Let’s remember that while we may have deep personal loyalty to our veterinarians, the board is also acting on behalf of what the rules and governing laws say — not what’s easy.
There will be a final outcome. Evidence will be reviewed. Conclusions will be made. And when that time comes, we can all evaluate the situation with clear eyes and facts. But until then, the best thing we can do is this: pray for all involved — the people and their families affected and navigating the headlines.
In the end, rules are rules. If lines are blurred, safety is compromised. Our job as horesmen and women now is not to pick sides, but to uphold the values that make our equine community strong: a deep commitment to the welfare of the horse.
