Meet our faculty: Lindsay Goodale

“When we study the musculoskeletal unit, students learn how to identify orthopedic problems, provide basic first aid and wrap limbs,” said Goodale. The class also visits facilities like Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s farrier workshop. Throughout the semester, students train horses on the ground using behavior modification techniques, culminating in a small “horse show” that showcases their skills and progress. 

Goodale is particularly passionate about teaching ANSC 3100: Animal Welfare, a course that challenges students to critically assess animal welfare across species. “Animal welfare is deeply connected to cultural values and legal frameworks. It’s a blend of science plus social and cultural implications,” Goodale said. “Teaching how to feed and breed animals is important, but we also have a responsibility to graduate students who understand animal welfare science.”

“Animal welfare is deeply connected to cultural values and legal frameworks. It’s a blend of science plus social and cultural implications.”

In keeping with her interactive approach to learning, the course includes a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, connecting students with peers from Dalhousie University in Canada. Student teams compare animal welfare legislation in the United States and Canada and discuss their findings with the larger group.

Goodale’s journey to veterinary science began with a biology degree from Mount Holyoke College, followed by a veterinary degree from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Initially drawn to production animal medicine, she discovered a passion for individualized care, leading her to a dual internship at Tufts University and a private equine practice. This shift sparked a diverse research career, spanning equine herpes virus and bovine in vitro fertilization, followed by clinical work in animal reproduction and equine ambulatory practice. 

Integrating these experiences, Goodale created and leads the Horse Farm Improvement Program (HFIP), a collaborative initiative with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) that helps equine farm owners enhance their operations using evidence-based recommendations. “We support farmers and help them implement best practices,” she said. The program includes a pre-visit survey, an on-site evaluation covering nine key areas — including biosecurity, horse health and manure management — and tailored recommendations, with a follow-up six to 12 months later.

HFIP prioritizes collaboration, Goodale said. “We aim to share best practices by providing detailed summaries and actionable recommendations after each visit,” she explained. “Our goal is to empower horse owners with research-backed advice.” 

“Our goal is to empower horse owners with research-backed advice.” 

As the program grows, Goodale hopes to expand farm participation, refine best management practices based on new research and facilitate farmer-to-farmer collaboration. Building on this, she also spearheaded the Cornell Horse Symposium, a professional development event where extension personnel, farm managers and HFIP participants exchange knowledge on equine management. 

“We want to generate more opportunities for farms to learn from each other,” she said. “We’ve created a resource and are expanding the network. It's rewarding to know that the program helps farmers make positive change.” 

This dedication to fostering community and knowledge sharing extends to Goodale’s work within the broader equine industry. She serves on the AAEP’s Welfare and Public Policy Council, helping shape national policies on equine care. “Being part of the AAEP has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “It's given me a platform to share my expertise and contribute to important policy discussions.” 

She is also actively involved in the Cornell Equine Steering Committee, which unites equine-related efforts across the university, including the vet school, animal science department and equestrian teams.

Goodale’s multifaceted contributions underscore her dedication to bridging science and application, and her commitment to educating the next generation of leaders in animal science. “I find it incredibly rewarding to involve students in my classes and work,” she said. 

“I want students to understand that animal science offers a wide range of opportunities — from traditional extension work with practical applications to diverse academic pursuits and the chance to make a real impact by contributing to professional organizations and policy work,” she added.

Caroline Stamm ’24 is a communications assistant for the Cornell CALS Department of Animal Science.