We get it. We know you want a healthy, happy athlete that can go out and do the job he loves to the best of his ability. We want that too.
That’s why we offer a wide range of veterinary services that maintain, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses effectively to get you back to competition as quickly as possible.
And we deliver it all in a compassionate and collaborative way so that you and your horse’s team of professionals understand every stage of the journey.
When you need us, we’ll be there from vaccines to emergencies … and everything in between.
Let Unparalleled Veterinary Care and Effective Communication Keep Your Sport Horse Competitive All Season Long.
We know the demands of your sport horse.
We understand what it takes to keep a horse competitive. Routine lameness exams and custom treatment plans are standard in our practice!
I need to find an answer to my horse’s problem as quickly as possible!
We know you want answers, and while diagnostics and a thorough exam do take time, we will get you those as efficiently as we can. If we’re unable to pinpoint a timely diagnosis, we’ll refer you to the appropriate facility.
I want to have confidence in the decisions I make for my sport horse.
We know you need answers. It’s our goal to get you an accurate diagnosis with a proven, science-backed treatment plan to get you back to competition.
Communication is at the core of our business. Our commitment to exceptional communication is integral to our business and you can expect a genuine and personal connection when you work with a TAEM veterinarian.
Premium Services
TO MEET THE UNIQUE DEMANDS OF COMPETITIVE SPORT HORSES
We offer leading-edge diagnostics and treatments that have proven effectiveness and use our expertise to educate you and your team on the best options for your horse’s needs.
In addition to routine preventative care, such as vaccinations and dentistry, we also offer several additional professional services, including ophthalmology and dermatology.
One area we emphasize for our sport horses patients is regular lameness exams. Our expertise enables us to provide a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis and guidance toward the treatment plan best suited to your horse.
High-quality diagnostics, such as digital radiography, upper airway endoscopy, and ultrasounds, can provide a critical assessment of your sport horse's health and wellness. Our in-house lab also maintains efficient and reliable blood work results.
Keeping your sport horse performing his best may also include specialty wellness services such as acupuncture and spinal manipulation.
Ultimately, our goal is to keep your sport horse competitive and happily doing the job he loves for many years to come.
Finding the Right Veterinary Practice May Mean the Difference Between Qualifying for Championships and Watching from Ringside.
You want an experienced veterinary team that can keep your horse performing his best, without shortcuts, through all the stages of his life.
Step 1
FIND THE RIGHT FIT:
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Call or text the vet directly to schedule an appointment. If you’re really unsure, please feel to call any of our qualified vets and speak directly to them about your horse’s needs. Or call the main number and our office manager Katie will be happy to direct you.
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Fill out the new client paperwork here.
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Add any other guidelines or information needed for new clients.
Our Practice is Built on Compassion, Communication,
and Exceptional Care.
Todd Thompson, DVM, CERP
Veterinarian
I’m Todd Thompson. With more than 30 years of experience, I’ve built my reputation specializing in diagnosing and treating lameness. I stay current and active in all areas of the practice and concentrate on developing custom treatment plans for the horses I see. I am equine rehabilitation and performance certified.
My goal for starting TAEM in 2017 was to assemble a team of talented veterinarians who share my vision of a collaborative approach to sport horse veterinary care. We work together to deliver, not only exceptional care, but some specialty services and therapies clients would be hard-pressed to find in one practice.
While each member of the team has individual strengths and specialties, it’s truly a team of skilled veterinarians who come to see your horse each visit. We share ideas and case studies at our Monday morning meetings and often touch base throughout the week for feedback.
This approach allows us to provide you with seamless service, especially when you need an appointment on short notice. After all, horses do unexpected things and you don’t need to worry when they happen. On those days, we’ll be there - even if it isn’t the vet who usually treats your horse.
Better communication is at the core of achieving the best outcomes for your horses. Communication with you and your horse’s professional team to discuss a plan that is both understood and manageable is critical for the best possible outcome.
I grew up in Douglasville, Georgia, and began riding horses at a very early age. I competed with my horse McCloud in competitive trail riding and in endurance trail riding through high school. My wife and I have four children, Parker, Sterling, Connor, and Madison, and live in Canton, Georgia. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the guitar, carpentry, and watching my younger kids play basketball and ride ponies.
Education
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988
The University of Georgia College of Agriculture
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Todd Thompson
Call/Text 770.206.0282
INDIVIDUALLY EXPERIENCED VETERINARIANS COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A
Highly Skilled Team
Jennifer Melcher, DVM, CERP, CVA
Veterinarian
I’m Jennifer Melcher. I’m active in all aspects of equine veterinary medicine with an emphasis on sport horse medicine and lameness, acupuncture, ophthalmology, and dentistry.
I’m a 2005 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. I continued at UGA completing an internship in large animal medicine before joining Dr. Thompson in 2006.
I have certifications in equine rehabilitation and performance from the University of Tennessee and acupuncture from the Chi Institute.
My passion for horses goes beyond my veterinary career. An Atlanta native, I grew up riding Hunter/Jumpers since the age of 7, then competed in eventing before finding my true passion in the Dressage arena. I have since earned my USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals.
I now live in Ball Ground on our family farm, 14 Carrot Farm, with my husband Evan and our sons Nate and Ezra. You can find me competing in the dressage ring, or ringside encouraging my son Nate, who is a budding equestrian.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Jennifer Melcher
Call/Text 770.652.4926
Christine Murray, DVM, CERP, CEVMM
Veterinarian
I’m Christine Murray. I’m active in all areas of general practice with special interests in wellness, sports medicine and lameness, diagnostic imaging, and spinal manipulation.
I earned my veterinary degree at the University of Georgia in 2011, followed by an internship in large animal medicine and surgery. I received my certification in equine rehabilitation and performance as well as equine spinal manipulation at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Ocala, FL.
In 2012 I joined TAEM and have enjoyed combining my training in spinal manipulation with traditional medicine, which allows me to use a big-picture approach for the evaluation and treatment of the performance horse.
In addition to my veterinary duties, I serve as the equine representative on the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors.
As one of the mentors for the AAEP veterinary student program, I attended the World Equestrian Games in 2018, in Tryon, N.C., managing veterinary students as they worked side by side with veterinary teams.
My love for horses began growing up in the heart of New Jersey’s horse country. My interests evolved into a career in veterinary medicine after my family moved to North Georgia. I live in Ball Ground with my husband and 2 children. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, and riding my horse.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Christine Murray
Call/Text 770.652.3731
Andrea Shuck, DVM, CEVMM
Veterinarian
I’m Andrea Shuck. I’m active in all aspects of equine veterinary medicine with a focus on sports medicine, lameness, and wellness care. Before joining TAEM, I spent more than a decade at Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racetracks in Louisiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, where I honed my skills and developed a love for the unique atmosphere and community of the backstretch. I understand and value the importance of a team approach to your horse’s care.
A native of central Ohio, I earned my DVM at The Ohio State University in 2006. Additionally, I completed my certification in veterinary medical manipulation from Chi University in Ocala, FL in 2023.
Outside of work I enjoy traveling, bird watching, and stargazing. I can often be found with a camera in my hand, capturing subjects such as trains, aircraft, and the beautiful North Georgia landscape; or relaxing at home with my cats Abbey and Tuesday. Fun fact: I made my karaoke debut in college, singing the popular party tune The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Tiffany Nichols, DVM
Veterinarian
I’m Tiffany Nichols. I’m active in all areas of general practice with special interests in wellness, prevention, reproduction, and lameness.
I'm a double dawg! I obtained my bachelors (2016) and DVM (2021) from the University of Georgia.
After graduating vet school, I worked in a mixed animal practice. However, it was very obvious that my true passion lies within equine medicine. I then found the amazing opportunity to work with TAEM in 2023.
I'm a Georgia Native and have ridden horses and been in a barn since I could walk. Previously, I was very active in NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) and spent my weekends on the road hauling my two mares Zen and Poco. I am stoked to start getting back into the saddle and allowing my 1.5 year son, Eli, to develop the same love for horses that I have. My husband, Cody, is also an avid horse enthusiast and farrier.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Tiffany Nichols
Call/Text 678.236.1891
Katie A. Cave
Office Manager
I’m Katie Cave and I have been the office manager for TAEM since 2017. I have extensive training and work experience in medical billing and office management, as well as a degree in Criminal Justice. I enjoy keeping our office and TAEM team running efficiently and smoothly.
I am a Roswell, Georgia, native and currently reside in Ball Ground with my husband Jimmy, and daughter Olivia. Our immediate family also extends to our pit bull Gunner and our bearded dragon Milo.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. We also dedicate our time to supporting and nurturing our daughter’s passion for softball.
Call/Text 770-686-8955
Email taemoffice@gmail.com
HOW CAN WE HELP YOUR HORSE?