Philippe Benoit
DVM DACVSMR
In the world of equine sports medicine, few names command the respect, longevity, and international influence of Philippe Benoit. For more than three decades, he has shaped the way veterinarians diagnose, manage, and support elite equine athletes across the globe.
With a career spanning continents, championship arenas, and advanced clinical practice, Philippe Benoit has become a defining figure in modern performance horse care.
Foundations of an International Career
Philippe Benoit’s professional path began at the prestigious École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, where he earned his veterinary degree in 1989. Even in his early career, he demonstrated a strong interest in the complex relationship between performance, biomechanics, and nutrition.
This passion led him to pursue advanced studies in exercise physiology and metabolic support for sport horses, culminating in a Master of Science in Nutrition in 1991.
He also completed his military service with the Republican Horse Guards in Paris, an experience that elevated his understanding of discipline, athletic training, and the unique demands placed on performance horses.
Building an Elite Sports Medicine Practice
In 1992, Philippe Benoit founded the Clinique Equine des Bréviaires near Versailles. Under his leadership, the clinic rapidly earned recognition as a center of excellence for sport horse care. The practice focused on orthopedics, performance consultations, advanced imaging, and long-term rehabilitation strategies for high-level jumping and dressage horses.
Riders and owners from around the world sought out Philippe Benoit’s expertise for his ability to solve difficult musculoskeletal challenges and optimize performance in athletes competing at the top tier of equestrian sport.
This early success coincided with a major milestone in his career: in 1993, he became Team Veterinarian for the French jumping team, a role that marked the beginning of decades of involvement with international equestrian federations and national squads.
A Trusted Veterinary Presence at Major Championships
From 1992 to 2000, Philippe Benoit served as the official veterinarian for the French national jumping team. During this time, he supported the team and individual riders at multiple Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games, providing medical oversight during training, travel, and competition.
His clinical skill, calm judgement, and deep understanding of performance-limiting conditions made him a valued asset to athletes competing on the world stage.
His impact extended beyond France. Philippe Benoit later consulted for numerous foreign national teams, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, and he served as team veterinarian for Saudi Arabia during the 2012 London Olympic Games.
He was also a treating veterinarian during the show jumping finals at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, further cementing his reputation as a specialist trusted in the most demanding environments.
Recognition as a Specialist and Influential Veterinary Leader
In 2016, Philippe Benoit was awarded diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (DACVSMR), a distinction that formally acknowledged his decades of leadership in the field. His certification represents both deep clinical experience and a career devoted to advancing sports medicine as a scientific discipline.
He previously served on the FEI Veterinary Committee, a role that allowed him to contribute to international standards for horse welfare, competition oversight, and evidence-based veterinary regulation. His involvement with the FEI reflects not only his technical expertise but also his commitment to ethical, fair, and welfare-centered sport.
A Global Educator and Sought-After Consultant
Since 1996, Philippe Benoit has been an active lecturer, teaching veterinarians and students around the world. His presentations are known for their open discussion, detailed case analysis, and emphasis on practical, clinically relevant decision-making.
He speaks frequently on lameness evaluation, axial skeleton dysfunction, ultrasound in orthopedics, rehabilitation strategies, and the nuanced management of equine athletes.
Today, he is based primarily in California, where he leads PHB Consulting LLC, offering private consulting services in sports medicine, orthopedics, orthobiologics, and back-related conditions. His work allows him to collaborate closely with colleagues and high-level competition barns while continuing to participate in global veterinary education.
A Life Beyond the Clinic
Despite the demands of an international career, Philippe Benoit maintains a full life outside his profession. He is a devoted husband and father of four, sharing his home with his wife Kate, also a veterinarian skilled in acupuncture and chiropractic.
His personal passions include sailing, photography, wine, skiing, and equestrian sport, interests that reflect the same balance and discipline he brings to his veterinary work. As a rider, he once placed fifth in the University World Championships and won the French University Championship twice, experiences that give him a unique empathy for the athletes he treats.
Philippe Benoit: A Legacy of Excellence in Equine Sports Medicine
Through clinical practice, team leadership, global lecturing, and dedicated service to equine welfare, Philippe Benoit has helped define what modern sports medicine looks like for competitive horses. His career blends scientific insight, hands-on expertise, and unwavering commitment to performance horse care, making him one of the most respected specialists in the field today.
He continues to influence veterinarians, riders, and teams worldwide, leaving a legacy built on precision, compassion, and a lifelong dedication to the equine athlete.
Philippe Benoit is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from him, Dr. Andy Bathe and Sherry Johnson, 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.