Dr. Ken Jacobs – One of Australia’s Most Respected Equine Lameness Authorities
BVSc MVSc MACVSc GAICD
For more than four decades, Dr. Ken Jacobs has stood at the intersection of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and rural veterinary practice in Australia.
Known for his deep expertise in equine lameness and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Ken Jacobs has built a career defined by service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the horses and communities he supports. His legacy spans hands-on clinical work, influential professional leadership roles, and a lifelong commitment to shaping the next generation of veterinarians.
Today, Dr. Ken Jacobs divides his time between equine clinical practice, university teaching, and managing his family’s farming operations in southern New South Wales. His unique combination of advanced clinical skill, international training, and broad industry insight has made him a highly respected voice in equine medicine.
A Career Built on Excellence Across Continents
Dr. Ken Jacobs’ professional journey reflects a rare combination of breadth and depth. After earning his Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney, he began his career in mixed practice in northern Tasmania, an experience that grounded him in the realities of rural veterinary work.
Seeking to deepen his clinical capabilities, he completed an internship at Murdoch University in Western Australia, where he began to focus more intensely on equine medicine.
His pursuit of advanced surgical expertise then took him overseas to the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, where he completed a Master of Veterinary Science degree in Equine Surgery and a residency program. This period shaped much of the clinical proficiency he is known for today, particularly in complex lameness evaluation and surgical case management.
Upon returning to Australia, Dr. Ken Jacobs became the principal and equine surgeon at Canberra Veterinary Hospital, where he spent many years providing high-level clinical care to sport, performance, and pleasure horses across the region.
Elevating Equine Veterinary Education
One of Dr. Ken Jacobs’ most significant contributions to the profession has been his influence on veterinary education.
During his long tenure as an Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, he played an instrumental role in developing the university’s equine curriculum, including clinical training frameworks and problem-based learning modules that continue to shape student learning today.
Even after transitioning out of full-time academia, Dr. Ken Jacobs has remained deeply involved with the university. As an Adjunct Associate Professor, he continues to guide students through complex equine lameness and imaging cases, bringing real-world clinical insight directly into the classroom.
His ability to bridge practical field experience with academic rigor makes him a sought-after mentor for students and young veterinarians looking to build careers in equine practice.
Leadership Within the Veterinary Profession
Beyond clinical practice and teaching, Dr. Ken Jacobs has played a pivotal role in veterinary governance. His service includes:
- President of Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)
- Board Member of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
- 2022 Fellow of the AVA, one of the association’s highest honors, awarded in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the profession
These roles highlight Dr. Ken Jacobs’ commitment not only to equine medicine, but also to the long-term health and sustainability of the veterinary profession as a whole.
Current Work: Focused Expertise in Lameness and Imaging
Today, Dr. Ken Jacobs provides specialised equine services through both South West Slopes Veterinary Services and Ken Jacobs Veterinary Services, where his work centers on lameness diagnostics and advanced imaging. His clinics are equipped with high-quality ultrasound and radiographic tools, enabling thorough and accurate evaluation of complex musculoskeletal issues.
His balanced career, part clinician, part educator, part farmer, embodies a modern and holistic approach to veterinary life.
Life on the Land
When he is not teaching or examining horses, Dr. Ken Jacobs can be found on his family’s properties in Wallendbeen and surrounding regions, where he and his wife Penny run a diversified operation including Angus cattle, composite ewes, and livestock trading.
The agricultural lifestyle is more than a business for him, it is part of his identity, grounding his veterinary work in the broader realities of rural enterprise.
He is also a proud father of two daughters and a grandfather, a role he cherishes as much as his professional achievements.
Why Dr. Ken Jacobs Matters
Across every stage of his career, Dr. Ken Jacobs has demonstrated a rare combination of clinical mastery, leadership integrity, and dedication to teaching. His influence spans continents, universities, veterinary associations, and countless horses and students whose lives have benefitted from his expertise.
As a speaker, clinician, and educator, he brings clarity, depth, and real-world wisdom to every audience, making him one of Australia’s most respected authorities in equine lameness and diagnostic imaging.
Dr. Ken Jacobs is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from him, Dr. Alison Fairburn, Gabriel Manso Diaz and Dr. Laura Quiney, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.