The Horse Vet

The Horse Vet

Jessica hurried into the barn for her riding lesson and ran straight to her favorite horse’s stall. But Buster’s stall was empty. “ Buster’s not feeling well, ” said Mr. Petersen, the riding instructor. “ I’ll get Ginger ready for your lesson. ” Jessica was worried. “ What’s wrong with Buster?”

“ That’s what I’m here to find out, ” Dr. Roy said as he walked into the barn. “ Come with me. ” Jessica followed the vet to where Buster was. “ Mr. Petersen said Buster hasn’t been very active for a few days now, ” Dr. Roy said. Buster stood still, his head down, as Dr. Roy ran his hands over him. “ Hmm. No sore spots. ”

Jessica watched the vet examine the horse. “ Mr. Petersen mentioned Buster hasn’t had much appetite, ” he said . “ Horses can easily get upset stomachs . Their stomachs are small compared to their bodies . ” Dr. Roy listened to Buster’s stomach with a stethoscope. “ The good news is that Buster’s stomach sounds normal. ”

Next Dr. Roy checked Buster’s eyes. “ How did you become a veterinarian?” Jessica asked. “ I studied science for four years in college, ” said Dr. Roy. “ After I graduated, I went to veterinary school. ” “ How long did that take?” Jessica asked.

“ Four years . Then I had to pass a test to get my veterinarian’s license . ” Dr. Roy looked at Buster’s hooves. “ A horse vet has to know stuff that other veterinarians don’t, ” he added. “ For example, the horse’s hoof is like a big toenail. The hoof is hard on the outside, but the inside is easily hurt. ” “ Did you go to a different school to learn about horses?”