Dr. Kelleyerin and Dr. April first met to collaborate on some challenging cases. They quickly realized they had a common interest: helping horses by helping educating their people. On top of their impressive credentials as equine professionals, they also shared a talent for teaching. The Equine Institute was born, and horses everywhere are benefiting as their people learn more!
Dr. Kelleyerin Clabaugh (she/her)
Dr. Kelleyerin Clabaugh received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 from the University of Georgia. She was a working student for Rolex and Olympic level Event riders where she learned all about top-notch horse-care. Driven by a passion for riding and taking care of her horses, Dr. Clabaugh became an associate veterinarian with a progressive equine medical and surgical referral practice in Oregon. Here, she moonlighted as adjunct professor at Portland Community College teaching equine science to veterinary technology students. Ensuring her clients and staff were well educated and trained has always been a goal for Dr. Clabaugh. While the veterinarian’s role is crucial in the horse’s overall health, the daily caregivers assume the greater responsibility of caring for the animal.
In 2012 Dr. Clabaugh moved to Hawaii, where she met April Johnston, whom she shared common interest in equine education and a desire to share knowledge and experiences with. Kelleyerin started Aramat Equine Services on the Big Island in 2016. Aramat is the fulfillment of her dream to provide exceptional, individualized care to clients. Dr. Clabaugh has always wanted to work with people who love their animals and are eager to learn how to best care for them.
When not working, Dr. Clabaugh can be found riding her horses, Phena and Miznah, hiking to waterfalls with her partner Derek and their three dogs (Otto, Gryphon and Duster).
Dr. April Johnston (she/her)
April Johnston, MSc, Co-Founder, with her greatest teacher, Tomax.
First and foremost, Dr. April Johnston is a scientist. She holds a Bachelor of Science (1995) and a Master of Science in Biology from Florida Atlantic University (2001). After working as a scientist in environmental and wildlife research and conservation for 15 years, Dr. April went back to school to study her first passion: horses. Once a scientist, always a scientist, April’s unique work melts a scientific perspective with alternative therapies.
While April employs multiple modalities, the foundation is based on structural integration therapy, a progressive human therapy founded by Dr. Ida Rolf. This work systematically unwinds complex layers of fascial compensatory patterns to help restore physical balance and relieve chronic pain. April came across this work in her own journey to seek relief from chronic pain. She tried many methods, but structural Integration therapy so dramatically relieved her pain, that April began seeking ways to bring the same benefits to her equine friends.
Dr. April now works with both humans and horses! She pursued a Master in Oriental Medicine, specializing in acupuncture and herbal pharmacology and then completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at the Pacific College of Health Sciences. She studied in China, completing externship programs in Chengdu University and Guangzhou University, and completed a 12-month herbal medicine internship Dr. Christine Cannon. She now runs a thriving acupuncture practice in Kailua Kona, HI, called Big Island Oriental Medicine.
In 2014 April partnered with Kelleyerin to form The Equine Institute. April holds Advanced Certification in Equine Structural Integration from The Equine Natural Movement School, where she also taught equine structural integration certification courses as a faculty. April attended The Tallgrass Institute and is a National Board Certified Equine Acupressure Practitioner. She holds additional certificates in Equine Nutrition and Digital Infrared Thermography. She was a Board member of the National Board of Certification of Animal Acupressure and Massage from 2014-2021 and developed a new, national board certification exam in equine structural integration. She worked with veterinarians to learn laser therapy, and continues to work with equine veterinarians and advanced bodywork practitioners to advance her own learning.