When the veterinary truck pulls into the barn driveway, what makes a great first impression and what keeps the relationship between a veterinarian and the people who own and ride horses running smoothly? Researchers at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbus, invite horse owners and riders from all backgrounds and disciplines to share their perspectives in a nationwide, five-minute, completely anonymous survey.

Led by Jonathan Yardley, DVM, associate professor-clinical in equine field service at OSU, the Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study investigates how different generations, riding disciplines, and demographics perceive veterinary professional attire, communication styles, and billing preferences.

Every day, Yardley teaches fourth-year veterinary students on farm calls, preparing them to transition from the classroom to independent equine practice. While clinical knowledge and hands-on medical skills are the foundation of veterinary education, building immediate trust with horse owners and riders at the barn door—and communicating clearly during routine visits and high-stress emergencies—is equally vital to equine welfare.

“In equine field service, the barn aisle is our examination room,” said Yardley. “Whether we are teaching fourth-year veterinary students how to deliver complex medical news, set communication boundaries, or handle billing transparently, we want our instruction to be grounded in what horse owners and riders actually value, not outdated assumptions. Every generation and discipline in the horse world brings unique expectations, and we want to make sure every voice is represented.”

Historically, medical and veterinary traditions have leaned on assumptions about what “professionalism” looks like, from wearing coveralls versus a polo shirt to how invoices are itemized and delivered, or whether clients prefer a phone call or a text message update.

Because this research is formally IRB-approved, the researchers will submit their findings for publication in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal. By publishing the results in the scientific literature, the research team aims to ensure that both practicing equine veterinarians worldwide and veterinary colleges training the next generation can learn directly from the real-world preferences of horse owners and riders.

Help Shape the Future of Equine Practice

The survey is completely anonymous, takes approximately five minutes to complete, and is open to all horse owners and horse riders whether you lease or ride lesson horses, enjoy weekend trail rides, or own and compete horses on the national circuit.

Media and Study Contact: Jonathan Yardley, DVM, associate professor-clinical at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbus.