Dr. F. Richard Lesser D.V.M.

F. Richard Lesser, DVM, has been an equine practitioner since graduating from Cornell University 's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. He and his wife, Marilyn Schmidt, DVM (Cornell 1978), formed The Equine Clinic at OakenCroft which is located in Ravena, New York . The clinic employs eight staff veterinarians, an intern and numerous support staff who provide ambulatory and in-house services to performance horses, broodmares, and pleasure horses alike.

Dr. Lesser is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Where he has chaired and served on a number of committees and task forces. He is a frequent speaker to veterinarians and veterinary students around the country on a variety of management issues facing equine practice.

Dr. Lesser became a member of the Zweig Committee in 2004. This committee allocates equine research money in New York State generated by the racing industry.

Dr.  Lesser held an adjunct position at SUNY Cobleskill where he taught courses in equine health. He has served as an advisor to the Curriculum Committee and the Equine Research Park at the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. Dr. Lesser returns to Cornell annually to help teach the Equine specialty students about common practice scenarios.

Dr. Lesser is also the Chair of Veterinary Management Group VII, a group of 21 similar equine practices from around the country dedicated to the betterment of equine practice.

Rick has two sons, Craig and Evan, and a daughter Taryn who along with their dad enjoy a variety of horse disciplines including hunters, roping and trail riding. They are also kept busy at home with their farm (153 acres), skiing, 4-H and livestock shows (horses, sheep and chickens), swimming, soccer, church and other school activities.