Ethan Strain, DVM

Dr. Ethan Strain was born and raised in Virden, Manitoba, Canada where his family has spent generations raising and exhibiting Percheron horses. As a fifth‑generation breeder and exhibitor, he grew up deeply connected to the draft horse world and continues to be involved with his family’s hitch, Silver Oak Percherons, most recently showing their six‑horse hitch of mares at the 2026 World Percheron Congress. He completed his veterinary education at St. Matthew’s University and clinical year at Washington State University before beginning his career in North Carolina with Tryon Equine Mobile and later practicing in Minnesota at Buffalo Equine. His professional interests center around sports medicine and wellness care, which entail caring for the horse head to toe.

What do you enjoy doing when not working with patients at SCES?
"I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether hiking, golfing, baseball, hockey or exploring new places with my wife. I also love working with draft horses, both at home and on the road at shows."

What made you want to pursue a career as an Equine Veterinarian?
"My desire to become an equine veterinarian grew from a childhood spent around horses and the responsibility of caring for them. That lifelong love for the equine world, combined with my experience as a competitor, inspired me to pursue a career where I could help equine athletes perform comfortably and care for them into their retirement years."

What is the most fulfilling part of being an Equine Veterinarian?
"The most fulfilling part of being an equine veterinarian is building meaningful relationships with horses and their owners, and supporting them as they work toward their goals. Whether helping an equine athlete reach peak performance or providing thoughtful care to senior horses, being part of each horse’s journey is what makes this work so rewarding."