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Veterinarians & Staff

We'd like to introduce you to the amazing team that makes up

Progressive Equine, Inc.

Kate Barber, DVM

Kate Barber DVM

Owner of Progressive Equine, Inc.

Dr. Kate Barber obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with an emphasis in neurology, physiology and behavior from the University of California at Davis. She then attended Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, graduating in 2019. Kate went on to complete a rigorous internship at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, a referral clinic in Bonsall, California. Here she gained a wide variety of skills, with an emphasis in sports medicine and surgery.

Kate returned to Ventura county, near her home town of Moorpark, where she grew up riding and competing in hunters and jumpers. She is excited to pursue her passion of ambulatory equine medicine.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys long runs with her dog, trail riding with her friends, spending time with family, and reading a good book by the beach. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new areas.

Linda Rydgig, DVM, FAAVA, CVA

Acupuncture & Laser Therapy

A native Californian, Dr. Rydgig obtained her undergraduate degree from Cal State University Northridge. She attended the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1994. In 2000, she became certified in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She also completed the Advanced Equine Acupuncture course at the Chi Institute in Florida. In 2016, Dr. Rydgig became a Fellow in the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.

Personal interests include long-distance running, skiing, tennis, and photography. Linda resides in Ventura with her husband and partner, Brad, two dogs, a cat, and a rabbit. Professional interests are traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbs, ophthalmology, and equine internal medicine.

Linda Rydgig DVM

Brittany Bazeley, DVM

Brittany Bazeley DVM
Associate of Progressive Equine, Inc.

Dr. Brittany Bazeley was born and raised in San Diego, CA where she grew up riding hunter/jumpers. She received her BS and DVM degrees from the University of California, Davis. 

 

Following vet school, Dr. Bazeley completed an intensive one year internship at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, prior to staying on as a Senior Clinician. Additionally, Dr. Bazeley worked at a Sports Medicine Practice in San Diego where she developed further skills in advanced lameness exams and diagnostic imaging. From 2020 to 2024, Dr. Bazeley lived and practiced in Napa, CA. Dr. Bazeley is a FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian, certified veterinary acupuncturist, and a member of ISELP.  

 

In her spare time, Dr. Bazeley enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, exploring parks with her daughter, and spoiling her dog. She is excited to be back in the Southern California sunshine!

Cecilia Foster, RVT

Registered Veterinarian Technician

Cecilia is a skilled veterinary technician, recently earning her Registered Veterinary Technician certification. With years of experience in the equestrian world, she shares a special bond with her horse, Gonzo, and enjoys spending time on the trails. A proud mother of four, much of her free time is dedicated to juggling family activities and being on the go. Cecilia resides in Moorpark with her husband Jason, a farrier, their four children, three horses, three dogs, and a variety of other furry companions. As a family, they love camping and exploring the great outdoors, with Cecilia particularly relishing hiking and immersing herself in nature.

registered veterinary technician with white mini horse
veterinary technician

Melissa Hernandez

Technician & Office

Melissa is our office assistant as well as our technician. She lives with her husband, Diego (a farrier) and their dog, Jags, in Simi Valley. Her love for horses started when she was 2 years old and began riding at the age of 7. She studied Equine Science at Pierce College and has worked along side Dressage and Jumper trainers.

On her free time she enjoys reading romance novels as well as going on trail rides with her two horses.

Mikie Ericson

Office Manager

Mikie is the heart of our office, serving as our dedicated office manager. She efficiently manages appointment scheduling, billing, and client services, ensuring everything runs smoothly. With over 20 years of experience in the equestrian world, Mikie’s passion for horses began at the age of 9. She has competed in Hunter/Jumpers and has a deep-rooted background in Western riding, now competing in Mounted Shooting with her horse, Cowboy. Also a talented professional photographer, Mikie helps capture some of our images we love to share with you.

Living in Somis, Mikie shares her life with her husband, Val, a skilled farrier, their two sons, two dogs, and her beloved horses, Cowboy and Snoopy.

Mikie Ericson
chelsea.jpg

Chelsea Kurtz

Office Assistant

Chelsea has been riding horses since she was two years old and spent time training in many different disciplines. Everything from barrel racing to driving hackney ponies, she loves it all! Her love for horses has never stopped growing and she’s been able to live out her childhood dream with her horses right out the back door. She continues her career with Progressive Equine helping animals on a daily basis. She will be working in the office assisting with answering the phone and scheduling appointments.

Brad Dygert, DVM

Emeritis

Dr. Dygert obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in physiology from the University of California at Davis. He continued at the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1986. Brad traveled to central Kentucky to complete an internship at Equine Services, a large referral and ambulatory hospital. He remained for an additional 16 months, performing surgery with the Veterinary Laser Institute, a specialty practice utilizing laser surgery with an operating microscope.
Brad returned to his home state of California in 1988 to be close to his family. He practiced ambulatory medicine for over 30 years before retiring in July of 2024.
Brad is married to Linda Rydgig, also an equine veterinarian, and they have three children. His outside interests include skiing, tennis, and mountain biking.

Brad Dygert DVM
Assistants
pepper and ace
diego
riley and chase

Pepper (left) & Ace (right)

Riley (left) & Chase (right)

Diego

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