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Decade One: Keeping Passionate Equine Vets in Practice for the Long Haul
Caring for horses takes a team—and at the center of that team are equine veterinarians. But the reality is that many vets leave equine practice within their first 5–10 years. Long hours, emergency calls, and the stress of running a business can make it difficult for even the most passionate doctors to stay in the field.
For horse owners, that means fewer veterinarians to call on, longer waits for appointments, and the risk of losing trusted relationships just when horses need care the most.
Decade One was created to change that.
What is Decade One, you ask?
Founded in 2015 by Dr. Amy Grice after decades as an ambulatory equine practitioner, Decade One was designed to give young veterinarians the tools, community, and encouragement they need to build long and successful careers in equine medicine.
Instead of focusing on clinical skills (which veterinary school already covers), Decade One helps early-career vets with the real-world challenges of practice: business decisions, financial planning, leadership, communication, setting healthy boundaries, and finding balance in a demanding career.
How It Works
Decade One brings veterinarians together in small groups, called cohorts, that meet regularly over the course of three years. These gatherings—both in person and online—give doctors a chance to:
- Learn about the business side of veterinary medicine
- Share experiences and advice with peers who face the same challenges
- Build relationships that last long after the program ends
This supportive network means that when your vet faces tough situations—whether it’s pricing services, handling emergencies, or balancing the demands of practice—they have resources, mentors, and colleagues to lean on.
Why This Matters for You and Your Horses
For horse owners, Decade One’s impact is far-reaching:
- More vets in practice means better access to care when you need it.
- Healthier, supported veterinarians can focus on what matters most—your horse’s wellbeing.
- Stronger veterinary practices are able to stay open, serve their communities, and invest in the latest medicine and technology.
In short, Decade One helps ensure that you’ll continue to have skilled, motivated, and available equine veterinarians in your community for years to come.
At North Bridge Equine, we’re proud to be part of this important movement. Dr. Nostrant and Dr. Shen were part of the first Decade One groups, Dr. Cory is currently participating, and now Dr. Nostrant is serving as a facilitator for the third generation of veterinarians coming through the program.
That means our team isn’t just providing care today—we’re helping build the future of equine veterinary medicine. And ultimately, that’s a win for the horses, the owners, and the entire equine community.
To learn even more about Decade One, visit the website:
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