OUR STORY
At The Equine Institute, our journey began with a simple goal: to provide high-quality, accessible equine education that allows everyone to care for horses more effectively.
Our story is also deeply personal, it all began with Braveheart, a horse who forever changed our lives and represented the unbreakable bond between humans and horses. He taught us so much right up to the end which inspired us to dedicate ourselves to sharing knowledge about equine health and well-being to help others care for the horses they love.
We dedicate The Equine Institute to Braveheart and to anyone who has loved a horse the way we loved him.
Meet the team
At Equine Institute, we’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most respected experts in the equine industry. Our founders, Dr. April Johnston and Dr. Kelleyerin Clabaugh, have deeply influenced the courses we offer today. While they have moved on to focus on their thriving practices, their expertise continues to shape our curriculum, ensuring that it’s both scientifically sound and practically applicable.
You may recognize them from the video lessons featured throughout our courses, where their advanced knowledge and passion for equine care shine through.
Dr. April Johnston is the brains behind our science-oriented content. She is a true scientist and one of the most valued equine physiotherapists in the country. She brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and alternative therapies to equine care.
Dr. Johnston specializes in structural integration therapy for horses, adapting Dr. Ida Rolf's human therapy techniques to equine care. She combines this with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other holistic approaches, informed by her scientific background and extensive studies in China.
As co-founder of The Equine Institute, Dr. Johnston is highly sought after and continues to advance her knowledge through collaboration with veterinarians and bodywork practitioners, bringing cutting-edge, science-based alternative therapies to equine health care.
Her credentials include:
B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Florida Atlantic University
15+ years of experience in environmental and wildlife research
Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health Sciences
Advanced Certification in Equine Structural Integration
National Board Certified Equine Acupressure Practitioner
Certificates in Equine Nutrition and Digital Infrared Thermography
Former Board member of the National Board of Certification of Animal Acupressure and Massage (2014-2021)
Dr. Kelleyerin Clabaugh is a highly accomplished equine veterinarian, renowned for her exceptional skills in diagnosis, treatment, and client education.
Dr. Clabaugh's professional focus combines top-tier veterinary care with a strong emphasis on client and staff education. Her experience ranges from high-level equestrian sports to comprehensive equine medical and surgical care.
As co-founder of The Equine Institute, Dr. Clabaugh continues her mission to provide exceptional, individualized care while empowering horse owners and caregivers with the knowledge to best care for their animals.
Her credentials include:
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia
Experience working for Rolex and Olympic level Event riders
Former associate veterinarian at a progressive equine medical and surgical referral practice in Oregon
Adjunct professor at Portland Community College, teaching equine science to veterinary technology students
Founder of Aramat Equine Services on the Big Island of Hawaii
In 2024, Stacy Hamer acquired The Equine Institute, driven by her firsthand experience as a dedicated horse owner who recognizes the immense value of quality equine education.
With over 20 years of executive business management expertise, Stacy brings a unique blend of equestrian passion and professional acumen to the institute.
Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada and now splits her time between Surrey, England and North Carolina, USA, Stacy is committed to expanding the reach of The Equine Institute's exceptional content.
Her vision is to make comprehensive horse education accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location, ensuring that valuable equine knowledge is available to all who share her love for horses.
Our Mission
At The Equine Institute, our mission is to help horses by educating the people who care for them.
We believe that by equipping people like you; horse owners, enthusiasts and equine professionals with the knowledge to care for horses like Braveheart better, we can directly improve the health and well-being of horses everywhere. We want to remove the unknown, intimidation and make you confident and curious to learn more.
The Equine Institute came to be from a vision to combine scientific research with practical care, and make it easy to access. Horses everywhere deserve the best care and we believe our products can create that world for you and them.
What Sets Us Apart
Expert-Led Instruction: Our courses are developed and taught by industry professionals, including veterinarians, physiotherapists and experienced equine bodyworkers.
Science-Based Approach: We combine traditional practices with cutting-edge research to offer the most effective equine care methods.
Accredited Education: Many of our courses offer continuing education credits, approved by respected organizations like NBCAAM and RACE.
Inclusive Learning: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, our courses meet you where you are and help you grow.