Our board-certified equine surgeon and six ambulatory doctors make up our veterinary team at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic. Our services cover everything from routine equine health care to many types of equine surgery, lameness diagnosis and treatment, arthroscopy, upper respiratory procedures, and other soft tissue and orthopedic treatments. Established in 1979, Blue Ridge Equine Clinic is a full service equine veterinary clinic serving Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
The main office and hospital are located in Albemarle County between Free Union and Earlysville with a second location in Staunton, just 28 miles from the Virginia Horse Center.
The main office and hospital are located in Albemarle County between Free Union and Earlysville with a second location in Staunton, just 28 miles from the Virginia Horse Center.
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Donovan Dagner, DVM, managing partner of Blue Ridge Equine Clinic, grew up on a training farm in New Jersey where he gained an appreciation for horses and the people who work with them. He graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995 and completed an internship at Apex Veterinary Hospital in North Carolina before joining Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in 1996.
A wide range of lameness cases are seen at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic, referred from throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Many of these referrals are chronic cases with previous work-ups or treatments, yet the horse remains lame or exhibits poor performance. With over a century of cumulative experience in the area of lameness, we have concluded that these patients often require thorough physical examination, regional anesthesia (nerve blocks) and diagnostic imaging for accurate diagnosis.In most cases, we are able to successfully diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment for our lameness patients, which range from seasoned performance horses to backyard companions.
Our fully equipped mobile vets provide prompt, thorough examinations and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at your farm or at our full-service clinic. Whether you have one geriatric equine companion or operate a breeding farm, we are prepared to handle your routine maintenance and emergency needs, when you need them.
Our fully equipped mobile units and ambulatory veterinarians provide prompt, thorough examinations and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at your farm or at our full-service clinic. Whether you have one geriatric equine companion or operate a breeding farm, we are prepared to handle your routine maintenance and emergency needs, when you need them.
Reviews (9)
Lonnie O'Baugh
Sep 27, 2021
Extraordinary care. My horse had 3-5 medical staff with him for the entire 5 hour exam. He can get very anxious during vet care, but he was 100% comfortable with each everyone. They were slow, gentle, and thorough. I expected to pay at least double the bill I received for all the care he received. Grateful this facility and staff are within driving distance.
Jessica Detmer-Lillard
Aug 20, 2021
Neil Blair
Feb 19, 2021
Susan Murphy
Feb 12, 2021
Had a great experience at Blue Ridge Equine. We were referred to Blue Ridge by our equine vet for enucleation of an eye (surgical removal of the eye). The entire staff at Blue Ridge was competent and kind. The office staff was efficient and friendly. The surgical intake staff member was thorough and offered plenty of time for questions. Their post op instructions were clear, and contact numbers were provided for possible complications (we had none).
The surgeon called a few days after surgery to personally check on her progress. This is a place where I instantly felt comfortable due to their professionalism and compassion. Thanks Blue Ridge!
The surgeon called a few days after surgery to personally check on her progress. This is a place where I instantly felt comfortable due to their professionalism and compassion. Thanks Blue Ridge!
Lexi Kurtz
Jan 25, 2021
My horse was diagnosed with a stifle injury and after a few months of rest and no improvement, I decided to get an athroscopy to at least try and relieve him of pain. My vet referred me to Blue Ridge Equine and they made it a very smooth procedure. None of my horses have ever had to get surgery, so I was nervous, but Blue Ridge was completely professional and took great care of my horse while he was with them.
Even after he got home and had a colic scare, they were very helpful and called to check up on him multiple times after. Their staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and I was very pleased with the whole process. I highly recommend them for any veterinarian needs. Thank you Blue Ridge Equine!
Even after he got home and had a colic scare, they were very helpful and called to check up on him multiple times after. Their staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and I was very pleased with the whole process. I highly recommend them for any veterinarian needs. Thank you Blue Ridge Equine!
Suzanne Dennis
Dec 25, 2020
I have had so many great experiences with Blue Ridge. Over the years my concerns have always been treated with the utmost respect. A colic scare, a deep cut in a bad spot, ulcer check. I have had those dreaded horse owner scares turn into positive experiences with Blue Ridge's great care. Recently my vet in the practice moved out of town and I started using a new vet (within the practice).
My crazy sound Hunt/trail/dressage horse showed up with a bit of a stifle issue. I was a bit panicked and my work schedule is really tight. My new vet In the practice worked so hard to accommodate me. She really impressed me with her patience, caring attitude and amazing knowledge! She did a thorough exam, gave great recommendations but didn't do excessive treatment. His issue is getting resolved. Thank you Dr Kelly Giunta! I appreciate have Blue Ridge Equine on our team!
My crazy sound Hunt/trail/dressage horse showed up with a bit of a stifle issue. I was a bit panicked and my work schedule is really tight. My new vet In the practice worked so hard to accommodate me. She really impressed me with her patience, caring attitude and amazing knowledge! She did a thorough exam, gave great recommendations but didn't do excessive treatment. His issue is getting resolved. Thank you Dr Kelly Giunta! I appreciate have Blue Ridge Equine on our team!
Alicia Burns
Jun 22, 2020
We love Blue Ridge Equine Clinic! We have worked with them for over ten years - they treat us and our horses with such great care. They are always available to answer questions and give us the information we need for whatever our horses have gotten themselves into. They are thorough, kind, and professional. I cannot say enough great things about them! Highly recommend!
Kathryn Everson
Mar 14, 2020
It's never easy when you find out your equine needs surgery, then add in Covid-19 restrictions. The doctors and staff at Blue Ridge did everything to make the whole experience feel like I was a part of it. They sent pictures and videos along providing updates on how he was doing including he was greeting everyone when they arrived. Thank you all for your caring and patience, truly appreciate all you did!
Laurel Dedes
Dec 05, 2018
