Melanie Moore has always been surrounded by animals, but it was her deep love for horses that led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Saving up enough money through odd jobs, she purchased her first horse at the age of 10. Melanie’s equine interests include sports medicine, reproduction, senior wellness, and dentistry.
“Being a veterinarian is so much more than just working with animals for me, I take great pride in being a patient’s greatest advocate and building lasting relationships with clients. Each one has a story to tell, and I love being there for them every step of the way,” she said.
Outside of school, Melanie is an avid horseback rider. Prior to veterinary school, she competed in various equestrian disciplines, including western pleasure, cutting, and reining. Today, she enjoys exploring Eastern Washington’s wheat fields and trails with her horse, Dude, a 14-year-old buckskin quarter horse gelding.
In her fourth year of WSU’s veterinary program, Melanie said she’s prepared for her career thanks to the hands-on opportunities and the faculty and staff that have become her colleagues she’s learned from.
“I have greatly appreciated the faculty, technicians, staff, and coordinators that love to teach. Each one has left a lasting impact on my education and helped me become a better equine veterinarian,” she said.
After graduation, Melanie plans to return to her hometown of Vancouver, Washington, to work at nearby Ridgefield Equine Clinic, but her love for animals extends beyond horses – she also shares her home with Moose, a 4-year-old chocolate labrador.