Description
Thal Equine is a full-service regional referral hospital and ambulatory practice on a scenic 50-acre facility 20 minutes outside Santa Fe, NM. We offer hands-on clinical externships for veterinary students seriously considering equine practice.
This is not an observe-only rotation. From day one you'll be actively involved in patient care alongside Dr. Doug Thal, DABVP (30+ years in practice, committed mentor), and our clinical team, with responsibility that grows as your skills and comfort do.
Caseload
As a regional referral center drawing from northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, we see complex cases: lameness diagnosis and treatment, emergency and critical care, medical and surgical colic, elective surgery and arthroscopy, advanced imaging (DR, digital ultrasound), dentistry, reproduction, field surgery, and anesthesia — plus a growing primary-care ambulatory caseload.
Horsemanship as a clinical skill : We treat quiet, confident horse handling as core to safe, efficient, sustainable equine vet practice. You'll build these skills alongside your clinical training, together with client communication and the “art of practice” that determines long-term success as an equine vet.
Dr. Thal created Horse Side Vet Guide, a top-rated equine health website and apps — externs see how technology and client education integrate into modern practice. www.thalequine.com
Logistics- On-site housing provided at no cost. Length is flexible (typically 2–6 weeks) and coordinated with your school's requirements. Busy season runs April–October: high-volume and fast-paced. Quieter months allow deeper case discussion and focused teaching.
Compensation : Unpaid, for academic credit, with free on-site housing. Students who excel are strongly considered for our one-year post-graduate clinical internship.
Requirements
Enrolled in an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine; 3rd- and 4th-year clinical students preferred, motivated earlier students considered.
Genuine interest in equine practice — not simply filling a rotation requirement.
Prior horse experience strongly preferred (catching, haltering, leading, basic restraint); But if not, we'll teach you too.
Self-motivated, reliable, and a strong communicator, able to take initiative in a working practice.
Physically able to meet the demands of equine practice in variable high-desert weather and terrain. Valid driver's license. Proof of liability insurance (typically via your school) required.
