About Us
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Staff Biographies
Briarwood's History
Affiliations
Payments and Billing
Referral Reward Program
Patient Referrals
Staff Biographies
Gary Hanes, D.V.M.
Dr. Hanes is a 1978 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. Gary grew up on a small Thoroughbred farm in Hemet, California where he helped his father and the local equine veterinarian care for race track layups, foaling mares, and young horses before their training began. Following high school graduation he enrolled at UC Davis and completed a bachelor degree in physiology before entering the veterinary program. After leaving veterinary school Dr. Hanes completed a large animal internship at Texas A&M University followed by an equine 
surgical residency at The Ohio State University. This led, in 1982, to his first position in private practice at the newly opened Southwest Equine Hospital in Scottsdale, AZ where he performed surgeries ranging from colic to fracture repair as well as most other aspects of general equine practice.
But it was the desire to return to the west coast when Gary returned to California and settled in the San Francisco bay area in 1989 to to begin working with Dr. Van Noy and Dr. Wayne Browning who were partners in Briarwood at that time. Two years later Dr. Hanes travelled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he spent a year as director of a general veterinary practice in that city, having patients that ranged from horses and cows, dogs and cats, to falcons and camels. In 1992 the opportunity to return to a surgical practice again presented itself, so Dr. Hanes once again returned to the Bay Area to perform surgery at the Peninsula Equine Medical Center in Menlo Park. Four years later he again partnered with Dr. Van Noy at Briarwood Equine and with the retirement of Dr. Van Noy from the practice in 1992, Dr. Hanes took over and continues to run the business as a solo practitioner today.
When Dr. Hanes isn't in the field treating horses he enjoys trail riding, woodworking, bicycle riding as well as caring for a his small menagerie of livestock, including three donkeys, several chickens, as well as the usual domestic pets- one dog and two cats.
Sue McAdam, Office Manager
Sue was a Briarwood client long before she joined the team in 1998. Her prior experience includes office work at a small animal clinic; barn manager positions in Los Altos Hills, Napa and Portola Valley; graduate work at Stanford; and horsetrainer positions at Connecticut and California Connemara and Morgan farms. She has kept a horse in Woodside almost continuously since 1976, and has been the Stable Inspector for the Town of Portola Valley since 1991. Her familiarity with local geography and horse facilities is a significant aid in scheduling and routing Gary's non-emergency barn calls.
Sue started riding lessons at age 8 (and was soon an enthusiastic Pony Clubber), and she has owned (or been owned by) four horses, with whom she has competed in lower level dressage and three-day eventing. She is not a stranger to the frustration of mystery ailments nor to the heartbreak of losing an equine partner and friend. All of this history, plus a genuine interest in Briarwood's clients and their horses, makes her a knowledgeable and sympathetic responder on Briarwood's phone lines and a detail-oriented and usually accurate clinic record-keeper. When not at work, she can often be seen riding the trails of Woodside on her Connemara/Irish Draft cross.
Briarwood's History
Briarwood was founded in 1981 by Dr. Michael Van Noy. The philosophy he established which is carried on today is to offer the highest quality veterinary care delivered in a personalized, individualized manner that assures every horse and owner the best outcome possible. Being an ambulatory practice means that we provide our care on site with the owner generally part of the process. This leads to a more personal working relationship that frequently expands to friendship as the years pass. It's not unusual for parents, their children and occasionally a grand child to continue the tradition of owning and caring for horses. Throughout this process it's the health and welfare of the horses that takes highest priority.
Affiliations
American Association of Equine Practitioners
American Veterinary Medical Association
San Mateo County Horseman's Association
Payments and Billing
- Payment at the time of service is the preferred method for new clients. Cash, check, or credit card are all accepted.
- Monthly billing is offered to established clients. Unpaid balances are subject to a monthly service charge.
- Automatic credit card payments, with prior authorization on file, will be processed at the end of the month and a receipt mailed to you. Please follow this link to download a form which can be completed and returned to our office.
Referral Reward Program
Our most successful way of obtaining new clients is through referrals from existing clients. When you refer a new client to Briarwood Equine Clinic, you will be rewarded by a 10% discount on your next bill.
Patient Referrals
From time to time is may be necessary for your horse to undergo advanced diagnostics or treatment. In these instances our working relationship with several other veterinarians and veterinary hospitals in the area assures you that all options are available to insure a successful outcome. Good communication is a key to making this system effective and at no time does Briarwood's commitment to its clients and patients diminish. You are always encouraged to contact Dr. Hanes with any questions or concerns regarding your horse's status.