Equine Veterinarians, Farriers & Animal Hospitals in San Diego: An Equestrian Guide

Originally featured in the 2014 Equine Almanac

From highly skilled equine veterinarians to dedicated farriers and specialized animal hospitals, San Diego County has long been home to an exceptional community of animal healthcare professionals.

Whether caring for a competitive hunter/jumper, a dressage horse, a retired companion, or a beloved barn dog, finding the right veterinary and farrier professionals is an essential part of responsible animal ownership.

The 2014 Equine Almanac highlighted veterinarians, farriers, and animal hospitals throughout Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Marcos, Bonsall, and greater San Diego County.

Choosing the Right Equine Veterinarian & Farrier

When a horse is in training at a particular barn, owners often work with the veterinarian recommended by their trainer. This can help simplify routine vaccinations, maintenance, and emergency communication.

However, many horse owners maintain long-standing relationships with veterinarians of their own choosing.

The same approach applies to farriers. Trainers often have established relationships with trusted hoof care professionals who understand the specific needs of their horses and riding disciplines.

Ultimately, the decision belongs to the horse owner and should reflect what is best for the horse's health, comfort, and performance.

Equine Veterinarians in Rancho Santa Fe & San Diego

Rodrigo Vazquez, DVM | Rancho Santa Fe

Originally from Mexico, Dr. Rodrigo Vazquez built his career around equine surgery and sports medicine.

After completing his veterinary education and surgical residency at UC Davis, he established a surgical practice at Helen Woodward Equine Hospital in Rancho Santa Fe.

His work focused primarily on hunter/jumper and dressage horses, with expertise ranging from orthopedic procedures to colic surgery.

Dr. Vazquez emphasized dedication, compassion, and the responsibility of providing exceptional care to every patient.

San Dieguito Equine Group | San Marcos

San Dieguito Equine Group was featured as a veterinary practice specializing in equine sports medicine, diagnostic imaging, lameness evaluations, and preventive care.

Located in San Marcos, the practice offered both ambulatory veterinary services and on-site diagnostic evaluations.

Its veterinarians emphasized a systematic approach to identifying performance-limiting conditions in sport horses and developing treatment plans to help horses remain healthy and competitive.

“Providing equine veterinary medicine and surgery that makes a difference for our patients, their owners and the veterinary community.”

Mark Silverman, DVM | San Marcos

Dr. Mark Silverman devoted much of his professional career to understanding the biomechanics and health of the equine foot.

His background included sports biomechanics, dressage training, equine gait analysis, and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Silverman's practice focused on lameness, hoof-related conditions, hoof reconstruction, and innovative shoeing technologies.

He was also involved in introducing advanced diagnostic imaging and developing new approaches to equine hoof care.

“Balancing the needs of horse and rider.”

Lindsey Lewis, DVM | San Diego

A graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Lindsey Lewis developed a strong interest in equine lameness, sports medicine, and emergency care.

Having grown up riding in Del Mar, her personal experience with horses helped shape her approach to veterinary medicine.

Her practice emphasized compassionate care for horses at every level, from backyard ponies to competitive performance horses.

Equine Hospitals in Southern California

Helen Woodward Equine Hospital | Rancho Santa Fe

Helen Woodward Equine Hospital was featured as an important resource for equine veterinary care in Rancho Santa Fe.

Part of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the hospital provided facilities for accredited veterinarians to perform a wide variety of medical and surgical procedures.

Services highlighted in the Almanac included:

• Colic surgery

• Endoscopy and arthroscopy

• Dental procedures

• Laparoscopy

• Orthopedic surgery

• Fracture repair

• 
  

The hospital served both competitive race and show horses and recreational horses throughout the region.

“People helping animals, animals helping people.”

San Luis Rey Equine Hospital | Bonsall

Established in 1971, San Luis Rey Equine Hospital developed a national and international reputation for advanced equine veterinary care.

The hospital was recognized for its work in equine abdominal surgery, diagnostic imaging, lameness evaluations, and innovative surgical techniques.

Its team included veterinary surgeons, internists, technicians, and specialist consultants.

The facility's sports medicine and rehabilitation services focused on minimizing injuries, optimizing performance, and supporting the long-term health of equine athletes.

Farriers in Rancho Santa Fe & San Diego County

Proper hoof care is essential to maintaining a horse's soundness, comfort, and athletic performance.

The 2014 Equine Almanac featured several experienced farriers who served the region's hunter/jumper, dressage, and western equestrian communities.

Jim & James Carr | Rancho Santa Fe

Jim Carr built a farrier career spanning more than four decades in the Rancho Santa Fe community.

Inspired by a farrier he observed while working on a Santa Barbara ranch, Jim pursued professional training and apprenticed with respected horseshoers.

His son, James Carr, followed in his footsteps, continuing the family's tradition of farrier work.

Together, the Carrs worked with high-level competition horses and traveled internationally to support clients at major equestrian events.

“Family First.” | “No hoof, no horse.”

Darren Shaffer | Greater San Diego

Darren Shaffer began his farrier career after moving to Temecula, eventually apprenticing with Jim Carr.

His work took him throughout Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Orange County, and occasionally Los Angeles.

Shaffer emphasized dedication to the horse, attention to detail, and the importance of helping horses perform at their best.

Joel Gonzalez | Southern California

Originally from Mexico, Joel Gonzalez began his equestrian career as a groom working with jumper and dressage horses.

His experience included working with horses for renowned dressage rider Guenter Seidel before apprenticing with Jim Carr.

Gonzalez developed his farrier skills while assisting with horses at competitions throughout the United States and internationally.

He viewed horseshoeing as a craft requiring patience, precision, and continual learning.

Ernest Woodward | Encinitas

San Diego native Ernest Woodward developed a farrier practice specializing in dressage horses while also working with hunter/jumpers and providing barefoot hoof care.

Based in Encinitas, Woodward and his associates served equestrian clients throughout Southern California.

He was also a co-owner of the Southern California Equine Podiatry Center.

Woodward emphasized innovative solutions, careful attention to detail, and the importance of adapting hoof care to each individual horse.

“Taking your horse to the next level.”

Chad Evans | East San Diego County

Chad Evans entered the farrier profession in 2000 and completed several years of apprenticeships before establishing his own practice.

He served horses across multiple disciplines in Ramona, Alpine, Descanso, Jamul, Poway, and Rancho Peñasquitos.

Evans emphasized continuing education, collaboration with equine veterinarians, and finding solutions to challenging hoof care needs.

“Quality through experience.”

Zach Howard | Howard Horseshoeing

Growing up around horses, Zach Howard developed an interest in farrier work after observing horseshoers working on his family's horses.

He apprenticed with James Carr and worked alongside other accomplished farriers before expanding his own business.

Howard Horseshoeing served horses throughout San Diego County, with a particular focus on hunter/jumper and dressage disciplines.

His approach centered on patience, respect for the horse, and taking the time necessary to provide quality hoof care.

“Care for every horse as if it is your own.”

Specialized Equine Podiatry & Hoof Care

Southern California Equine Podiatry Center | San Marcos

The Southern California Equine Podiatry Center brought together the expertise of veterinarian Dr. Mark Silverman and farrier Ernest Woodward.

Their collaborative approach combined equine physiology, veterinary medicine, and advanced horseshoeing techniques.

By working together, they developed innovative solutions for complex hoof conditions, including specialized shoe designs and modifications.

Their work demonstrated the value of collaboration between veterinarians and farriers in supporting equine soundness and performance.

“Providing innovative hoof care solutions.”

Small Animal Veterinarians in San Diego County

The equestrian lifestyle often includes more than horses. Dogs, cats, and other companion animals are familiar members of the barn community.

The Equine Almanac also recognized small animal veterinarians and hospitals serving San Diego County.

Michael Mulvany, DVM | All Creatures Hospital

Dr. Michael Mulvany served as Medical Director and Practice Manager of All Creatures Hospital in Del Mar.

A graduate of UC Davis, he built his career around providing compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats, and other companion animals.

His philosophy emphasized treating every patient with the same level of attention and care he would give his own pets.

“I treat all my patients as if they were my own.”

Dorota Pearson, DVM | San Marcos

Originally from Poland, Dr. Dorota Pearson established a veterinary career focused on small animal medicine.

Her practice, Pearson's Animal Hospital, provided preventive care, vaccinations, surgery, and emergency treatment.

Dr. Pearson also had a particular interest in animal reproduction and brachycephalic breeds, including Bulldogs.

Her team emphasized client education, nutrition, exercise, and compassionate veterinary care.

Sue Redpath, DVM | Cardiff

Dr. Sue Redpath founded Seaside Veterinary Care, an in-home veterinary service for cats and dogs.

Her practice offered convenient care for pet owners, including consultations and treatment for dermatological, behavioral, and metabolic conditions.

She also provided home hospice management and end-of-life care.

The service was designed to bring professional veterinary care directly to pets in the comfort of their homes.

Patricia Carter, DVM | Helen Woodward Animal Center

Dr. Patricia Carter served as Chief of Staff of the Helen Woodward Small Animal Hospital.

With more than two decades of experience in small and exotic animal medicine at the time of publication, she also oversaw veterinary care for adoptable pets at the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Her work supported the center's longstanding commitment to animal welfare, veterinary care, and community education.

Small Animal Hospitals & Emergency Veterinary Care

All Creatures Hospital | Del Mar

All Creatures Hospital was featured as a family-owned veterinary hospital serving Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley, and Encinitas.

Its services included:

• Preventive veterinary care and vaccinations

• Dentistry and nutritional consultations

• Emergency and critical care

• Surgery

• Diagnostic imaging

• Oncology

• Traditional and holistic veterinary medicine

• 
  

The hospital emphasized compassionate treatment and long-term relationships with pets and their owners.

“Your pets are part of our family.”

California Veterinary Specialists | Southern California

Founded in 2000, California Veterinary Specialists developed a network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals serving Southern California.

The organization offered advanced treatment for pets with serious illnesses, injuries, and complex medical needs.

Specialties included cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, oncology, emergency medicine, and critical care.

Advanced diagnostic and treatment services included MRI, CT imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and radiation oncology.

“Special care from the heart.”

Veterinary Specialty Hospital | San Diego & San Marcos

Veterinary Specialty Hospital was highlighted for its advanced specialty and emergency veterinary services.

With locations in Sorrento Valley and San Marcos at the time of publication, the hospital provided specialized care supported by veterinary technicians, surgeons, and medical specialists.

Its services included:

• Emergency and critical care

• Advanced diagnostic imaging

• MRI and CT scans

• Internal medicine

• Surgical procedures

• Radiation therapy

• Ultrasound and endoscopy

  
  

The hospital worked closely with primary-care veterinarians to provide comprehensive treatment for pets requiring specialized attention.

“We treat them like family, because they are.”

Supporting the Health & Well-Being of Your Animals

Whether you're caring for a Grand Prix show jumper, a retired horse, or a beloved family pet, the right veterinary professionals play an essential role in maintaining health and quality of life.

San Diego County's equestrian community has long benefited from experienced veterinarians, skilled farriers, advanced equine hospitals, and dedicated small animal specialists.

Building relationships with trusted professionals, understanding your animal's individual needs, and prioritizing preventive care are all important parts of responsible ownership.

As the Equine Almanac reminds us, these professionals are:

“Caring, compassionate and dedicated -your BFF's Best Friends.”

Editor's Note: This article is adapted and condensed from the 2014 Equine Almanac. Professional affiliations, hospital services, locations, and credentials reflect information published in 2014 and may have changed. Please verify current services and availability directly with providers.