Oakley Equine Sports Medicine and Rehab
Dr. Suzan Oakley continues to thrive as an innovative leader in advanced equine rehabilitation. Her practice, Equine Sports Medicine Rehab, based in Wellington, has been her vision since 1994. A lifelong equestrian and lifelong learner, she actively competes and trains horses in dressage.
Dr. Suzan Oakley, DVM, applies her training in classical dressage in the biomechanics of the whole horse.
As a veterinarian whose focus has always been on the whole horse, her classical Dressage training educated her on the biomechanics of motion beyond the classroom. The importance of the rider’s aids as they relate to the physical movement affects the horse physically and mentally. The top line and neck area are her “specialty.” Over the years, she has developed a straightforward method of biomechanically sound groundwork to aid rehabilitation and prevent injury in top sport horses.
“We benefitted from Suzan’s presence at our farm while she was here in Deleon Springs,” said Michael Poulin, Olympian and Director of the Poulin School of Dressage at the Dressage Center, Inc. in DeLeon Springs, FL. “She has the best ultrasound methods of any veterinarian I have worked with.”
DeLeon Springs’ loss was Wellington’s gain. Dr. Oakley regularly visits central Florida, including Ocala, to work with many long-time clients.
ISELP – The International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology
Dr. Oakley is board-certified in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and ISELP certified and leaves no stone unturned regarding your horse’s diagnosis and recovery. In addition to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge therapies, her staff members are all horse people. Each horse receives the same attention and care as Dr. Oakley’s horses.
Her team utilizes advanced modalities such as Functional Electrical Stimulation, LASER therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and annual movement evaluations.
Dr. Oakley has lectured nationally and internationally on equine musculoskeletal anatomy and ultrasound and shares her advanced proficiency in musculoskeletal ultrasound as an instructor at veterinary ultrasound courses, including ISELP. She is also a courtesy adjunct professor in the Practice Based Equine Clerkship at the University of Florida and a past president of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners.
Preventing Injury as Important as Treating Them
In addition to correct rehabilitative exercise, Dr. Oakley is very hands-on in every way. She has extensive experience and excellent results in spinal manipulation (chiropractic), myofascial therapy, and advanced training in imaging and sports medicine. Her team utilizes advanced modalities such as Functional Electrical Stimulation, LASER therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and annual movement evaluations. These interventions are pivotal in promoting soundness, alleviating pain, and optimizing your horse’s athletic potential.
At Oakley Equine Sports Medicine and Rehab, Dr. Oakley and her team go beyond just treating injuries—they strive to prevent them. She takes the time to listen, conducting thorough examinations to understand each horse’s unique needs. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for equine well-being, your trusted partner in ensuring your equine companions’ peak performance and longevity.
What People Are Saying
A one of a kind, world-class equine sports veterinarian that I fully trust and highly recommend! She really gets how small details and their interconnectedness make huge differences. With this crystal clear understanding she helps horses with a gentle, empathetic and effective touch. I hope she will come to Germany to work with my horse there!
I have known Susan for many years, and
she has worked very hard to develop her lameness and rehabilitation talents. She is a highly underrated veterinarian in a pool of high-profile veterinarians and high-profile horses. You will not go wrong with her working up your horse’s lameness and continuing its rehabilitation. I highly recommend and endorse her in her new endeavor. After 42 years in my Equine practice, I feel very confident in making this recommendation.
Rich Forfa DVM
She helps me keep my 2 dressage horses in top form. She is amazing and has a true love for the horses always wanting what’s best for them! She is a top lameness specialist and can quickly assess the problem and, most times, help you solve it!
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Oakley Equine Sports Medicine and Rehab
Equine sports medicine and rehabilitation veterinarian.
We had a great weekend hosting a group of fourteen veterinarians and two farriers for our Foundations in Equine Lameness Wet-lab. Thank you to all who participated and collaborated with us! And a special thanks to all of our sponsors, Dr. Bonny Henderson with Henderson Equine Clinic for instructing and co-hosting, and all who helped and provided horses throughout the two days! ... See MoreSee Less
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For Vets Only:
Registration is now open! Join us for our Foundations in Equine Lameness Symposium (Jan 23–24 | Loxahatchee, FL) and take advantage of early bird pricing for this small-group, hands-on wet-lab.
🔵 Lameness Evaluations, Joint Injections, Ultrasound & Nerve Blocks
🔵 ISELP-Certified Instructors
🔵 RACE Approved
🔔 Early bird rates won’t last—secure your spot!
www.oakleyequine.com/foundations-in-equine-lameness
Special thanks to our Sponsors: Esaote VET, Patterson Veterinary Equine Division, Creative Science, Arthramid Equine, PulseVet ... See MoreSee Less
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A great AAEP week, kicked off with an excellent wet lab! It's always a pleasure to teach and collaborate alongside such skilled colleagues. ... See MoreSee Less
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What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?
You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.
Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.
Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).
Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.
You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases
#AAEP #AAEPHorseDocs #EquineHerpesVirus ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us for a two day, small group hands-on lameness, ultrasound, and joint injection wet lab in sunny Florida!
📅 Jan 23–24, 2026
📍 Loxahatchee, FL
RACE approved ✔️
See QR code for details.
🔗 www.oakleyequine.com/ultrasoundtraining ... See MoreSee Less
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Trick or Treat?
Cooler weather can mean fresh horses, tighter muscles, and a few more “tricks” under saddle. 😉
Now’s a great time to refresh your conditioning plan and make sure your athlete’s joints and soft tissues are ready for the season ahead.
Treat your horse to a performance tune-up — they’ve earned it! 🍬🐴
#OakleyEquine #EquineSportsMedicine #HappyHalloween ... See MoreSee Less
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Most people know that a long, curly haircoat that doesn’t shed properly is a classic sign of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing's disease) in horses. But did you know there are other, less obvious symptoms to watch for?
Other signs to watch for (note this is not an exhaustive list):
• Muscle Loss: Horses may lose muscle, especially along their topline (the back and rump), even if they seem to be eating well.
• Fat Pockets: You might notice unusual fat deposits, like above the eyes or along the crest of the neck.
• Frequent Infections: Horses with Cushing’s can get skin infections, hoof abscesses, or other illnesses more often than healthy horses.
• Slow Healing: Wounds or sores may take longer to heal.
• Lethargy: Your horse might seem more tired, less energetic, or just “not themselves.”
• Drinking and Urinating More: Increased thirst and urination can be a subtle sign.
• Abnormal Sweating: Some horses sweat more than usual, even when it’s not hot or they haven’t exercised.
If you notice any of these changes, especially in an older horse, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Early detection and management can help your horse stay healthy and comfortable!
In addition, it's important to note that all horses are different, if you have questions specific to your animal, please contact your vet.
#AAEP #AAEPHorseDocs #PPID #CushingsDisease ... See MoreSee Less
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We couldn’t let National Cat Day slip by without celebrating our barn’s real bosses — Molly and Lena! 💕
As for Spot… he declined a photo op. Apparently, sleeping on the job was higher on his to-do list.
#NationalCatDay #BarnCats #OakleyEquine ... See MoreSee Less
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How does your horse like to stay cool in this summer heat? William likes to cool off under the fan with a friend!
#oakleyequine #horsecare #StayCool #horsehealth #smarthorsecare #HotWeatherRiding ... See MoreSee Less
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