Posted: 03-Jun-26
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Type: Externship
Salary: Non-paid
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Thal Equine LLC is offering clinical externship rotations for veterinary students interested in equine practice. Our practice is located on a 50-acre facility outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, and operates as both a full-service ambulatory equine practice and a regional referral hospital. This externship provides immersive, hands-on experience in a real-world equine practice setting that is difficult to replicate in a university environment.
Externship length is flexible and will be tailored to accommodate your school’s requirements, typically ranging from two to six weeks. You will work directly alongside Dr. Doug Thal, a board-certified equine practitioner (DABVP) with over 30 years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to mentorship, and our other vets. This is not an observe-only rotation. You will be actively involved in patient care from the start, with graduated responsibility appropriate to your skill level and comfort.
Our caseload is diverse and includes lameness evaluation and treatment, emergency and critical care medicine, colic assessment, diagnosis and colic surgery, elective surgery, arthroscopy, hospital patient care, equine dentistry, mare reproduction, advanced imaging (digital radiography and ultrasonography), field surgery, and anesthesia. As a regional referral center, we regularly receive complex and challenging cases from referring veterinarians across the region, giving externs exposure to cases beyond routine ambulatory practice. We also do have an ambulatory practice
A distinctive feature of this practice is its emphasis on horsemanship as a clinical skill. We believe that skilled, confident horse handling makes veterinary work safer, more efficient, and more sustainable over a career. Externs will develop practical horsemanship skills alongside their clinical training. Client communication and the “art of practice” — the less tangible but critical skills that determine long-term success as an equine practitioner — are also core learning objectives.
Dr. Thal is the creator of Horse Side Vet Guide, the world’s most highly rated equine health app, which serves as an educational resource for horse owners and professionals. Externs will gain insight into how technology and client education can be integrated into modern equine practice. You can learn more about our practice and read client testimonials at www.thalequine.com.
On-site housing is provided at no cost. Our practice workload is seasonal, with the busiest months from April through October. Externs during the busy season will experience a high-volume, fast-paced clinical environment. During quieter months, the pace allows for more in-depth case discussion and focused teaching.
Compensation & Logistics
- This is an unpaid externship for academic credit. On-site housing is provided at no charge.
- Externship length is flexible and will be coordinated with your school’s requirements.
- Students who excel during their externship will be strongly considered for our one-year clinical internship program following graduation.
How to Apply
Send a brief letter of interest and your CV to Dr. Hannah Garthwaite. Include your preferred dates, year in school, and a short description of your equine experience and career interests. We look forward to hearing from you.
Education & Enrollment
- Currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine. Third- and fourth-year students in their clinical phase are preferred, but motivated students at other stages will be considered.
- Must be able to receive academic credit for the externship through your institution, or have your school’s approval for a non-credit clinical rotation.
- Proof of professional liability insurance coverage is required (typically provided through your veterinary school).
Interest & Aptitude
- A genuine interest in equine practice is essential. We are looking for students who are seriously considering equine medicine as a career path, not simply fulfilling a rotation requirement.
- Prior horse experience is strongly preferred. Comfort working around horses — catching, haltering, leading, and basic restraint — will allow you to get more out of your time here. That said, we will teach you this too.
- Willingness to learn horsemanship as a professional skill. Our approach emphasizes smooth, safe horse handling as integral to effective veterinary practice.
Professional Qualities
- Self-motivated and willing to take initiative. This is a working practice, not a classroom. You will be expected to offer to help, ask questions, and engage actively with cases.
- Strong communication skills. You will interact with clients, and we place a high value on clear, professional, and empathetic communication.
- Comfortable with a variable and sometimes demanding schedule. Equine practice involves emergency work and long days, especially during busy season. A positive attitude and physical stamina are important.
- Reliable and professional. Show up on time, be prepared, follow through on tasks assigned to you.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to perform the physical demands of equine practice: standing for extended periods, lifting equipment, restraining horses, and working outdoors in variable weather and terrain in the high chapparal of northern New Mexico.
- Valid driver’s license.
