Hooray For Neigh

Shop now and use my code HOORAY4NEIGH for 15% off!

Time for my semi-annual reminder to clients: only a veterinarian is a veterinarian.

I had a bit and bridle fit client want me to diagnose their horse with something. They didn't just want a diagnosis, they wanted me to offer treatment. When I explained why I wouldnt be doing either of those things, they ordered me off their property.

I. Am. Not. A. Veterinarian.

A lot of time, effort, and money goes into becoming a veterinarian. I have the utmost respect for anyone who dedicates their life to the practice of veterinary medicine. They love what they do, but it's also a huge sacrifice, especially in equine veterinary practice.

In many states, North Carolina being one of them, me "diagnosing" or "treating" an equine with anything is considered by law practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Not only is it a criminal offense, but it has a high degree of potential to do harm in the form of being incorrect, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment, or worse.

There are, unfortunately, farriers, body workers, trainers, saddle and bit and bridle fitters, "equine dentists,"and other equine professionals who routinely disregard that legal and ethical boundary. If they also happen to hold a DVM, that's a different matter. If they don't hold a DVM and are diagnosing or treating things a licensed veterinarian should, that's a problem. Also? Many of them don't carry professional liability insurance.

As a multi-certified bit & bridle fitter, I take my many years of education, credentials, and experience seriously and will do everything I can to ensure a client is comfortable. I have and will let a client know if, to my eye, something seems off and will suggest they seek vet/other professional evaluation as appropriate. I won't step outside the ethical and legal boundaries of my training and credentialing and play a vet on social media or out in the paddock. Choose your equine professionals wisely.

I am horse first, always. Even got a cool tee shirt that says so 😀

Truth!

When your horse wants to do selfies and part of your shirt is out of frame. I'm not even mad. He's the Goodest Boy and he wanted to show you his extremely kissable snoot.

This shirt says everything. Horse first, always! This is why I'm a multi-certified bit and bridle fitter, and I also fit bitless. It's about inclusion and putting the needs of the horse first. Some horses simply shouldn't be bitted, and some simply shouldn't be bitless. It comes down to anatomy, preference of the horse, and proper fit.

This shirt is also one of many reasons I love Cavaliere Couture. Body positive, inclusive, and woman owned. Also? Not pictured, but the Grand Prix tights are EVERYTHING. If you haven't tried them yet, go use HOORAY4NEIGH at checkout for 15% off and find out why so many of us live in them.