Equine Veterinarian Schools and Training Programs

Updated on 11/6/2025

Caring for horses requires a unique blend of medical skill, physical stamina, and deep understanding of animal behavior. Equine veterinarians specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing health issues in horses, from performance injuries to complex surgical conditions. Becoming an equine vet means completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and pursuing specialized equine training through coursework, internships, or residencies.

The best equine veterinarian schools provide access to top facilities, hands-on experience with large animals, and instruction from experienced clinicians. Below, you'll find details about education requirements, certification, and a selection of schools that offer specialized equine training to help you begin your career in veterinary medicine.

What Is an Equine Veterinarian?

An equine veterinarian is a licensed medical professional who focuses on the health and treatment of horses. Their daily work involves diagnosing illnesses, treating injuries, performing surgeries, and managing emergency cases such as colic or lameness. Many also handle vaccinations, dental care, and nutrition counseling to promote long-term wellness and performance in horses.

Equine veterinarians often collaborate with trainers, stable owners, and farriers to ensure comprehensive care. Their work environments range from private practices and equine hospitals to racetracks, research centers, and universities. Success in this field requires not only medical knowledge but also strong problem-solving skills, compassion, and the ability to work safely around large animals.

What Are the Requirements To Become an Equine Veterinarian?

Equine vet school requirements are rigorous, combining years of academic preparation with extensive clinical experience in animal care. The journey begins long before veterinary school, with undergraduate coursework. From there, students progress into extensive graduate coursework, where they gain hands-on experience diagnosing and treating horses under faculty supervision.

Each stage of the process is designed to ensure veterinarians are fully prepared to care for horses across diverse clinical, agricultural, and research settings. Here are the common steps to becoming an equine vet:

• Complete a bachelor's degree with prerequisites in biology, chemistry, animal science, or a related field.
• Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited veterinary program recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
• Gain equine-specific training through specialized electives, internships, or residency programs.
• Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) to qualify for licensure.
• Obtain state licensure and optional board certification for advanced practice or specialization.

How Long Is Equine Vet School?

Becoming an equine veterinarian takes time and dedication. Most students begin with a four-year bachelor's degree focused on animal or biological sciences, followed by a four-year DVM program. 

During the final years of veterinary school, students complete clinical rotations and may specialize in equine medicine, surgery, or reproduction. Many equine vet schools also offer externships and research opportunities that allow students to gain hands-on experience before graduation.

After earning the DVM, graduates who wish to pursue advanced equine practice often complete one-year internships and two- to three-year residencies in equine medicine or surgery. Altogether, the full educational path typically takes eight to 11 years, depending on the chosen specialization and postdoctoral training.

5 Equine Veterinary Schools and Training Programs

These accredited equine veterinary schools combine classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience in animal care and clinical settings. Each program below offers specialized coursework or training designed to prepare you for a career working with horses in veterinary medicine. 

1. Iowa State University 

At Iowa State University in Ames, IA, the College of Veterinary Medicine provides one of the most respected Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs with a distinct equine option. The curriculum begins with a foundation in multi-species medicine, covering anatomy, radiology, surgery, and anesthesiology, before students choose a species-specific track in their fourth year. The equine option delivers targeted coursework in equine medicine, surgery, and reproduction, allowing students to refine their clinical focus and develop advanced diagnostic and treatment skills for performance and companion horses.

Hands-on experience is central to the program. Students gain extensive clinical training in the on-campus Large Animal Hospital, complemented by off-site preceptorships in equine medicine that earn academic credit. These experiences help future veterinarians build confidence in patient handling, surgical procedures, and preventive care. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $30,154 per year (in-state); $63,402 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE)
• Program length: Four years

2. Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 

Located in Blacksburg, VA, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) offers a DVM program with an equine track that provides both depth and flexibility. This track prepares students for a range of equine careers, from private practice and reproduction to research, podiatry, and academic teaching. The curriculum includes classroom learning with hands-on training led by seasoned equine faculty. Students work closely with clinicians in state-of-the-art hospital and farm settings.

In addition to core coursework, the equine track includes advanced classes in orthopedics, lameness, and equine surgery, as well as supervised fieldwork in clinical and farm-based environments. Graduates emerge well prepared for the National Board Exams and competitive internships or residencies in equine medicine. The program's integration of rigorous science and clinical immersion makes VMCVM a strong pathway for aspiring equine veterinarians.

• Estimated tuition cost: $564.25 per credit hour (in-state); $1,474.50 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: AVMA COE
• Program length: Four years

3. Cornell University 

At Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, the College of Veterinary Medicine offers a DVM program that gives students the opportunity to specialize in equine health through world-class facilities and hands-on training. Core instruction is supported by the Equine & Nemo Farm Animal Hospital, where students work alongside faculty and technicians to treat both companion and performance horses. Using advanced diagnostic tools such as CT, MRI, and motion analysis systems, students develop precision and confidence in managing a wide range of equine medical and surgical conditions.

Beyond the hospital, Cornell's Equine Park serves as a teaching center for equine reproduction and herd management, offering practical exposure to foaling, stallion handling, and reproductive procedures. Elective courses in lameness, dentistry, and podiatry give students flexibility to tailor their education to their interests. Graduates are prepared to pursue internships, residencies, or equine practice with one of the most respected veterinary degrees in the country.

• Estimated tuition cost: $44,666 per year (in-state); $66,604 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: AVMA COE
• Program length: Four years

4. Lincoln Memorial University 

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Harrogate, TN, offers a forward-thinking approach to equine veterinary education through its equine veterinary education program (EVEP). This unique track blends undergraduate and graduate study into a six-year accelerated path, allowing students to complete both their pre-veterinary coursework and DVM training in a continuous sequence. The curriculum emphasizes equine health from day one, integrating anatomy, physiology, and clinical medicine with equine-focused coursework and early field experiences.

Hands-on learning is a defining feature of the EVEP. Students gain immersive experience each summer at leading equine venues, including ranches, training centers, and equine hospitals. This practical approach shortens the path to licensure and helps graduates build professional networks early in their careers. LMU's accelerated structure and strong equine partnerships make it ideal for students eager to enter the field efficiently without compromising quality.

• Estimated tuition cost: $56,500 per year
• Accreditation: AVMA COE
• Program length: Six years 

5. Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) in Pomona, CA, provides an innovative DVM program that introduces hands-on clinical learning from the very first year. Grounded in a 'reverence-for-life' philosophy, the program uses advanced simulation models and live animal experiences to prepare students for compassionate and competent care. Equine medicine is woven throughout the curriculum, beginning with foundational skills in the first and second years and culminating in fourth-year clinical rotations focused on equine practice.

Students benefit from direct experience through partnerships with major facilities such as the Chino Valley Equine Hospital and Winners Circle Equine Clinic, where they assist in surgeries, emergency cases, and wellness care. The program's mobile Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service (VACS) initiative also extends practical learning into the community, reinforcing real-world readiness.

• Estimated tuition cost: $67,846 per year
• Accreditation: AVMA COE
• Program length: Four years

Common Coursework in Equine Veterinary Programs

Equine veterinary schools include core veterinary science along with equine-specific education to prepare students for clinical practice. Students interested in support roles, such as veterinary technicians or assistants, can also explore equine vet assistant schools, which provide foundational training in horse care and medical procedures. 

In both cases, coursework connects scientific principles with practical application in animal health. Clinical rotations, labs, and internships provide real-world training in caring for horses across all life stages.

Throughout the program, you take classes that connect scientific theory with hands-on application, such as:

• anatomy and physiology of horses
• equine nutrition and reproduction
• equine pathology and disease management
• large animal surgery and anesthesia
• diagnostic imaging for horses
• preventive medicine and herd health

FAQs About Equine Veterinarian Schools and Training

If you're considering a career in equine veterinary medicine, you probably have questions about education, licensing, and specialization. The answers below cover common topics such as program length, admission requirements, and career opportunities for aspiring equine veterinarians.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become an Equine Veterinarian?

It typically takes about eight to 11 years to become an equine veterinarian, including undergraduate studies, veterinary school, and specialized training. Most students complete four years of college followed by a four-year DVM program. Additional internships or residencies focused on equine care can add one to three more years before full licensure.

Do Equine Vets Get Paid Well?

Equine veterinarians generally earn strong salaries that reflect their advanced education and hands-on expertise. Indeed states that the national average salary is around $120,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and geographic location. Those who work in equine sports medicine or private practice may earn even more as they build their client base.

What Is the Best Equine Vet School in the World?

Several schools consistently rank among the top for equine veterinary studies, including Cornell University, the University of California-Davis, and the Royal Veterinary College in London. These institutions are known for cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art equine hospitals that provide exceptional clinical experience. Their global reputation and access to advanced technology make them top choices for aspiring equine veterinarians.

What Is the Easiest Vet School To Get Into?

While all veterinary schools are highly competitive, some have higher acceptance rates than others. Public universities that prioritize in-state applicants, such as Oklahoma State University or the University of Missouri, may be slightly more accessible for residents. Meeting prerequisites, maintaining strong grades, and gaining animal care experience remain key to admission success.

How Much Does It Cost To Go to School for an Equine Veterinarian?

The cost of veterinary education varies depending on the type of school and your residency status. In-state students at public universities often pay between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, while private or out-of-state programs can exceed $65,000 annually. Many students use scholarships, assistantships, or federal financial aid to make these programs more affordable.

Explore Veterinary Programs

Explore accredited equine veterinary schools on Learn.org to find programs that match your goals. Compare tuition, accreditation, and clinical training opportunities to start your path toward a rewarding career in equine medicine.