2010 Horsewoman of the Year: Dr. Jeanette Bjornstad

PictureDr. Jeanette Bjornstad

I have loved horses all my life. My dad was sure my twin sister, Janelle and I were "horse crazy". He finally gave in and bought us our first horse when we were nine years old. I grew up near Walhalla, North Dakota. In my junior year in high school, I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian. My husband Randy and I were married in May 1977. I attended North Dakota State University, majoring in animal science/nutrition. I was then accepted into the Veterinary program at Iowa State University in the fall of 1981 and graduated with my DVM in May 1985.

After graduating, I came back to my home area and became an associate veterinarian at the Park River Veterinary Clinic in June 1985. I began my mixed animal practice there and continued until July 1998, at which time, I decided to start my own practice, Golden Valley Veterinary Service. During the construction phase, I practiced out of my truck and house, working on dogs, cats, elk, cattle and horses, and in January 1999, I moved into my own private practice, on my farmstead, which is located seven miles west of Park River, North Dakota. I am grateful to have Dr. Charlotte Klose with me since I started on my own and within the last year, Dr. Nathan Kjelland, has joined us. We have great veterinary technicians, Wanda and Natalie, who make our work run smoothly and easily. Staslie runs the front desk and keeps the coffee pot full for all that just drop in to "visit". My husband Randy takes care of all the business aspects of the clinic. Whether large or small I enjoy all animals and so does my staff and I'm proud of them.

I enjoy working with all types of horses. I have learned a lot from my clients in the different aspects of competition and the work these horses do for a living. It's true, you learn something new every day! I have done a lot of reproduction work ups and artificial insemination. We have had semen shipped from all over the United States. It is so rewarding to see the positive ultrasounds and even more thrilling for me to see those resulting foals. I'm in my 25th year of practice. During this time veterinary medicine has continually evolved and new challenges arise. I love it more than ever.

In my "free" time I am riding one my own five Quarter horses. I have raised three geldings (Joe, Bozo & Nic) from my mare, Foxy Lady By Jack, who is now 26 years old this year. I trail ride in our area, solo or with friends and family. I've done a lot of team penning, but my favorite is going on cattle drives, whether my own cattle or a neighbors, in the fall. Nel, my other mare is my favorite for working cattle. I like going to fun day horse shows, especially the team events. I also enjoy the time spent with the 4-H groups in the local area and partaking in the Walsh County Fair held in the fall of every year. The fellowship and friendships made at these events and working with "horse" people have been a blessing to me!

I want to thank you for choosing me as the 2010 Horsewoman of the Year and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be in a career I love and enjoy every day!