UF Alumna Combines Vet Career With Equestrian Passion

 “I was always that young crazy horse girl who wanted to be a vet.”
— Ashley Taylor, DVM, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science/Pre-Vet Medicine ’08

Now an equine sports medicine veterinarian at Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County in Pennsylvania, Ashley’s dream has come true and she believes The University of Findlay’s unique hands-on approach played a pivotal role in getting her there.
“Attending The University of Findlay was one of the best choices I have made in my life thus far. Without the education, experiences and mentorship I received while I was a student I am not sure I would have gotten into veterinary school or been so prepared to tackle the curriculum that I faced while in veterinary school,” said Ashley.
When asked why she chose The University of Findlay over other schools she said it all started with her campus visit. During her visit to the university farm she witnessed freshmen students performing routine health care practices on university owned food animals and knew that a big piece of learning was through experience. She was also ultimately drawn to UF when she learned of the individual student attention through small class sizes and mentoring from faculty with positions in the veterinary field.
One of these faculty mentors would make a big impact on her life and is now someone she models her professional integrity after. “Dr. Michael Kerns mentored me not only during my time at Findlay, but also through veterinary school and through some career decisions. I have always admired and looked up to Dr. Kerns for his intelligence, leadership skills and compassion for people and animals,” said Ashley.
Her work with C. Michael Kerns, DVM included being a teaching assistant in the animal handling classes as well as the university’s equine veterinary clinic assisting with routine care on the university-owned and boarded horses.
Her work now as an equine sports medicine veterinarian includes evaluating and using appropriate diagnostics and treatment to maintain soundness and overall health of equine athletes. Her job even includes accompanying clientele to three-day events throughout the country. “I love that I get to wake up every day and work outdoors with animals I love. I am also grateful that I get to work almost exclusively on sport horses,” said Ashley. One of her most memorable moments thus far in her career is watching a horse that she treated for laminitis (severe inflammation in the hooves that can cause crippling consequences and even death) compete in a three day event this past fall.
Click here for more information on The University of Findlay’s Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program.

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