Pioneer Equine Hospital is located in California’s central valley near Oakdale, CA. We are nestled between the foothills of the Sierra Mountains and the valley’s vast agricultural landscape. Pioneer Equine Hospital opened its doors in 1973, when two veterinarians had a vision to form the premier equine veterinary clinic in the area. Drs. Britton, Black and Jackman built one of the most recognized equine hospitals in the country for their foremost work in equine surgery and lameness. Since its opening, the doctors and staff have been successful in not only excelling in equine patient care but, more importantly, creating an atmosphere that welcomes a diverse population of equine disciplines to Pioneer Equine Hospital. The clinic has since evolved to ten veterinarians, four intern veterinarians, and a 22,000 square foot full service equine hospital that offers the most advanced lameness, surgical, and diagnostic imaging on the west coast. There are two spacious surgical suites as well as an extensive covered lameness evaluation area. Our large exam rooms and stalls optimize patient comfort and client ease. Our goal remains to provide the utmost and advanced equine medical technology, diagnosis, therapy and care to our patients and their owners. Our original facility is now our Reproduction center focusing on stallion and mare care and is a USDA approved facility and a Select Breeders Affiliate.

Pioneer Equine Hospital offers a diverse externship program, in which students will gain experience in many facets of equine veterinary medicine. Our program offers veterinary students from around the world an immersive experience in a busy, team-driven practice.  Pioneer has an extremely collaborative culture and we welcome and encourage the thoughts and insights of our veterinary externs.  Externs will gain invaluable experience and insight to the daily operations of a high-end equine hospital.

Rotating Externship

Students will spend time shadowing each of our clinicians on a rotating basis.  An average week includes a mix of lameness, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, field service, sports medicine, preventative medicine, ultrasound, other advanced imaging (MRI/CT), intensive care case management, and reproduction (both mare and stallion work).  

On-site complimentary housing is available, allowing increased exposure to after hours emergencies and hospitalized cases.

Our externship program is for veterinary students enrolled in an AVMA accredited school of veterinary medicine and we recommend a visit of approximately 2 weeks.  May through October are typically reserved for third and fourth-year veterinary students. Other months are open for all veterinary students. 

COVID-19: Because we have restricted on-site visitation due to COVID-19, we will set up a virtual process for those unable to visit. To set up a virtual meeting, please contact Dr. Kami Vickerman at kvickermandvm@pioneerequine.com.  Also, please watch our video about Pioneer's internship to gain more information about our practice and our program: https://youtu.be/fIwsmRwzQHA