The 2018 SLO Horse Expo Free Vet Talks Schedule is Set

Get ready to horse around once again at the 2018 SLO Horse Expo. The schedule is set for you to enjoy an evening of interacting with local veterinarians and your horse friends. SLO Horse Expo Free Vet Talks are the focus of the evening but so much more is in store for you.

The Schedule Is Set for the 2018 SLO Horse Expo

March 13, 2018 4:00 – 8:30 – Madonna Inn Expo Center

4:00 Doors Open

4:00 – 5:00 Happy Hour

Come visit the many vendor booths, enjoy two food trucks and Black Horse Coffee, spend some time sipping wine samples, be prepared for the many giveaways and meet up with your horse friends. When you are ready, head over to the Education Area to get first-hand information to make you a better horse owner. Vendor booths will be hopping all evening, so be sure to make time to visit.


SLO Horse Expo Free Vet Talks Schedule

5:30 – 6:00  When Radiographs aren’t enough.

Presented by: Dr. Troy Herthel – Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center

“Discussing Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, including MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, and Arthroscopy, the importance of understanding what method is used and why. Learn how surgeons apply these diagnostic techniques to create more successful outcomes for their equine patients.”

Who is Dr. Troy Herthel?

Born and raised in Los Olivos, California, Troy obtained his undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He then earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Herthel completed a year-long internship at Weatherford Equine Medical Center in Weatherford, Texas, focusing primarily on lameness, surgery and reproduction in western performance horses.

​Dr. Herthel returned to Alamo Pintado, where he completed a surgical residency program and became certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is the youngest son of Alamo Pintado founders, Dr. Doug and Mrs. Sue Herthel.  Dr. Troy Herthel lives in Los Olivos with his wife, Jacie, and daughter, Crosby.


6:00 – 6:30 Is your horse happy? How can you tell? And why it matters.

Presented by: Dr. David Eckstein – Templeton Vet Clinic

“The horse has evolved from the edges of the swamps to the open plains over several million years. His physique, instincts and behavior have literally determined his survival.  His ability to thrive in our times and environment is often linked to these instincts and behaviors.”

Who is Dr. David Eckstein?

David Eckstein was born in San Lorenzo, California and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.  He competed on Cal Poly’s Livestock Judging Team, and roped in collegiate rodeos.  During the breaks in classes David worked in Santa Ynez at Westerly Stud Farm with the resident veterinarian Dr. Woody Asbury, DVM.  This inspired him to pursue his career in veterinary medicine.  Dr. Eckstein graduated from U.C. Davis in 1976.  He then spent three years working at Valley Large Animal Hospital in Morgan Hill, California, a four man, large animal ambulatory practice with in-house surgical and treatment facilities.

Dr. Eckstein and his wife Ellen moved to Templeton in 1979, and they still call the town their home. His practice here began using his breeding farm background, with an emphasis on equine reproduction and stud management.  Though his practice is primarily general equine and sport horse oriented, it also includes farm animals.  Ellen’s influence as an F.E.I.-level dressage rider, trainer, clinician and author has helped shape David’s practice experience and their warmblood breeding program.  David and Ellen are fully engaged with their horses.  Ellen is currently preparing “Raven,” a 5-year-old homebred Hanoverian, for dressage competition, with three siblings to follow.  Dr. Eckstein enjoys playing golf, raising and riding their horses.


6:30 – 7:00 Equine Rabies: What Every Horse Owner Should Know.

Presented by: Dr Jeff Hall, Zoetis Technical Service Veterinarian

Who is Dr. Jeff Hall?

Dr. Jeff Hall received his doctorate in veterinary medicine and completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002.  Following completion of his internship, Dr. Hall practiced in an exclusively equine surgical and ambulatory practice in Oregon for over 10 years.

​Dr. Hall joined the Zoetis Equine Technical Service team in 2012. As a senior veterinarian, he consults with practitioners across the United States, develops and supports equine research projects with several colleges of veterinary medicine and provides continuing education on numerous equine topics.  His particular areas of focus include equine pain and sedation, infectious diseases, and preventative health care.

​Dr. Hall and his wife Dr. Chea Hall, a small animal practitioner, reside in San Luis Obispo, California with their two sons, where they enjoy scuba diving, soccer, baseball and taking their golden retriever, Maverick, to the beach.


7:00 – 7:30 What you don’t know about your horse – and how to find out!

Presented by: Dr. Emily Bardo, The Equine Center

“Have you ever wished your horse could talk so they could tell you what is bothering them? Come and learn how to work with your veterinarian to uncover information about the health of your horse’s organs, feet and teeth.”

Who is Dr. Emily Bardo?

Dr. Emily Bardo is a native Californian who grew up on the coast in Half Moon Bay. She studied Animal Science at Cal Poly SLO and then went on to The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio for veterinary school. After receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 she completed an internship at Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, CA. Her professional interests include, but are not limited to, preventative medicine, sports medicine, and dentistry. In her spare time, you might find her hiking, watching, or listening to the SF Giants play, and spending time at the beach. Before she got too busy with veterinary school, she enjoyed working on project horses and did some reining with her now retired quarter horse Peppy. She looks forward to meeting The Equine Center’s wonderful clients!


7:30 – 8:00 Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis AKA Pigeon Fever/Dryland Distemper.

Presented by: Dr. Kristina Grewal, Creston Large Animal

“Dr. Grewal will discuss how Pigeon Fever is contracted, the clinical presentation and prevention. Assisting her will be Ken West and Dr. Shoemaker discussing the technology behind the vaccine.”

Who is Dr. Kristina Grewal?

Dr. Kristina Grewal completed her undergraduate work at Colorado State University. She went on to obtain her Doctorate in 2006, with honors, from Texas A&M University. After attending Texas A&M, Dr. Grewal spent one year in a medicine and surgery internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center.

She opened her practice here on the Central Coast in 2007. Her interests include equine lameness and sports medicine, as well as food animal practice. She enjoys developing relationships with her clients, as well as mentoring students. On a personal level, Dr. Grewal enjoys horseback riding, basketball and spending time with her dog, Chip.


Don’t Miss the Party!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 and plan to attend the FREE SLO Horse Expo at the Alex Madonna Expo Center. Note the times of the speakers you want to hear. If you miss a speaker or two you can always catch them at their booth later in the evening for a one on one chat. Each veterinarian will have available any handouts or information sheets used during his or her talk, and will be happy to interact with you and answer questions.

This is an event not to be missed!  Take advantage of this incredible SLO County opportunity, and enjoy some fantastic wine and delicious food with old horse friends and new ones!  Don’t forget your shopping bags, because there’s no doubt you’ll find something you can’t live without at one of the many incredible vendor booths.  We’ll see you there!


The 2018 SLO Horse Expo is sponsored by Platinum Performance, San Luis Obispo Equine Practitioners Alliance, and Zoetis.

Vet photos, talk descriptions and bios: The SLO Horse Expo

Photo collage by Sharon Jantzen

Tags from the story
More from Sharon Jantzen
An Exclusive Update On The Equestrian Staging Area For The Pismo Preserve
Fellow riders and interested community members have been asking, "What progress has...
Read More

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.