Leslie A. Easterwood, DVM
A 1986 graduate of Alvin High School, she became an RH Scholar when she received a Brazoria County Go Texan Scholarship from RODEOHOUSTON®. That gift opened the door to a lifelong journey in veterinary medicine. With scholarship support, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, a Master of Agriculture in Animal Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science before graduating from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995.
For ten years, Dr. Easterwood worked in private equine practice, gaining firsthand experience that shaped her compassionate, practical approach to care. In 2005, she returned to her alma mater to complete a residency in large animal internal medicine and soon joined the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital as a clinical faculty member, where she continues to serve today. She teaches equine community practice with the same enthusiasm and empathy that have defined her entire career, mentoring students to think deeply about the responsibilities that come with serving both horses and their people.
Dr. Easterwood has dedicated herself to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR), beginning as a student intern in 1987 and eventually serving as one of the event’s official veterinarians. Over the years, she has cared for thousands of animals each spring, ensuring their health and welfare while mentoring generations of veterinary students in one of the profession’s most dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Dr. Easterwood also serves as the official veterinarian for Texas A&M’s Parsons Mounted Cavalry, ensuring the health and safety of the horses that represent the university in parades, game-day ceremonies, and campus traditions throughout the year. Her care and attention to these horses embody the Aggie spirit—an equal blend of tradition, excellence, and heart.
An educator who believes that veterinary medicine is a form of service, Dr. Easterwood leads the Veterinarians Impacting Their Communities elective at Texas A&M, guiding students to find innovative ways to help others. Under her mentorship, students have collaborated with the BUILD program to transform shipping containers into mobile veterinary clinics, bringing essential care to underserved regions. This project reflects her belief that small acts of service, done with purpose, can change entire communities.
Her service and leadership extend far beyond the classroom. A longtime member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. Easterwood has served on its Board of Directors, Foundation Advisory Council, Finance & Audit Committee, Student Committee, and as chair of the Membership Development Committee and Foundation Development Council. She continues to support The Foundation for the Horse, frequently contributing financially as well as her time, ideas, and energy to initiatives that improve the welfare of horses everywhere.
She also serves on the Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) Board of Directors. Most recently, she spearheaded the TEVA Back in the Saddle Campaign, a campaign to rebuild equine facilities and horse camps in the Texas Hill Country following the devastating July 2025 floods.
She created a program called This Is How We Role in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley, aimed at introducing children in kindergarten through fourth grade to career opportunities in veterinary medicine. She noticed that not a single child at the Brazos Valley Boys & Girls Clubs initially said they wanted to be a veterinarian or even knew what the profession entailed. Through hands-on interactions with veterinary students and exposure to the world of veterinary care, the program will help children envision themselves in roles serving their community. Though the pandemic paused the initiative, Dr. Easterwood plans to relaunch it, continuing to open doors and inspire young minds to imagine a future in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Easterwood’s devotion to people runs as deep as her devotion to horses. Following the passing of her dear friend, Lt. Col. Roy Tisdale, she worked with his family and friends to name a student lounge in his honor in the Buzbee Leadership Learning Center on the Texas A&M Quad. She later established the Roy Tisdale Sul Ross Scholarship and extended her generosity through a planned gift honoring all Aggies who have lost their lives in service to our country since 9/11.
A die-hard Aggie, Lyle Lovett groupie, and lifelong advocate for horses, Dr. Easterwood is known not for seeking the spotlight but for lifting others up—students, colleagues, and communities alike. Her spirit, work ethic, and humility continue to inspire those fortunate enough to learn from her. We celebrate Dr. Leslie Easterwood for her unwavering dedication to equine health, her selfless commitment to service, and her extraordinary example of what it means to lead, teach, and give back—always for the horse.
Mentee Comments:
I’ve seen Dr. Leslie Easterwood dedicate her career to shaping the next generation of equine veterinarians through hands-on teaching, compassion, and clinical excellence at Texas A&M University. Her calm confidence, practical mentorship, and genuine care for students have inspired so many to pursue equine practice with both skill and heart.
—Rob Franklin, DVM
Proud of you Dr. Leslie. You have a servant’s heart – might even be bigger than Secretariat’s!
—Michael T. Martin, DVM
I am a die-hard Auburn grad who practices in Texas. Dr. Easterwood has become a surrogate mentor to me and helped me so much in practice with questions I’ve had on cases – and I was never even her student or an Aggie!
—Lisa A. Willis, DVM
Dr. Leslie Easterwood grounds us, inspires us, and reminds us of what matters. The world needs more mentors like her.
—Christine B. Navarre, DVM, MS, DACVIM
It is an honor to recognize an extraordinary equine veterinarian who has been a true mentor and inspiration to me. Her compassion, dedication, and lifelong commitment have not only improved the lives of countless horses but have also shaped the knowledge and growth of young veterinarians and students. She has been a supportive colleague, a patient teacher to horse owners, and a leader who inspires us all to connect with and serve our equine community. Her passion for serving others, her generosity, wisdom, and example have left a lasting mark on my life and the profession we love.
—Rebecca S. McConnico, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Dr. Easterwood has mentored so many individuals from kids showing their animals at the Houston Livestock Show to undergraduate and veterinary students at Texas A&M to other women veterinarians through Cowgirl CE Retreats. She deeply cares about the person and their development both professionally and personally. No one cares more than Dr. Easterwood and I’m so thrilled she is now on the wall!
—Meredyth Jones Cook
Thank you for your tireless advocacy, your incredible dedication to our profession, and the invaluable mentorship you’ve provided to me and countless other veterinarians over the years. You’re the best.
—Clayton McCook, DVM