Humphrey Giacopuzzi and Associates
ABOUT
Humphrey, Giacopuzzi and Associates Equine Hospital (HGAEH) is a full service equine practice offering primary and referral care services. Located in Ventura County in beautiful southern California, the practice was started by local veterinary legend W.P. Humphrey and is currently owned by cousins, Drs. Mike and Richard Giacopuzzi. Since its foundation in 1948, the single-doctor mixed animal practice has transformed into the 11,000 square foot medical, surgical and reproduction facility it is today.
In 2014, HGAEH Reproduction Center became a Select Breeders Services affiliate lab. As such, we have now upgraded our freezing capabilities to meet the high standards SBS is known for, using proprietary formulas and state of the art equipment.
SERVICES
Surgery and Sport Horse Medicine: Colic, orthopedic, soft tissue and ophthalmic surgeries are among the procedures offered at HGAEH under the guidance of Dr. Michael Giacopuzzi. The surgical suite contains a hydraulic surgical table, gas anesthesia and full anesthetic monitoring equipment to ensure a safe and successful surgical outcome.
Diligent, traditional lameness work-ups combined with newer modalities including PRP, IRAP, shock wave and complementary and alternative medical therapies including acupuncture, put HGAEH at the cutting edge of sport horse medicine.
Internal Medicine: Headed by Drs. Richard Giacopuzzi and Hannah Klasson, HGAEH medicine department handles cases ranging from simple respiratory infections to intensive care of the septic or dysmature foal. These services are supported by a comprehensive in-house laboratory, ultrasound, digital radiography and one to three meter endoscopy units. Round the clock staffing and a doctor who lives on site provides constant monitoring and care for the critical patient.
Equine Reproductive Center Services
Our reproductive center preforms a wide array of stallion and mare services, conducted both in house and in the field.
Stallion Management
- Phantom Training
- Breeding Soundness/Fertility Analysis
- Collection and processing of Cooled/Shipped Semen
- Semen Freezing—SBS standardized protocols and formulations
- Sub-fertile stallion management
- Epididymal sperm harvesting and freezing (pre and/or post-mortem)
- Spanish Horse/PRE Inscriptions
Mare Management
- Artificial Insemination: Fresh, Cooled/Shipped and Frozen including deep horn insemination
- Heat cycle management in both the in house and field mare
- Problem mare management: chronic infections, reactive uterus—specializing in the maiden middle aged mare
- Embryo Transfer and Vitrification (embryo freezing)---with the assistance of Dr. April Armstrong
- Foaling out Mares
- Placentitis detection and management
- Dysotcias—medical and surgical management
- Twin Management
- Neonatal ICU
STAFF
Dr. Richard Giacopuzzi Reproductive Center Director
Dr. Richard grew up on his family’s dairy in the San Fernando Valley. After receiving his B.S. in Dairy Science from Cal Poly SLO, he attended UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine, and came to work in Somis, California for Dr. Humphrey. When not working in the reproductive lab, Dr. Richard has a passion for equine ophthalmology, classic Western Movies and Bluegrass music.
Alix Benjamin Reproduction Center Coordinator
Alix has been a part of our
team since 2019, working directly alongside Dr. Richard as his personal Reproduction
Technician. She grew up competing in
gymkhanas and rodeos for her local 4-H club. Her and her husband own and
operate a small farm in Leona Valley, West Roots Farm. When they aren’t working
on the farm, you can find them backpacking in the mountains or on a cross
country road trip. Alix is also pursuing her RVT license.
Becky Felch Stallion Management
Becky hails from Northern Virginia horse country. She achieved dual bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech in Biology and Animal & Poultry Sciences in 2005. After graduation, she completed a management internship at a major thoroughbred racehorse breeding farm and became certified in equine sports massage. Becky has been working as a supervising veterinary technician since 2006, and obtained RVT licensure in 2009. She spent several years in both Virginia (Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center) and Kentucky (Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital) prior to moving to Ventura in 2011. Outside of the work and the horse community, she enjoys exploring California wine country, the beach, and camping with her husband and their two dogs.
Dr. April Armstrong Embryo Transfer Director
Dr. April Armstrong graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at Humphrey, Giacopuzzi and Associates Equine Hospital in 1998, when she then continues as an associate veterinarian for four years. Dr. Armstrong then started Shoreline Equine Veterinary Services in 2002 to provide advanced reproductive procedures, while continuing with Humphrey, Giacopuzzi and Associates as the director of embryo transfer. When Dr. Armstrong is not searching for embryos under a microscope, she spends her free time with her great husband, Marty and cool kids, Lily and Fin. They can be found camping, surfing, paddling, running or at swim meets and the BMX track.
