Harness: Equine Dental Technician Carter Wilson

You are an equine dental technician. How is that the same or different than a dentist for people?

It's quite a bit different. Horses' teeth erupt throughout their life so they are always changing. Due to the eruption times of teeth and wear patterns, their teeth can become very uneven on the chewing surface, creating what are called malocclusions. Malocclusions cause the horse to not be able to move their jaw freely. A horse needs to freely move his lower jaw front to back and side to side to prevent soreness. This is referred to as their mouth being balanced. Also, unlike humans, a horse's upper jaw is wider than their lower and their molar tables are at a slight angle. Because of this, the outside of the upper teeth and the inside of the lowers get very sharp, which also leads to discomfort while being bitted.

How important is dental care for horses?

Proper dental care is very important. Dentistry has progressed a lot and has a lot to offer a horse.

Do you think most trainers make dental care a priority?

Yes, I think most do, especially at the top. This business is too competitive to not make sure all of the boxes are checked when it comes to the horses' comfort and performance.

Do you have a veterinarian license as well?

Our training is in Equine Dentistry only. We do carry a Certification through the IAED (International Association of Equine Dentists) and the Academy Of Equine Dentistry.

What made you decide to venture into the equine dental field?

When it came time to pick a career, I knew I wanted to be in the horse business. But in my home state of Illinois, harness racing and breeding was declining rapidly. Dentistry allowed me the opportunity to not be restricted to one breed or discipline.

I've heard that you and your wife Megan, who is also an equine dentist tech, travel around the country. Why is there the need for so much movement?

My wife Megan and I work in about 10 different states. We try to focus on working for horse trainers, so with that comes travel. Most of our clients are on six-month schedules, so we have to cover some ground to stay busy all year and we enjoy the different places and people.

What kind of car do you drive?

2020 F450.

Favorite dinner meal? Snack?

A good steak dinner; Dunkin Donuts cold brew.

Do you go to the races? If so, what is your favorite track to visit?

Yes, we never miss the last two weeks at The Red Mile. How can you beat it?

What is your favorite thing to do outside of the industry?

We both enjoy Team Roping as a hobby and like to travel.

What is your favorite sport to watch? Team?

I follow Pro Rodeo, Grand Circuit Racing, and horse show events our clients are involved in.

Do you think that most fans/bettors even knew horses saw dentists?

I would say no.

Were horses always a part of your life?

Yes, my family owned and operated a breeding farm in Illinois, so growing up our lives revolved around horses.

How did you get started is an equine dental technician?

I attended the Academy of Equine Dentistry right out of high school. I completed the course, got certified and began working. My family background helped tremendously in getting started.

Do you work on all types of horses or just Standardbreds?

All types, but we work on about 60 percent Standardbreds and the rest are show and riding horses of all disciplines.

Can you throw out any household names that you've worked on?

We are very fortunate to work for some really top trainers. Some household names would be Captaintreacherous, Always B Miki, Father Patrick, JK She'salady, Ramona Hill, Manchego, Tall Dark Stranger, Shake it Cerry, and I'm leaving out some great ones.

Do you think horses are better patients than people?

I could never work on people! LOL! But, it would be nice if the horses could tell you exactly what is bothering them.

If you weren't an equine dentist, what would you be doing?

At this point, I would have to say something in the horse business. It's the only industry I know!

Do you follow harness racing as a sport?

Yes, for sure. Mostly Meadowlands and stake races. We really enjoy following the all horses in our clients barns.

Have you ever owned or bred any horses?

I owned a county fair horse in Illinois years ago.

Time for the stretch drive:

Best Horse You Ever Saw: Always B Miki

Lasix -- Yes or No?: I'll leave that to the Vets and trainers.

Favorite TV Show?: Yellowstone

Trotters or Pacers?: Winners!