Dr. Bridget Heilsberg was born and raised in rural upstate New York, and was bitten by the horse bug at the early age of 8. She actively rode and competed in the Hunter/Jumper circuit before moving to Ithaca, New York in 1999 for college. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, with a focus on reproduction and genetics, at Cornell University in January 2003. Shortly after, she enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and moved to California. In addition to her Reserve training and duties, she worked with horses and cattle throughout the Central Valley, teaching riding lessons and breaking and training horses for all levels and disciplines. In 2006, Bridget was activated with the Navy in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. She spent time in both Kuwait and Iraq with a small boat unit, doing shallow water, high value asset, and anti-terrorism force protection. Dr. Bridget moved to Phoenix, Arizona upon returning home, and worked as a veterinary technician at Animal Medical and Surgical Center of Scottsdale as well as teaching at Kaplan College in the Veterinary Technician and Respiratory Technician programs. She moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 2009 for veterinary school and is incredibly proud of her time spent as a Colorado State University Ram. While in veterinary school, Dr. Bridget channeled the leadership skills that she gained in the Navy and was elected as the Student Delegate from CSU to the Student AVMA. While a delegate, she continued to push for excellence in the organization, and continued her service as the National Student AVMA President from 2102-2013. Dr. Bridget is a 2013 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. After graduation, she completed an internship at JEH Equine Reproduction Services and Hospital, and was welcomed on as an associate once the internship concluded. Dr. Bridget focused on emergency medicine and critical care as well as general practice and reproductive management while at JEH. In May 2016, Dr. Bridget left JEH Equine to start her own ambulatory practice in the North Texas and Texoma area. She continues her focus on overall wellness, therapeutic nutrition, and preventive sports medicine. She is incredibly grateful for the support of the community, and hopes to continue to give back to the local area by hosting client education seminars and continuing her work with NCTC’s Equine Program. In her limited spare time, Dr. Bridget enjoys riding her Harley-Davidson FatBoy motorcycle, working with the Crown 3 Ranch horses, and volunteering with the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative. She routinely travels and speaks at regional and national veterinary conventions on leadership, mentorship, and the challenges facing today’s veterinary professionals. She currently lives in Whitesboro, TX, with her other half, Dr. John Middleton, four cats, and the wonderful memory of her constant canine companion Lucy.
