Whether you grew up around horses, or have always dreamed of working with horses full time, becoming a horse veterinarian is a great way to combine your love of horses with a lucrative career. This page will help you learn how to become a horse veterinarian.

A horse veterinarian, also known as an equine veterinarian or horse vet, can work in many venues. From horse farms to horse shows, equine veterinarians serve an essential role in maintaining the health and well being of these beautiful animals. Becoming a horse veterinarian requires obtaining a large animal veterinarian degree, potentially with an equine concentration, and licensing in the state where you want to practice.

Obtain a science based undergraduate degree.

‘’’Undergraduate’’’ If possible, look for a college or university that offers a pre-vet program. For colleges without a pre-veterinary program, consider the following majors:

1. Biology
2. Math
3. Chemistry
4. Physics

As most horse veterinarians work in private practice, or with a group of doctors, consider minoring in business to help you understand the financial side of being a horse veterinarian.

At the end of your senior year in college, take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Apply to veterinarian schools that offer a strong equine or horse concentration. Entrance to veterinarian school is highly competitive, so make sure you have strong exam scores and solid undergraduate grades. You will submit your application through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.htm VMCAS coordinates all veterinarian applications for all schools in the United States.

Typically, you will submit your application during your senior year of college. Potential candidates will have interviews to help weed down the candidates to the final selection. To boost your chances, show where you have worked or volunteered in horse related activities.

In veterinarian school you will spend four years studying subjects such as animal anatomy and you will have hands on training working and treating animals. If internships are offered as part of your veterinarian program, be sure to find one that focuses on horses.

Every state has examinations that you must pass to work as a licensed veterinarian in the state. The standard exam requirement is the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), but some states may require additional testing for equine practice.http://www.op.nysed.gov/vetlic.htm

After passing your exam requirements, you will need to pay licensing fees and will need to take continuing education to maintain your license. Licenses are usually valid for 3 years.

If you plan to work in multiple states, you will need to have licenses in each state.

Consider working with a group of veterinarians or taking a strong internship after you graduate from vet school to increase your working knowledge.

After you have one to two years of experience, consider opening your own practice to increase your earnings. Look to set up your practice in underserved markets that have a high horse population for maximum earnings potential.