Meet the Veterinarians & Staff at Progressive Equine
Kate Barber, D.V.M.
Dr. Kate Barber obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with an emphasis in neurology, physiology and behavior from the University of California at Davis. She then attended Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, graduating in 2019. Kate went on to complete a rigorous internship at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, a referral clinic in Bonsall, California. Here she gained a wide variety of skills, with an emphasis in sports medicine and surgery.
Kate returned to Ventura county, near her home town of Moorpark, where she grew up riding and competing in hunters and jumpers. She is excited to pursue her passion of ambulatory equine medicine.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys long runs with her dog, trail riding with her friends, spending time with family, and reading a good book by the beach. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new areas.
Brad Dygert, D.V.M
Dr. Dygert obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in physiology from the University of California at Davis. He continued at the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1986. Brad traveled to central Kentucky to complete an internship at Equine Services, a large referral and ambulatory hospital. He remained for an additional 16 months, performing surgery with the Veterinary Laser Institute, a specialty practice utilizing laser surgery with an operating microscope.
Brad returned to his home state of California in 1988 to be close to his family. He has remained in ambulatory practice since, emphasizing a sport horse performance practice.
Brad is married to Linda Rydgig, also an equine veterinarian, and they have three children. His outside interests include skiing, tennis, and mountain biking.
Linda Rydgig D.V.M., FAAVA
A native Californian, Dr. Rydgig obtained her undergraduate degree from Cal State University Northridge. She attended the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1994. In 2000, she became certified in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She also completed the Advanced Equine Acupuncture course at the Chi Institute in Florida. In 2016, Dr. Rydgig became a Fellow in the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.
Personal interests include long-distance running, skiing, tennis, and photography. Linda resides in Camarillo with her husband and partner, Brad, two dogs, a cat, and a rabbit. Professional interests are traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbs, ophthalmology, and equine internal medicine.
Mikie Ericson
Mikie is our office manager. She oversees all our appointment scheduling, our billing and our client services. Mikie has been in the horse world since she was 9 years old. She has competed in Hunter/Jumpers for 11 years, and she has been involved in Western riding for many years. She is a professional photographer and currently rides and competes in mounted shooting.
Mikie lives in Somis with her husband Val (a farrier), her two boys and her two dogs.
Cecilia Foster
Cecilia is our technician. She has been in the horse world for many years. She and her horse Gonzo mostly stick to the trails these days. She is a mom of four, so most of her free time is spent shuttling to and from activities. Cecilia lives in Moorpark with her husband Jason (a farrier), their four kids, three horses, three dogs, and many other furry friends. Cecilia and her family love to go camping together and she enjoys hiking and being in nature.
Melissa Hernandez
Melissa is our office assistant. She lives with her fiancé Diego (a farrier) and their dog, Jags, in Simi Valley. Her love for horses started when she was 2 years old and began riding at the age of 7. She studied Equine Science at Pierce College and has worked along side Dressage and Jumper trainers.
On her free time she enjoys reading romance novels as well as going on trail rides with her two horses
Riley aka Dingo Aussie-German shepherd cross
Assistant
Chase Golden Retriever
Assistant
Ace Border Collie
Assistant