Dr. Stephanie Permenter grew up in southern Idaho surrounded by horses, spending her childhood riding, showing, and training. From an early age she was fascinated not just by horses themselves, but by how they move, learn, and perform in partnership with people. That curiosity sparked a lifelong drive to understand and improve the horse as both athlete and companion.

After earning her veterinary degree from Washington State University, Dr. Permenter completed an internship at a large equine hospital in Minnesota before returning to Idaho to build an ambulatory equine practice serving performance and pleasure horses. Over her 15-year veterinary career, she has increasingly focused on integrative therapies, pursuing advanced training through the Chi Institute in Veterinary Acupuncture and Veterinary Medical Manipulation (chiropractic care).

For the past three years, she has also worked in small animal emergency medicine, an experience that broadened her clinical perspective and ultimately brought her and her family to the Moscow, Idaho area. She now lives there with her husband and son while continuing her equine integrative practice.

Today, Dr. Permenter’s work centers on evaluating the whole performance horse. She is passionate about identifying the underlying reasons a horse moves or performs the way it does—recognizing that soundness and athletic ability are shaped by many interconnected factors. Her approach considers the entire system: body pain and lameness, limb flight patterns, hoof balance, oral comfort, tack fit, and nutrition.Her goal is to help each horse achieve optimal balance, comfort, and willingness—supporting longevity in performance and a stronger, more harmonious partnership with the rider.