Pioneer Equine Hospital

09/19/2024

09/18/2024

We sure are missing Dr. MacDonald, but glad to see him thriving as a teacher of the next generation! Those are some lucky veterinary students!

As our newest surgical educator in the Texas A&M VMBS VERO program, Dr. David MacDonald hopes to inspire VERO’s small student cohorts through his passion for horses, his 35 years of veterinary experience, and his practical teaching approach.

“I’m hoping that training new veterinarians is going to be the way that I can give back because this profession has been very, very good to me. I’ve really enjoyed it,” MacDonald said. “The opportunity to share with others what I’ve done that’s been good and what mistakes I’ve made, so maybe they won’t make them, will hopefully be part of my contribution to their future careers.”

Read more: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/equine-surgeon-joins-vero-campus/

09/17/2024

It’s that time of year again! Mark your calendars for our Education Expo! Join us on Saturday November 16th for a day packed with all things horses. From educational talks to shopping! 🐴🛍️

⭐️FREE EVENT⭐️
- Educational talks by our veterinarians
- Demonstrations by trained staff
- Food available for purchase
- Pharmaceutical Reps on site
- Local Stallion Showcase
- Special guests
- Local Vendors

Register by calling us! (209) 847-5951

09/04/2024

Pioneer Stallion Center is excited to offer a Phantom Training Discount Month in October 2024!
This is a great way to get a jump start on your 2025 breeding plans and save yourself some money!

Be sure to reach out and ask for Kathryn to book a week of phantom training for your stallion.
Call - (209)847-5951
Email - [email protected]

08/29/2024

Pioneer is excited to be a sponsor and guest at the 2024 Opportunities in Equine Practice Seminar (OEPS) hosted in Lexington, KY! 🐴🩺

Dr. Kaitlin Mielnicki will be representing Pioneer at this student forum. OEPS goal is to educate and support veterinary students in practice and financial management information as well as creating mentor relationships between practitioners and students within the equine veterinary field. Pioneer is honored to be apart of the OEPS influence. If you see Dr. Mielnicki in Kentucky be sure to say hi!

08/14/2024

Help us cheer on one of our boys and his team at the Royal Crown Roping Futurity in Rock Springs, WY!!
Sending best wishes to the whole Les Oswald Performance Horses team!

∙𝟔 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆∙
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟖/𝟏𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝟗:𝟎𝟎𝐚.𝐦.

𝑷𝑬𝑷𝑷𝒀𝑺 𝑺𝑴𝑶𝑶𝑻𝑯 𝑻𝑨𝑳𝑲𝑬𝑹
2019 Sorrel Stallion
2024 Fee: $1,500
Sire: Smooth Talkin Style
Dam: Peppys Stylish Lena (Docs Stylish Oak)
𝖮𝗐𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝗒: 𝖣𝖺𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖢𝖺𝗋𝗂 𝖭𝗈𝗋𝖼𝗎𝗍𝗍
𝖲𝗁𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝖻𝗒: 𝖫𝖾𝗌 𝖮𝗌𝗐ald

Contact us if interested in a 2025 breeding!
Phone: (209)847-5951
Email: [email protected]






📸: Rica Ann Photography

08/06/2024

This cute little buckskin filly came to see us after she was found in the field with a very painful eye. We examined her eye and found that she had a corneal ulcer as well as a desmetocele. A desmetocele is a corneal ulcer that is so deep there is only one layer of cells left protecting the inner parts of the eye. We placed a subpalpebral lavage line (SPL) in order to help us safely medicate her eye and she stayed at Pioneer for a couple weeks receiving treatment. We also performed therapeutic laser sessions on her eye to speed healing and decrease inflammation. She was eventually able to go home for treatment and came back intermittently for recheck examinations and laser treatments. It was a long journey, but she is doing very well and the corneal scar continues to regress.

06/07/2024

Congratulations to the intern class of 2024! 🥳 Thank you for all your hard work and dedication this past year. We were happy to be apart of your veterinary practice journey. To Dr. Gia Diaz Perez, Dr. Judith Fabra Soler, and Dr. Henry Huang, we wish you luck in all your feature endeavors!

05/23/2024

Keeping Your Equine Water Tanks Algae-Free 🐴💧
Algae growth in water tanks can be a nuisance, but with a few simple steps, you can maintain clean and healthy water for your horses. Here’s how:
Regular Cleaning:
💧 Routinely drain and scrub your water tanks to remove algae buildup.
💧Use a scrub brush to clean the sides and bottom thoroughly.
💧Rinse the tank well after scrubbing.
Shade Matters:
💧Position your water tanks in shady areas whenever possible. Sunlight promotes algae growth, so shade helps reduce it.

Remember, clean water is essential for your horse’s health. When water quality is affected, it may decrease the amount of water consumed by your horses. As the temperatures rise, maintaining water intake is essential. Let’s keep those tanks algae-free!

05/22/2024

All Stallion Owners and Reproduction people! Our Reproduction phone number is having difficulties. If you need to reach the reproduction team, please call the office, text the main office number 209-847-5951 or email [email protected]!!

Our reproduction phone line is not working! 😓

While we work to resolve this issue, please call the main hospital (209)847-5951 for appointments and semen ordering.
You can also email [email protected] with any breeding questions!

05/20/2024

Is your mare expecting? 🐴❤️
During this crucial time, our veterinary team is here to provide specialized care for your pregnant horse.
Why Choose Our Team?
• Experience: Our veterinarians have extensive knowledge in equine reproductive health.
• Tailored Guidance: We’ll create a customized care plan for your mare’s unique needs.
• 24/7 Support: From conception to foaling, we’re available round the clock.

Contact us today for any of your mare and foal health care and needs!

05/08/2024

While many of you have learned the value of Dr. Suzanne Brenner’s expertise for lameness and internal medicine diagnoses, did you know she sometimes joins our surgeons in the OR too? Here Dr. Brenner is assisting Dr. Hicks with presurgical planning for a foreign body removal. Ultrasound be invaluable in locating foreign bodies made of wood and other materials that cannot be seen on x-rays. Here, Dr. Brenner was able to precisely locate the wooden splinter and allow Dr. Hicks to make the smallest incision possible to retrieve it! We are very lucky to have Dr. Brenner full time at Pioneer now. Team work makes the dream work!

05/03/2024

A 9 year old WB gelding presented for a front limb lameness on and off over several weeks at a horse show. His coffin joints were injected and he improved, but the lameness would recur when he started back into work. He underwent a lameness exam and his lameness resolved with a block of his heel. Radiographs of the navicular region showed only minor abnormalities. On ultrasound,a deep digital flexor tendon tear was diagnosed but due to the depth of the lesion within the foot, the full extent could not be evaluated.

He underwent an MRI which diagnosed a severe deep digital flexor tendon lesion. After treatment with orthobiologic therapy (Pro-stride), shockwave, laser, and extensive rehab at , he has returned to under saddle work and is back jumping again!

04/29/2024

It’s show time!

The 2024 show season is here! Let’s help make sure your equine athlete is ready and in top notch condition for a success show season. Make an appointment with us to update your horse’s coggins, treat them to some body work, and make sure your horse is healthy and sound for competition!

04/19/2024

Interested in Chiropractic Care! Call in for an appointment with Dr. Vickerman!

Chiropractic is proving to be an essential part of the horse's routine health and well-being.

04/03/2024

Gastric ulcers are lesions or sores that form on the stomach lining and are very common in horses. Here are common signs your horse may be experiencing discomfort from gastric ulcers. Although gastric ulcers are a concerning issue, treatment and prevention can go a long way to keeping your equine friend happy and comfortable.

If your horse is experiencing ulcers, or is presenting with any of these signs, it may be time for check up. Call us at (209) 847-5951 to book an appointment.

04/01/2024

Thank you to the Brown Ranch and San Ramon Valley Horsemen’s Association for hosting such a great event! Dr. Kris Valerio, our East Bay Veterinarian, and administrative member, Amy Weispfenning, represented Pioneer Equine Hospital as they covered trail riding first aid essentials. They were delighted to have such an eager audience to attend to. We are very grateful for the invitation as guess speakers and want to give a special thank you to Bonnie for welcoming us!

03/18/2024

REMINDER: A sudden change in diet when spring arrives can increase the risk of digestive health problems and laminitis. In the spring, grass can accumulate high amounts of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC) that might be unsafe for certain horses to consume 🌱

Have questions about how to best transition your horses to spring pastures? Give us a call at (209) 847-5951

03/16/2024

We are happy to announce that another Pioneer Family member has been admitted into veterinary school! A big congratulations to Philip Knierieme for getting into Oklahoma State Veterinary School!

Philip was a technician at Pioneer, and he also helped in the surgery department frequently. He is greatly missed around here, but we are so proud of him, and know he will accomplish big things!

03/12/2024

Dr. Kris Valerio is hard at work making your performance horses in the East Bay feel their best with shockwave therapy! 💥

Extracorpeal shockwave is a common modality used by veterinarians to treat and manage performance horses. It makes use of sound waves, or pressure waves, to have effects on the tissue. The mechanisms by which shockwave works are not fully understood, however, we have been able to show that it does have multiple effects on the tissue. To find out more or schedule an appointment, reach out to us to see how shockwave therapy may help your equine athlete!

03/05/2024

CONGRATULATIONS to several of the interns from the class of 2022-2023! They were 3/3 matching for surgery residencies this year!!
Dr. Cara Croft matched with Kansas State.
Dr. Laura West (Fidler) with University of Georgia.
Dr. Freya Cooper with the University of Florida.

We are so proud of these future surgeons!

03/01/2024

Considering purchasing a new horse this year?

Pre-purchase exams (PPEs) are not a pass-fail test, or a guarantee of long-term health and soundness. Rather, it’s a snapshot of a moment in time which can provide a potential buyer with all the details they need to make an informed decision.

Give us a call at (209) 847-5951 if you have any questions or need a quote on PPEs at Pioneer Equine Hospital

02/27/2024

Pioneer Equine Hospital are so proud to congratulate and celebrate Audrey Hannink for her acceptance into Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine! 🥳

Audrey Hannink is our patient care technician at PEH. You can find her taking great care of our hospital patients in our barns. She will be greatly missed when it comes time for her departure for her next step into her career. However, we are so excited to continue to watch her thrive in vet school! Congratulations Audrey on your amazing achievement! 🤩

02/21/2024

Get your horses geared up for Spring with us at Pioneer Equine Hospital! 🌷It’s that time of year again to get your horses up to date on vaccines, deworming, and overall general wellness. Call us today at (209) 847-5951 to book your next appointment

02/16/2024

Not only is Pioneer here to help you get your mare in foal, but we are also here to help you with your newborn little ones! Dr. Kaitlin Mielnicki is our internal medicine specialist here at Pioneer. We hope you never do, but if you find yourself with a sick or struggling foal (or mama!) Dr. Mielnicki is here to provide services to care for your neonates. There is nothing more satisfying then sending home a happy, healthy foal. Happy foaling season!

02/14/2024

Pioneer Equine Hospital would love to recognize and highlight some of our long term staff that have been with our Pioneer family for a number of years. Our practice would not be the same without them and we are so grateful for all that they do!

Firstly, honoring Hospital Manager, Ashley Ryles, in her near days to retirement. Ashley has been with us for 17 years. We are cherishing the limited days we have left with Ashley here at Pioneer. We cannot thank her enough for all of her dedicated time and work that she has done.

Second, patient care technician, Karen Shadle, has been a Pioneer member for 20 years! We greatly appreciate her for her loyal hard work and amazing care for our hospital patients.

Third, Dr. Suzanne Brenner has been a Pioneer associate veterinarian for over 15 years. Followed by Dr. Kami Vickerman and Sara Cloward, our Operations Manager, who has been with us for 10 years.

Last but not least, technicians Lisa Hayes, Kylee Sisco, and Kat Hegedus as well as Elizabeth Scales from our administration team (who will soon be filling in Ashley Ryles shoes!) have been apart of our team for 5 years now. All of which are huge contributors to our performance and care.

02/13/2024

We are very excited to represent Billy Mexico for the 2024 season!

Billy Mexico amassed a great 1.50m record with William Funnel and owner Vani Khosla and has produced MANY international performers such as Billy Dorito (1.60m), Billy Matador (1.60m), Emmylou (1.60m), Hello Franklin (1.55m), Billy Walk On (CCI5*), and Mexican Law (CCI4*S) among numerous others.

Billy exhibits an exemplary disposition and is producing offspring suited for a variety of disciplines for both amateurs and professionals alike.

Billy will be collecting and shipping from Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, CA. Stay tuned for his page on our website in the coming days!

02/13/2024

Excited for Pioneer Stallion Center to have this handsome guy for the 2024 breeding season 😍

Introducing for 2024

Peppys Smooth Talker
2019 Sorrel Stallion
Son of Smooth Talkin Style out of Peppys Stylish Lena
5 panel N/N

Excited to represent this young stallion as he starts his first year showing at the rope horse futures and as a breeding stallion. Available with frozen semen due to his competition schedule.
NCHA Super Stakes Nominated
2024 Fee: $1500

"Baron" just came home from the Royal Crown Buckeye roping, his first show with his first earnings! Ridden by Les Oswald from Les Oswald Performance Horses.

Call our front office to have contracts sent over!

02/12/2024

Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science! 👩‍🔬
A special thank you to all of our ladies at Pioneer that are striving to keep your horses happy and healthy!