Blog Series: A Different Kind of Equine Veterinary Career - Part 4
Why Oregon’s Willamette Valley? Why Our Equine Veterinarians Love Living and Working Here.
When equine veterinarians dream about the perfect place to build a career and a life, they often imagine three things: a thriving horse community, a collaborative practice environment, and a lifestyle that balances the long hours with real joy outside of work. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, all three come together.
A Horse Community Like No Other
The Valley is home to an incredible range of equestrian pursuits—hunter/jumpers, eventers, Western performance horses, pleasure riders, and breeding programs. This diversity means veterinarians here encounter a wide variety of cases, from high-performance lameness to advanced reproductive work. It’s a region where equine practice stays exciting, and no two days are ever the same.
At Oakhurst, we’ve built our practice to match the richness of the horse community around us. Our veterinarians work side by side, share knowledge, and support each other, creating an environment where professional growth and collaboration aren’t just buzzwords—they’re how we operate every day.
A Lifestyle That Works for You
Work-life balance isn’t just a catchphrase here; it’s a reality. After finishing up at the clinic or heading back from a farm call, you might find yourself tasting wine at a world-class vineyard, biking through rolling farmland, or catching a local concert.
The Willamette Valley offers access to everything that makes Oregon special. The coast is a short drive west, the Cascades rise to the east, and Portland’s food, culture, and energy are just up the road. Whether your idea of a weekend well spent is skiing, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a farmer’s market with friends, you’ll find it here.
A Place to Call Home
Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services is located in the Chehalem Valley, part of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Beyond the horses and the scenery, what makes the Valley truly special is its sense of community. Within it, the Chehalem Valley stands out as a gem—just southwest of Portland, where vineyards, farmland, and horse country all come together. Known for its rolling hills and world-class wineries, the Chehalem Valley is also home to a thriving equestrian scene, with performance barns, private farms, and training facilities woven throughout the landscape. For veterinarians, it offers the best of both worlds: a diverse, rewarding caseload and the chance to live in one of Oregon’s most beautiful regions.
Here, people are passionate about their animals, their land, and their neighbors. With excellent schools, welcoming towns, and a slower pace that still keeps you connected to modern life, the Chehalem Valley—an integral part of the Willamette Valley—is more than a place to work. It’s a place to put down roots. ** The Best of Both Worlds**
Equine practice is demanding—but it doesn’t have to mean giving up the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. In the Willamette Valley, you’ll find meaningful veterinary work in a thriving horse community, paired with the chance to live somewhere that makes every off-call day feel like a getaway.
At Oakhurst, we’ve built our practice around the idea that veterinarians should love where they work and where they live. For those ready to find that balance, the Willamette Valley is waiting.
👉 To explore opportunities with Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services visit our Careers Page. Questions or ready to apply? Reach out to cookie@oakhurstequine.com with your resume.