The Equine Medical Center of Ocala

09/11/2025

✨ Meet Dr. Chelsea Folmar ✨

Dr. Folmar grew up in rural Pennsylvania, spending time on her grandfather’s horse farm. She graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, then completed a rotating equine internship with us here at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala. Most recently, she finished a Large Animal Internal Medicine residency at the University of Georgia.

Outside of work, Dr. Folmar enjoys scuba diving, traveling, painting, horseback riding, and trivia nights with her husband.

Her professional interests include neonatal and adult critical care, with a focus on gastrointestinal, neurologic, and respiratory conditions.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member of our Internal Medicine team, Dr. Chelsea Folmar! 💙🐴

09/02/2025

🐴✨ We don’t just treat horses! We had the pleasure of caring for “Donk” the mule, who came in to have a sarcoid removed.
Sarcoids are the most common type of skin tumor in equids, including horses, donkeys, and mules. While they’re typically benign, they can grow, ulcerate, and cause discomfort if left untreated — which is why early detection and treatment are so important. ✅
Donk was a perfect patient and is on the road to a smooth recovery! 🩺💚

GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING

08/27/2025

We are looking forward to meeting the 2025 OEPS students in Lexington this weekend!

At The Equine Medical Center of Ocala, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of equine veterinary professionals. From hands-on internships and externships to immersive shadowing opportunities, EMCO offers valuable experiences designed to help you grow in your career — all while working in the Horse Capital of the World!

For more details on our program, visit our booth at OEPS or visit our website at emcocala.com.

07/30/2025

Catch our internist Dr. Welch on the news and meet our adorable twin foals!

A Central Florida mare is recovering alongside her two newborns after delivering an extremely rare set of twin foals — a birth veterinarians say almost never results in three surviving horses.

07/24/2025

Please join us in welcoming our ambulatory associate, Dr. Shelby Rivkin! 🎉

Dr. Rivkin is a former EMCO intern and a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Canton, Georgia, she grew up riding hunter/jumpers, a passion she carries into her practice today.

She’s joining us as a Sports Medicine focused associate. Traveling on the international circuit? We’ve got you covered—she’s also an FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian.

We’re excited to have Dr. Rivkin on board! To schedule an appointment with her, please contact our office today.

07/21/2025

Say hello to one of our new ambulatory associates, Dr. Erica Smith! 👋🏼

Dr. Smith completed her internship at EMCO, stayed on for a sports medicine fellowship and is now joining the team as an ambulatory associate. Originally from Cochran, Georgia, she earned her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Georgia 🐶.

Dr. Smith enjoys all aspects of equine medicine, with special interests in emergency medicine, sports medicine, and reproductive services. She’s now accepting new clients!

Join us in welcoming her to the team!

07/17/2025

Please join us in welcoming our 2025-2026 Intern Class!

(From left to right)
Dr. Mariah Alexander - Louisiana State University
Dr. Michaela Gregory - Tufts University
Dr. Sienna Spaethe - Iowa State University
Dr. Isabella Cerrone - University of Glasgow
Dr. Avery Fry - University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Madeline Yokeley - University of Georgia

03/17/2025

Come join us!

12/31/2024

Don't forget to register for our 5K before 2024 rolls into 2025! 🎆 Registration is currently $35 and will increase on January 1st. Registration includes your T-shirt, medal, and swag bag. Visit the website below to register today!

https://loveofthehorse5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=13083

12/17/2024

Clients: Our pharmacy will be closed December 25th and the 31st.

01/18/2024

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING (A FOAL) 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated — however, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor, to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!