Dr. Jen Lugton – Redefining Equine Foot Health Through Precision and Partnership

BVSc(hons) APF-1

When it comes to understanding the intricate world of equine lameness and foot health, few professionals bring the depth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and collaborative spirit that Dr. Jen Lugton does.

As the founder of Balanced Veterinary Services and a lifelong horse lover, Dr. Jen Lugton has carved out a distinctive niche in the veterinary field merging science, skill, and heart to improve the lives of horses and the people who care for them.

Born into a life surrounded by animals, Dr. Jen Lugton’s path to veterinary science was less a choice and more a calling. From an early age, she was captivated by horses, a fascination sparked by childhood visits to work with her grandfather, a farrier. That early exposure not only instilled a deep respect for the horse but also laid the groundwork for her future specialization in equine podiatry.

After graduating from the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Science program in 2007, Dr. Jen Lugton pursued an internship at the prestigious Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital in Victoria. From there, she immersed herself exclusively in equine practice, gaining experience across Australia and abroad, including a pivotal stint in Kinross, Scotland.

Her commitment to expanding her skills has taken her across the globe, with notable professional development at the International Equine Podiatry Centre in Kentucky and in Equine Acupuncture in Florida, where she added powerful tools to her diagnostic and therapeutic repertoire.

A Specialist in Equine Podiatry

Dr. Jen Lugton is recognized as a leading expert in equine podiatry, a specialty that addresses the complex and often misunderstood causes of hoof-related lameness.

Her work focuses on prevention, assessment, and management of foot problems, areas that account for over 80% of forelimb lameness in horses – topics that are also explored through high-yield equine CPD videos inside the Practitioner’s Program.

Through Balanced Veterinary Services, based just outside of Sydney in Yarramundi, NSW, she offers targeted, collaborative care that bridges the gap between veterinarians and farriers. Her approach centers around therapeutic farriery, corrective shoeing, and a holistic understanding of equine biomechanics.

More than just a clinical expert, Dr. Jen Lugton is also an educator and connector. She regularly organizes seminars and workshops for veterinarians and farriers, helping professionals across the industry to better communicate, cooperate, and elevate standards of hoof care.

Her membership with the International Association of Professional Farriers (APF) underscores her commitment to continuing education and professional excellence.

A Thought Leader and Advocate for Integrated Equine Care

Dr. Jen Lugton is a frequent contributor to industry publications, including Equine Veterinarians Australia, where her in-depth article on flexural limb deformities (commonly known as contracted tendons) showcases not only her expertise but also her ability to distill complex medical issues into accessible, practical guidance.

Her writing reflects a deep understanding of equine anatomy, developmental physiology, and the nuanced interplay of genetics, nutrition, and biomechanics in young horses.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes early diagnosis, proactive care, and close collaboration between vets, farriers, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and horse owners. This multi-disciplinary strategy leads to better outcomes and supports a more sustainable, pain-free life for the horse.

Building a Life Around Horses (Professionally and Personally)

For Dr. Jen Lugton, horses are not just patients, they’re part of her everyday life. She shares her home with her family and partner, Sam, a professional rider who competes in eventing, dressage, and show jumping. Their shared lifestyle keeps horses at the center of everything, blending professional care with personal passion.

In founding Balanced Veterinary Services in 2017, Dr. Jen Lugton not only took control of her career path but also created a business model that reflects her values: balance, excellence, collaboration, and compassion. The practice is a testament to her belief that high-level veterinary work and a healthy personal life are not mutually exclusive, but rather, mutually reinforcing.

Why Dr. Jen Lugton Matters

In an industry that often separates science from tradition, Dr. Jen Lugton stands out as a bridge-builder. Her deep respect for the craft of farriery, coupled with a rigorous veterinary background, makes her uniquely effective at solving the kinds of lameness issues that stump even seasoned practitioners.

She is not just a veterinarian. She is a podiatry specialist, an educator, a collaborator, and an advocate for horses’ wellbeing. Her work has improved the lives of countless horses across Australia and beyond, and she continues to shape the next generation of equine care professionals through education, innovation, and hands-on expertise.

If you’re looking to understand the future of equine podiatry, or simply want to ensure your horse’s hoof health is in the best possible hands, Dr. Jen Lugton is a name you need to know.

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