PVM Faculty Member Sarah Waxman, leader of Purdue’s Equestrian Team, honored as Outstanding Advisor of the Year

People in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine know Dr. Sarah Waxman as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, boarded large animal surgeon and clinician with the Veterinary Hospital’s Equine Field Service. They may not realize she also has played a key role in the success of the Purdue Equestrian Team, for which she serves as advisor.

Her notoriety for that role increased significantly this month when she was recognized as one of the award recipients at the Purdue Student Life Honors ceremony April 6. The awards program honored recipients for their commitment to leadership within the Purdue community through involvement in student activities, student employment, community service and learning. Dr. Waxman was presented with the Outstanding Advisor of the Year award for her pivotal role in leading Purdue’s Equestrian Team. The award honors an advisor “…who demonstrated initiative in working with student organization members, effectively facilitated the organization’s efforts to accomplish its mission, provided dedicated support to the development of student learning and served as a role model for organization members.”

Dr. Waxman’s involvement with equestrian teams began when she was an undergraduate student at Kansas State University. There, her passion for the sport flourished. She later came to Purdue for a large animal surgery residency, which she completed in 2014. After working in private practice, she returned to Purdue in 2017, initially as a visiting assistant professor before being appointed as clinical assistant professor in 2021. Then, when the Purdue Equestrian Team advisor left to move on to new opportunities, it was clear that Dr. Waxman had the drive, knowledge, and attention-to-detail required to take over and continue the success of the program.

“This is not just a horse-riding club,” Dr. Waxman explained, noting that the team recently received club sport status. The members of Purdue’s Equestrian Team are responsible for the care and oversight of 13 horses, with Dr. Waxman assisting them in horse management operations.

“The amount of time and effort I put into this team is all on a voluntary basis, and while I have received much thanks and appreciation from the students, it felt amazing to be recognized publicly across the university for my efforts,” Dr. Waxman said. “This also provides major recognition for the team, as many people do not know about its existence or importance. This award, as well as the team’s recent elevation to club sport status, will help bring them greater recognition.”

Hailey Hurst, co-captain of the team, praised Dr. Waxman for stepping in as their advisor during a chaotic time for the organization. “Her support has truly transformed our path forward,” Hurst explained. “With her help, we navigated challenges, gained stability, and even achieved club sport status this year. She’s made sure both our team and our horses are well cared for, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she’s done behind the scenes to help us grow.”

Next weekend, May 2-4, the Purdue Equestrian Team will be competing at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Nationals hosted at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina. Come fall of 2026, the team will need to relocate to a new facility to hold them over until Purdue is able to move forward with a proposed on-campus equestrian facility. Click here to learn more about the Purdue Equestrian Team here.

Congratulations to Dr. Waxman on receiving this outstanding recognition, along with a big thank you for all she has done to aid in the success of Purdue’s Equestrian Team!