10/12/2026
This is the reality of what equine practice looks like on a Sunday. A mare yellow from head to tail. A gelding that cracked his first cervical vertebrae and is in dire pain. Another gelding that rushed the gate and ripped his hip open. A colic at the end of the night. This is what we all went to school for, for nearly twenty years. The controlled chaos.....this is what we dreamed of. The horse needs us. The horse needs the next generation.
It is grueling. It is heartbreaking. It taxes your psyche, your soul, your body. BUT dont let it break you, don't let it defeat you, don't let it rob you of your childhood dreams. Your life is sooooo worthy. So reach out, call me, ask someone who has been there done that. I may not have all the answers, but I will listen and help you find those answers. Drink water, eat, stretch your body, sit down and take a breath. Ask for help. Call your best friend. Call your Mom. You are not alone. And when there is a lull in that controlled chaos, take a hike, walk your dog, ride your horse, read a book for enjoyment, and not because you have to cram every last detail into your brain. Do whatever refills and replenishes your cup and your soul.
This is year 30 for me. Change wasn't easy and it comes with risk. When i was in my fourth year, Dr. Huber and i were the surgery team. 27 patients, just the 2 of us. At that time, students did the graveyard shift and took care of all of the treatments/monitoring during the night. I took my dad's campcot and put it in the hallway so I could hear more keenly. But there was no sleeping. I had been up for seventy two hours straight. I finally made it home rush hour traffic, but I fell asleep at the wheel in September's afternoon sun. Fortunately, instead of veering left into oncoming traffic on highway 20, I veered right through the ditch down the tree line and somehow stopped In front of an outbuilding. I survived. My dad stormed into the teaching hospital the very next day. Change happened. Paid night nurses.
CHANGE MUST HAPPEN. I did the internship. I did the residency. But I am the fortunate one. I had the best mentors in this profession. Leaders that forged leaders who lead by example. Outstanding leadership is contagious, passing on traits of dedication, determination, grace, grit, resilience, compassion, the power of knowledge, and a willingness to keep learning novel approaches to medicine and surgery. Dont let the job or anyone else dim the bright light of your future. Dont let the job rob you of your soul. Take care of yourself so that you can take care of these magnificent creatures. Time and time again, the horse will replenush your soul. With all the love and care, Dr. Leah.
