Who We Are
The Athletic Horse is a small, family-run business that was started in Norman, OK by Dr. Patrick and Corinne Young in 2001. In 2014, the Young family decided to pack up and move to beautiful Bend, OR in pursuit of a better quality of life.
Today, The Athletic Horse is composed of a few hard-working individuals who are striving to serve Central Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest with high caliber equine sports medicine.
Collectively, we form an adhesive team that truly enjoys working together. We are all horse owners, constantly working to improve our own horsemanship skills. We value hard work as well as physical fitness and try hard to maintain good health. Each of us feel fortunate to call Central Oregon home. Individually, we are inspired by the impressive athletic feats that can be achieved through the partnership of horse and rider. Our business model is focused on keeping these incredible athletes healthy and performing to the best of their ability.
Dr. Patrick Young, DVM
Dr. Patrick Young was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas, as the youngest of 10 children. He was raised in an environment that expected a great work ethic and moral code by his parents, Dr Mitchell and Donna Young. All 7 of his brothers are MDs, and his father was a General Surgeon, so Patrick's interest in medicine came naturally. Similarly, the entire family earned their Eagle Scout, and the girls the equivalent, and is a family much respected in the community. Patrick's medical journey veered from the family path towards veterinary medicine, a natural fit for his love of the outdoors and animals.
He received his DVM from Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, after doing his undergraduate work at Texas A&M in Animal Science and spending a couple of years working on a stocker cattle ranch. Patrick spent several years learning with leaders in equine medicine and surgery across the country before settling in central Oklahoma to start his own practice and raise a family. He continually strives to further his education, in 2011 became Certified in animal chiropractic by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, & also serves as attending veterinarian for local equestrian events.
Dr. Young is an avid horseman, competing in weekend cuttings on his quarter horse gelding, Farm Cat. The Young family also has raised a few of their own race thoroughbreds and warmbloods for dressage. Any spare time is spent training as a triathlete, he is a two time Ironman Finisher, and enjoys the abundance of outdoor activities in the Bend area!
In 2014 he successfully researched and licensed a new vaccine for Pigeon Fever, and is driven to find more answers to underserved animal health issues. This passion will be moved forward with the development of his new biotech company. Stay tuned for updates!
Kelsey Corkery
Lead Technician & Assistant to Dr. Young
Kelsey Corkey serves as the Lead Technician and Assistant to Dr. Patrick Young at The Athletic Horse, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience in the equine industry. She has been a vital part of the team since April 2015, playing a key role in both patient care and client communication.
Kelsey’s journey with horses began early—she describes herself as having been “bit by the horse bug” at a young age. From teaching riding lessons in high school to working at a dude ranch during college and later assisting a professional horse trainer for four years, her lifelong passion has shaped both her personal and professional path. She has been working full-time in the equine industry since 2011.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Equine Sciences from Colorado State University in 2011 and further expanded her expertise by becoming a Certified Equine Dentist in February 2023 through the Academy of Equine Dentistry and the International Association of Equine Dentistry.
Kelsey is deeply passionate about equine care, inspired by the athleticism of the horse and its long-standing partnership with humans. She thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys working with a wide variety of breeds, disciplines, and performance levels. Clients especially value her clear and consistent communication—from scheduling appointments and managing medical records to explaining treatments and procedures—ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.
Originally from Pacifica, California, Kelsey later attended college in Fort Collins, Colorado before settling in Central Oregon, drawn by the unique balance of high desert winters and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. She appreciates the region’s diversity, where a short drive can lead to entirely different landscapes and climates.
Outside of work, Kelsey cares for her two horses, Cayuse and Reina, at her home. She enjoys riding—often bareback—as a form of relaxation and connection. A self-described lifelong learner, she believes horsemanship is a skill that can always be refined and never fully mastered.
Known by her colleagues as reliable, hardworking, and trustworthy, Kelsey brings dedication and authenticity to everything she does. When she’s not working with horses, you might find her running local river trails, dreaming of becoming an aspiring goat farmer, or working toward her goal of growing the majority of her own food.
Tyler Chan
Veterinary Assistant
Tyler Chan is a Veterinary Assistant at The Athletic Horse, bringing a strong background in performance horse care and a growing passion for equine medicine. He joined the team in December 2025 and has quickly become a valued part of the practice.
Tyler has spent the past six years working with horses, getting his start with professional trainers and developing a deep appreciation for the care and well-being of the equine athlete. His interest in veterinary medicine grew from a desire to help horses feel their best—not just perform at a high level.
Before joining The Athletic Horse, Tyler spent several years working in the cutting horse industry, traveling to cutting shows and managing the day-to-day care and preparation of performance horses in competitive environments. He also trained and showed horses for three years under a professional cutting horse trainer, where he developed a strong foundation in horsemanship and equine performance care. One of his most memorable accomplishments includes marking a 225 at the NCHA World Finals—a standout moment in his career.
At The Athletic Horse, Tyler enjoys working alongside a dedicated team and being around horses every day. Clients appreciate his positive attitude and approachable nature—he’s known for bringing a smile to every interaction. His coworkers describe him as goofy, hardworking, and teachable, qualities that support both team dynamics and patient care.
Originally from Redding, Tyler relocated to Central Oregon to be with his fiancé and now enjoys the lifestyle the region offers—especially its fishing opportunities. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him casting a fishing line, eating at the local favorite The Bite, or spending time outdoors. He currently owns a horse he enjoys using for cowboying and roping, continuing to stay connected to the disciplines he’s most passionate about.
A fun fact about Tyler—he once played basketball in Australia. Looking ahead, one of his bucket list goals is to go ocean fishing for mahi mahi.
