OPEN TO VETERINARIANS, FARRIERS, HORSE CARE PROVIDERS AND INTERESTED HORSE OWNERS.

Dr. Lauren Schnabel is a Professor of Equine Orthopedic Surgery at NC State University as well as PI of the Schnabel Laboratory and Associate Director of the Comparative Medicine Institute. She completed her DVM, surgery residency, and PhD at Cornell University under the mentorship of Dr. Lisa Fortier and her internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. She is board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons as well as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Both her clinical and research work are focused on the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and advancing equine rehabilitation protocols. In 2019, was named an NC State University Faculty Scholar for her success in clinical work, research, teaching, mentorship, and community outreach efforts. In 2020, Dr. Schnabel was awarded the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence.

Dr. Stephanie Valberg is an international leader in equine neuromuscular disorders having served as a Professor at the University of Minnesota and an endowed chair at

Michigan State University. 

She currently directs the muscle biopsy service ValbergNMDL.com. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University

of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College and her PhD in equine exercise physiology from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. She is board certified in large animal internal medicine and veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation. The overarching goal of Valberg’s research and clinical work has been to define the basis for neuromuscular disorders in horses, develop accurate, minimally invasive diagnostic tests, and produce optimal methods for preventing or managing performance limiting

diseases. Her research has led to the discovery of numerous muscle disorders. 

Dr Valberg is the recipient of several honors including delivery of the Milne Lecture at the American Association of Equine Practitioners in 2012 and she was the first woman to be inducted into the Equine Research Hall of Fame. 

Dr Valberg received a lifetime

Achievement Award from the ACVIM in 2024 and a 2019 Alumni Achievement Award from UC Davis. She has twice received the Pfizer Research Excellence Award. She has over 200 peer reviewed publications. Dr. Valberg is an avid equestrian with two horses, Cajun and Razzle, and has competed in three-day eventing, dressage and show jumping.