Do you have any advice for me: I want to become a horse vet?

Question

I would like advice on what I can do to become a vet.
Right now I am a junior in high school. This is what I am doing so far. Do you think I am on track to becoming a vet, and what else can I do?

I am: - working hard to get good grades, especially in science
- Trying to arrange volunteering with a vet
- Getting a working student position at the barn where I ride
- Learning as much as I can about horses
- Joining 4H and my school's equestrian team

Answer 1

I'm actually on the same path as you, except I'm one year younger (I'm a sophmore). If they offer Anatomy and Physiology at your school, then take that. Also, if your high school offers Latin, then I would take that (It's a really good thing to do and you can outsmart people that took French, or Spanish). Latin will help with forming medical terms, and will also look good when you apply at colleges. Your school has an Equestrian Team, lucky! I want my school to have an Equestrian Team!

I would also highly recomend reading anything that is written by James Herriot. He gives you a good look on what being a Vet is like, although his stories take place from like the 30s to the 60s, so they're kind of outdated, and they take place in England in the Yorkshire Dales. But they're really cool to read!

Other than that you seem fine, you're practically doing everything that I am doing. Also, if you ever get a chance to go to a Equine Medical Center, then go there. A friend of mine might need to take her horse to the Marion Du Pont Equine Medical Center because she has a hymoglycoma (something like that, a big blob of nasal fluid) and it's bugging her. So I want to go there and watch the surgeon stick a thing up her nose and inject it with something to make it smaller. It's really cool to see a Equine Medical Center in my opinion, you get to see big x-ray machines and stuff like that.

Hope you get to be a Vet someday!

Answer 2

Working for an equine vet is the biggest thing - if you can get a summer job there that would be best.

I would also recommend going to a junior/community college before going to a larger University. So much of vet school depends on your grades, and regardless of how good a student you are now, there is some "culture shock" when you go away to a large University. Most students see their grades slip just a little - if not more. I would get a job at a local equine hospital, and take college courses to get your associates degree in science at the same time. Then transfer to a larger university with a few years of real life experience under your belt.

I know that seems like odd advice, but if I had it to do over, that is how I would do it.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

It sounds like you're well on track. High grades, especially in things like biology and chemistry are very important, and getting into any vet school is highly competitive. You've got to train in all animals first- from there you may either go out into a general practice that deals with horses, or you have the option to do further training and work in an equine hospital.

Getting as much experience as you can is a good start- although the first thing a lot of universities look at is your academic record, having already demonstrated an already interest in the profession may be the thing that helps you over the line. It may be hard for you to arrange voluntary work with a vet yourself, due to insurance and that sort of thing, but see if your school has a formal work experience program that will cover you.

All the best :o) I finish my veterinary degree in 5 weeks time and I'm loving it!

ewolfbalto- is it an ethmoid haematoma that you're thinking of? Some vets use a nasal endoscope and inject formalin into the haematoma to shrink it.

Answer 4

Get good grades! Vet school is hard, and some people say it's harder than med school.

Focus on the sciences and math.

Learn not to get grossed out by things. See if you can work in a barn of vet office. If you're squeamish about blood, manure, cleaning wounds, etc maybe vet isn't right for you.

See if you can learn more about what a vet does. A horse vet is in high demand and can make good $$$.... but they work long hours. The vet who does my horses starts at 8am and works some days past 8am and some weekedns. She's on call, and she's making phone calls on her days off.

Vet school is also expensive. If your grades are good enough, you can get scholarships, but once you get to HS you need to talk to your paretns about the money issue. You can do student loans. Or work-study. Or if you have a special talent in another field (for example athetics) you could get a scholarship on that.

We really need more good equine vets! there's a huge shortage in the field and it's only going to get worse.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

OK you need to buy a trained horse trust me! If you're boarding then the staff will take care of everything but if you keeping him at home he needs at least an acre of land to graze, an outdoor shelter and perferably a warm hay-bedded 12by12 stall to spend the night in. About 2 meals a day consisting of plain pellets of some oats if he is exercised a lot( one scoop should do it and give him at least 2 flakes of hay every night). Don't ever switch feed right away bring it on gradually. Pick out his feet everyday it really helps. A bitless bridle will given you both funner rides and there's nothing better then a bareback ride on a cold morning! Just remember to be patient and have fun!!!

Answer 6

Hey! I am a vet. myself, I think you are making great decisions! You are doing very well and I know by your personality that you love animals.I would follow your dream and help the world one horse at a time, if you know people with horses or you volunteer somewhere that is a great start. You can practice brushing and riding until you become an expert just follow your dreams and maybe your friends and family could help you out oo! Good luck!

Answer 7

You are on your way. Vet school is amazingly hard to get into. You will need to maintain a straight average in college to be admitted...keep up the good work!

Answer 8

Call your local vets and see if you can do a few ride alongs to see if this is something you truly can do.most people think they can until they get to be invloved in it up close and personal... your on a great start for now though and I wish you the best of luck :)

Answer 9

Definately keep your eye on the prize...working with a vet will help you decide if it's REALLY what you want to do. Good luck!

Answer 10

You are doing great, so keep it up! Also, try to get more jobs in different places, and join social commities so your resimé looks good.