It is said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. This is no doubt true, but add to this a supportive community and the results can be incredible. In 1987 this practice was founded by Dr. Burny Baxter, Dr. Tim Ellis and our personal accountant, Gay Ellis. We added our first technician two weeks later and we‘ve grown from this very small group to a team of five veterinarians, a dedicated group of licensed veterinary technicians and an excellent office staff of five. Together our equine health care team is able to provide well care as well as advanced medical and surgical care throughout each day of the year. As mentioned above, the St. Louis community has been supportive throughout the years and that support was absolutely essential to our success. With a sense of deep gratitude, we dedicate this section of our website to those who have been instrumental in supporting the building of this practice and without whose help we could not have succeeded. Prior to 1987 a horse needing emergency colic surgery was loaded on a trailer and was forced to endure a two-hour trailer ride. Success in development of this hospital means that critically ill and injured horses in our area no longer have to travel long distances to get needed medical help. Though we appreciate all our clients for their faith and support, we specifically take this opportunity to thank the following people for going above and beyond in helping us achieve this goal on behalf of our patients.