Veterinarians & Staff
We'd like to introduce you to the amazing team that makes up
Progressive Equine, Inc.
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 UC 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 took over ownership of Progressive Equine in 2022. She is a Level 1 FEI Official Veterinarian and enjoys continuing to learn and advance her education in 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.
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 Level 1 FEI Official 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 daughters, and spoiling her dog. She is excited to be back in the Southern California sunshine!
Amara Clough, DVM
Equine Veterinarian
Dr. Amara Clough grew up around a huge variety of horses in a small river valley in Ohio. She split her undergraduate studies between Wales and the United States, earning a CHE in Mechanical Engineering and a BS in Chemistry, followed by a DVM from the University of Georgia. She then pursued specialty training in ambulatory equine practice, completing an internship with Colorado State University's Equine Field Service.
Outside of work, Amara can usually be found adventuring outdoors with her four border collie/kelpies, searching for the best local coffeehouse, or lost in a good book. Welcome to the Progressive Equine team Amara, she cannot wait to meet you and your horse!
Cecilia Foster
Practice Manager
Cecilia is a skilled veterinary assistant and serves as our Practice Manager. She has completed her training coursework toward 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, Cecilia spends much of her free time balancing family activities and life on the go. She resides in Moorpark with her husband Jason, a farrier, their four children, three horses, three dogs, and a variety of other beloved animals.
As a family, they enjoy camping and exploring the great outdoors, and Cecilia especially loves hiking and immersing herself in nature.
Melissa Hernandez
Veterinary Assistant
Melissa is a veterinary technician and a valued member of our medical team. She and her husband Diego, a farrier, recently welcomed a baby girl and are enjoying this exciting new chapter with their growing family.
Her love for horses began at just 2 years old, and she started riding at age 7. Melissa studied Equine Science at Pierce College and has worked alongside dressage and jumper trainers.
In her free time in Simi Valley, she enjoys reading romance novels, going on trail rides with her horse, and spending time with their beloved dog, Jags.
Mikie Ericson
Client Services Manager
Mikie serves 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.
Chelsea Kurtz
Client Services Coordinator
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 works in the office and, in addition to scheduling appointments and assisting clients over the phone, she manages pharmacy orders, coordinates prescription requests, and helps ensure timely medication fulfillment for our patients.
Assistants
