LEARN MORE
About the Practice
The Equine Clinic of Saratoga, Axel F. Sondhof, DVM, MS, PC in Saratoga Springs, NY is a full-service equine medical and surgical hospital. Our goal is to practice the highest quality medicine and surgery with compassion, while providing personal attention to the unique concerns of each individual equine owner.
We believe communication and familiarity are essential for quality and consistency of care. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please browse our website, and call us with any questions and to set up an appointment. We welcome new clients.
Service Area
We see patients in the capital region of New York including Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties. If you are not sure if we travel to your farm just call the office. We need to limit how far we travel for routine work so that we may provide effective emergency coverage as well. If we cannot travel to you, we will happily see and treat clients at our facility in Saratoga.
Payment Options and Policy
Payment is expected at the time of service unless discussed prior to arrival. If you are unable to be present for a scheduled appointment or emergency visit, we require a credit card and authorization to charge be on file or a signed check dated the same day to be given to us by your authorized agent present. Your authorized agent must be on site and have the ability to approve necessary treatments and services. You may pay by credit card, check or online.
Client accounts that are overdue 60 days and have not responded to communication nor made the agreed upon payments will not be serviced until such time as the account is fully paid and future payment terms are agreed upon. Please call the office to remedy this situation.
Meet the Team
Axel Sondhof, DVM MS
Dr. Axel Sondhof grew up riding horses in Germany’s Black Forest, sparking his lifelong passion for veterinary medicine and sport horses. He studied veterinary medicine at the University of Munich and Cambridge University, graduating in 1993. He went on to complete an internship at Washington State University, a surgical residency at Iowa State University, and a master’s in Veterinary Science focused on innovative drug delivery systems for equine joint disease. He remained at Iowa State as a clinical instructor before moving to Saratoga Springs in 2000.
After building a busy equine hospital near Saratoga Racetrack, Dr. Sondhof founded The Equine Hospital of Saratoga in 2019. His expertise includes diagnosing and managing performance issues in sport horses, treating colic, and addressing infectious arthritis in foals.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Axel enjoys family life with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, and can often be found deep-sea fishing on the ocean.
FOUNDER
Jacoba Barboza
Jacoba, a Bolton Landing, NY native, has been passionate about horses since childhood—owning and caring for her own since the age of 10. She has worked alongside Dr. Sondhof since 2009, wearing many hats as an integral part of the team.
In her free time, Jacoba enjoys training her 6-year-old Nakota Quarter Horse, Ruger, and spending time with her 20-year-old Quarter Horse, Braveheart. She loves covering miles on the trail and hiking with her dog, Harley.
PRACTICE MANAGER
Victoria Walton, LVT
Victoria is a Saratoga Springs native with a strong background in equine care and veterinary medicine. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management from SUNY Morrisville, specializing in rehabilitation and sports therapy. She worked for five years as a nursing staff technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY.
Returning to New York, Victoria pursued an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Science Technology at SUNY Delhi and passed her VTNE in March 2025, officially becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Her interests include caring for down and neurologic horses, podiatry and pain management, and supporting high-risk pregnancy mares.
Outside of work, Victoria enjoys time with her horses—Melvyn, a Standardbred and fellow SUNY Morrisville alum, and Jack, her beloved Welsh Cob cross—as well as her spirited Chihuahua, Taquito.
LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Katey Rowe, LVT
Katey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management from SUNY Morrisville, specializing in rehabilitation and sports therapy, and completed her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology at SUNY Delhi.
She worked for several years at Rood & Riddle in Saratoga, where she gained extensive experience in equine anesthesia. When our hospital opened, Katey joined the team as Head Anesthesia Technician. She also works at a local companion animal hospital as an anesthesia and surgical technician.
Outside of work, she enjoys life on her farm, gardening, and spending time with her lively crew of animals: four dogs, two horses, a Hackney pony, a mini mule, two ducks, and more than 30 chickens.
HEAD ANETHESIA TECHNICIAN
Tammy Lynch
Tammy has lived in Saratoga Springs since the 90s. She worked in the banking industry until she retired in 2015. In 2019, she came to work for The Equine Clinic of Saratoga.
Tammy is an animal lover and currently has four horses and two dogs at home.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Trisha VanDerwerken
Trisha is a 2000 graduate of the Albany College of Pharmacy. Trisha keeps the Saratoga Horse Rx website running smoothly while lending a hand with order fulfillment to ensure every clients needs are met. She and her husband, Mike care for 6 horses, including a couple of retired polo ponies on their farm in Fort Edward. The farm is both a place of hard work and a peaceful retreat!
SARATOGA HORSE RX
JoAnn Negri
JoAnn has a passion for Gypsy Vanners and jokes that she’s owned by her mare Lady Larken. In her spare time she trail rides anywhere she can! JoAnn is also a 6th degree black belt in karate and owns Rhinebeck Karate Academy which is now run by her son. JoAnn brings a strong work ethic and passion for animals to the team.
ASSISTANT
Kestrel
ASSISTANT
Kestrel grew up in Saratoga and has spent most of her life here, as she’s always loved it! She loves to be outside and active. She attended Hartwick college for a year where she played rugby and worked in the equestrian team barn. Unfortunately, after a torn meniscus she had to come home but her twin sister still attends Hartwick. A fun fact about her is that she is named after the smallest falcon in America!
Christie Foss-Hugabone
Christie began riding and competing in hunter-jumpers at the age of six, eventually training with Grand Prix riders, and hopes to return to the show ring. She has managed private stables, taught beginner lessons, owned and sold horses, and cared for her own lifelong warmbloods.
Her love of animals extends beyond horses—she has raised families of Muscovy ducks, adopted a Pekin duck and a rooster, and now volunteers with North Country Wildcare, transporting animals in need. She is also a member of the AAEVT and plans to pursue her education to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, with future goals of becoming a licensed falconer and wildlife rehabilitator.
Christie takes great pride in caring for hospitalized patients. She also assists with the Saratoga Horse RX website. Always eager to learn, Christie finds fulfillment in supporting patients through recovery and procedures.
ASSISTANT
Olin Ellsworth
Olin grew up in Warrensburg, NY, spending his childhood guiding trail rides at a local dude ranch, and working with his father and uncle who are both lifelong farriers. He attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX where he competed on the intercollegiate rodeo team and studied business and engineering. After a short career in the heavy construction field, he returned to his roots as a farrier working on horses in the Saratoga area as well as Ocala, FL during the winter circuit. Olin combines his education and lifelong experience as a farrier and horseman to collaborate with veterinarians to help horses improve soundness, performance, laminitis management, as well as corrective procedures and sales preparation.
In his free time, Olin still consults on construction projects part-time and competes as an active contestant cardholder in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
FARRIER
Jim Nutt, IV VMD DACVS
Dr. Nutt is a diplomate and active member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Nutt is known for his commitment to client communication and dedication to patient care. His passion for advancing veterinary medicine is evident in his areas of specialization, which include Sports Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging (including nuclear scintigraphy and MRI), Colic Surgery, Fracture Repair, Arthroscopy, Laparoscopy and Lameness.
Moreover, Dr. Nutt's contributions extend beyond clinical practice, with notable research in Complicated Fracture Repair, Transfixation Casts, External Fixation, and Neonatal Surgery.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Nutt finds solace in nature, enjoying hobbies such as hiking, hunting and fishing, dog training, and even falconry!
VETERINARY SURGEON
What our customers are saying