Steve Colburn DVM
Owner and Founder
Dr. Steve Colburn is a 1984 graduate of UC Davis Veterinary School and began his equine and large animal practice in Fallbrook, CA in July of 1984.
Dr. Colburn has a wide range of experience in equine practice including everything from racehorses, broodmares and stallions, gaited show horses, western show horses, rodeo performance horses, dressage and jumping horses, and backyard pleasure horses. He has developed special interest in the maintenance of peak performance of all horses utilizing his team of associate veterinarians and their respective expertise in managing orthopedic, dental, and reproductive problems.
Dr. Colburn is most proud of being able to offer the latest technologies in a comprehensive, caring, and cost effective manner to all his customers and patients. Creekside Veterinary Service reflects Dr. Colburn and his team’s emphasis on giving back to the community by avidly supporting equestrian riding and advocacy groups in our community.
Tad Bender DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Tad Bender grew up in Fallbrook, CA and met Dr. Colburn as a young 4-H member needing veterinary services for his animal projects. As Dr. Bender’s interest grew in veterinary medicine, he rode along with Dr. Colburn during his ambulatory calls and received encouragement to pursue a veterinary education.
Dr. Bender graduated from UC Davis Veterinary School in 2007 and came back to join Creekside Veterinary Service in July of 2007. Dr. Bender’s Masters Degree in animal reproductive physiology has given him expertise in the field of equine reproduction and coincides with his particular interest in equine medicine and neonatology. Dr. Bender also has extensive experience in ruminant animal husbandry and care.
Matt Leshaw DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Matt Leshaw is a southern California native. He attended UC San Diego for his undergraduate studies to obtain a bachelors degree in Structural Engineering. He worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry for 2 years before deciding to pursue a career in equine veterinary medicine.
Dr. Leshaw went on to earn his DVM from UC Davis. Subsequently, Dr. Leshaw completed an internship at an equine referral hospital in Colorado and went on to work under the tutelage of renowned lameness expert Dr. Duncan Peters at East-West Equine Sports Medicine, based in Lexington, KY. During his time with East-West Dr. Leshaw worked as an official horse show veterinarian for HITS Coachella Desert Circuit and HITS National Sunshine Series in Thermal, CA, and The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in Traverse City, MI.
Dr Leshaw is an FEI treating veterinarian and has served as an official vet at the Land Rover Kentucky 3 Day Event and Split Rock Kentucky Invitational CSI 3*. Dr. Leshaw served as the team veterinarian for the US Eventing Team in Aachen, Germany during the 2018 World Equestrian Festival.
Dr Leshaw is a member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology and is working toward official certification. Dr. Leshaw enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary medicine, but has a strong interest in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in the equine athlete.
Marc McCaughan DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Marc McCaughan is a Southern California native, who grew up in Los Angeles County. His passion for animals and nature began while growing up around his family’s small avocado and citrus orchard. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine. He later went on to receive his D.V.M from the University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College. During his studies, he held student office in the American Association of Equine Practitioners at AVC, and, also was on the veterinary team for the Pan American Equestrian games in Toronto.
After graduation, he accepted a one-year internship and worked an additional two years for Baker Equine Medical, one of the top thoroughbred racetrack practices in the nation, based in Los Alamitos, California. He worked with renowned surgeons and clinicians in the racing industry. This experience furthered his passion for providing equine athletes with exceptional medical care. After leaving the track, Dr. McCaughan practiced in south Orange County. His clinical skills in lameness and sports medicine were utilized in the care of equestrian show and western horse athletes.
He enjoys the outdoors, boating, riding horses and his motorcycles. He especially enjoys spending time around family and friends. He is also active in his church and other community groups. Dr. McCaughan is excited to be a member of Creekside Veterinary Service.