Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS, an equine veterinarian and pioneer in holistic veterinary medicine, has died. Harman dedicated her career to advancing integrative approaches to equine health and helping horse owners better understand their horses’ care.

Harman graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. She completed the membership exam at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons the following year and treated horses in England and Ireland before moving back to the States. She became certified in veterinary acupuncture in 1990 and veterinary chiropractic in 1994. She also completed advanced training in herbal medicine, homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine.

In 1990 Harman founded Harmany Equine Clinic, in Washington, Virginia, where she treated horses ranging from backyard companions to high-level performance athletes. Her practice combined conventional veterinary care with integrative therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, and herbal medicine. She also developed expertise in saddle fitting and published extensively on the subject.

Harman served as president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, chaired the alternative medicine committee for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and participated in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s task force on alternative medicine. She also served as president of the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association.

An educator and author, Harman published more than 60 articles in professional journals, textbooks, and magazines. She also wrote several books, including The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book and The Western Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book.

Harman served on The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care’s editorial advisory board for a time, reviewing articles for accuracy. She also wrote articles for The Horse/TheHorse.com and participated in an Ask TheHorse Live audio event.

Rappahannock News recently ran a story interviewing Harman while she was in hospice about her life and career. In a tribute following her death, colleagues remembered Harman for her generosity in sharing her expertise and her dedication to equine veterinary medicine. They also reflected on her influence on fellow veterinarians and the many horses she helped throughout her career.