Our Assistants
Meet the Team
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Riley Erickson - Senior Veterinary Assistant
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Courtney Helgeson- Senior Veterinary Assistant
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Reilly Southard - Veterinary Assistant
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Alex Creech- Veterinary Assistant
Riley Erickson - Senior Veterinary Assistant
Riley's lifelong passion for horses has been a driving force in her life. Despite growing up in the city, she found ways to immerse herself in the equestrian world. In middle school, she began working with horses to pay for riding lessons, starting at a hunter/jumper barn where she experienced both English and Western riding styles.
During high school, Riley joined 4-H, which provided her with opportunities to lease a horse and further deepen her involvement with these magnificent animals. To support her passion, she also worked for three years in a small animal clinic, demonstrating her dedication and resourcefulness.
Upon graduating from high school, Riley achieved a significant milestone by becoming the proud owner of her first horse, 'Bucky,' a mini horse. She went on to train Bucky to pull a cart, showcasing her commitment to not only riding but also developing her equine partner's skills.
Riley's journey continued, and she now proudly owns 'Andy,' her Paint horse, and 'Woody' as well. Her horses hold a special place in her heart, and she cherishes the bond she has with them. This deep love for horses extends to her work at Oakhurst, where she shares her passion and care with the residents and patients.
Riley's dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for horses have shaped her into an experienced equestrian, and she continues to grow in her equestrian pursuits while making a positive impact on those around her.
Courtney Helgeson- Senior Veterinary Assistant
Courtney's journey in the equestrian world started in the small town of Estacada, Oregon. From a young age, she was surrounded by horses and actively participated in various equestrian activities such as 4-H (a youth development organization), OHSET (Oregon High School Equestrian Teams), and breed shows. Throughout these experiences, Courtney formed a deep bond with her pinto horse named Fancy and also worked with her bay paint named Stoney, both of which she showed for several years.
As Courtney progressed in her academic career, she attended Oregon State University, where she became a part of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) team. This allowed her to continue pursuing her passion for horse riding while studying at college. Her dedication to both academics and equestrian pursuits led her to graduate this past spring with a degree in Animal Science from Oregon State.
Following her graduation, Courtney embarked on a professional journey by joining Oakhurst, an equine-focused organization. Working at Oakhurst has proved to be an enriching experience for her, providing her with valuable skills and expanding her knowledge of horses. Courtney aims to utilize her newfound expertise as an equine nutritionist, applying her understanding of animal science to optimize the nutritional needs of horses.
Overall, Courtney's lifelong involvement with horses, coupled with her academic achievements and professional experiences, have set her on a path to make a positive impact in the field of equine nutrition.
Reilly Southard - Veterinary Assistant
Reilly's upbringing on a small farm in Yamhill County, surrounded by animals, has cultivated her passion for veterinary medicine from a young age. Engaging in activities such as showing horses, alpacas, goats, and pigs, as well as participating in the local 4H program, has further fueled her dedication to working with animals.
Having recently completed her associates degree at Chemeketa Community College, Reilly has taken the next step in her educational journey by enrolling at Oregon State University. Her goal is to complete her undergraduate degree in Veterinary Science and pursue further education in order to become a veterinarian.
Reilly expressed her appreciation for working at Oakhurst Equine, highlighting the organization's commitment to assisting animals and their owners. The environment at Oakhurst Equine provides her with valuable learning opportunities that are constantly evolving, enabling her to enhance her skills and knowledge in the field.
With Reilly's passion, practical experience, and dedication to continuous learning, she is on a promising path toward achieving her dream of becoming a veterinarian and making a positive impact in the lives of animals and their owners.
Alex Creech- Veterinary Assistant
Alex's journey has been marked by a love for animals and a passion for learning. Starting from his early days in Tillamook, where he participated in 4-H as a kindergartner, he developed a connection with animals through raising Opie, a Mini-rex Opal rabbit. This experience ignited his interest in the animal world.
In second grade, Alex and his family moved to Newberg, where they continued to surround themselves with animals. Cats freely roamed their house, and fish swam in their tanks, further nurturing Alex's affinity for creatures big and small.
Around two and a half years ago, Alex's family ventured into the realm of horses, and to his delight, Alex discovered a hidden passion for these majestic animals. This newfound fascination sparked a desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
After graduating from Newberg High School in 2021, Alex set his sights on Oregon State University, where he plans to attend to become a veterinarian. While he is still exploring the various veterinary paths available, it is evident that his dedication to learning and gaining knowledge is unwavering, as he currently works at Oakhurst to expand his understanding of veterinary practices.
During his days off, Alex enjoys engaging in outdoor activities with his father. Whether it's dirt biking, hiking, camping, or boating, he finds solace and joy in nature, complementing his love for animals.
Alex's story exemplifies a young individual who has fostered a deep connection with animals from an early age, and who is driven to transform that passion into a meaningful career as a veterinarian.