Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Zappitelli, DVM.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I became interested in veterinary medicine and riding horses at a young age. I grew up in a rural area of Illinois, and after riding for many years, I was finally able to own my first horse at 14. Her name was “Girl Talk” known as Gabby in the barn. Anyone who works with horses that the highs and lows of equestrian sport are closely tied to the health of your equine partner. The saying “healthy as a horse” is acutally very ironic – horses are incredibly powerful but surprisingly fragile.
Through Gabby’s various injuries I became fascinated with the science and medical aspect of horse care. I realized how profoundly an injury can impact not only the horse’s quality of life, but also its athletic future. Lameness – simply put, is when a horse shows abnormal movement, and is one of the biggest factors that can end a horse’s career or life.
As I progressed in veterinary medicine, I pursued advanced training in equine sports medicine and lameness diagnostics. I spent years working closely with high-level performance horses and learning from experts in my field. Early in my career, I realized that so many cases labeled as “career-ending” were actually opportunities for deeper investigation, and some are now treatable due to advances in technology.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin and moving to Arizona for my first job, I moved to the Raleigh area in 2015. I was working at a general practice. After a few years, I was able to return to horse ownership again thanks to my husband! However, the grueling amount of hours and emergency work prevented me from spending time with my new horse Verdi. I was spread thin, and felt like my clients weren’t getting the service they deserved. That job sent me into burn out.
This motivated me to start my own practice where I could specialize in my interests, and control my workload. I wanted to build a practice where research-based medicine, cutting edge treatments, and athletic empathy were the foundation.
Founding Ascend Equine Mobile Sports Medicine allowed me to do exactly that—to meet horses where they are, to observe them in their true athletic environment, and to collaborate directly with riders and trainers. My work today is focused on optimizing performance, solving complex lameness cases, and the study of understanding movement through imaging, anatomy, and biomechanics.
What drives me is not just the science, but the moments when a horse returns to the ring stronger than before—and the look on their rider’s face when they realize the impossible wasn’t. Every case teaches me something new. Every horse reminds me why I started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving to NC for my new job where I did not know anyone, and was not familiar with the area. This combined with low wages trapped me in that job. The owner was extremely unethical and it was an abusive work environment. I knew I need to change something when I realized being dead would be better than continuing to work there. (not sure how much of this you would want to publish – it is still a local business). I wouldn’t be where I am today without my husband Jody.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ascend Equine Mobile Sports Medicine PLLC?
Ascend Equine is a specialized veterinary practice focused exclusively on sports medicine and lameness diagnosis. I work primarily with performance horses, offering advanced evaluations, ultrasound guided procedures, imaging based diagnostics, acupuncture and chiropractic care, and individualized rehabilitation strategies. I take a movement first approach – looking beyond the clinical signs to understand why an injury or imbalance occurred, so we can prevent recurrence and improve long-term athletic performance.
What sets us apart is our deeply investigative method, the narrow focus of the practice, and ability to offer every cutting edge treatment option in conjunction with management/training recommendations. I also ride and compete my own horses at a high level.
I’m most proud of the practice’s commitment to precision, practicing gold standard medicine, and the dedication to our patients.
What matters most to you? Why?
Treating every horse the same regardless of their monetary value. Treating every client like I would want my grandmother treated, and loving their horses like they are my own. Building community; the horse community is very small not only on a regional level, but on a national and international level as well. Finally, being able to ride and show my own horses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ascendequinemsm.com/
- Instagram: ascendequinemsm
- Facebook: ascend equine mobile sports medicine
