Our Team
Dr. Peter Heidmann
Dr. Peter Heidmann grew up in New England and learned horsemanship from old time horsemen. Dr. Heidmann is a Board-Certified Expert in Large Animal Internal Medicine (UC Davis, 2005), with special emphasis on respiratory and neurologic conditions as well as treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. In addition to his core internal medicine interests, Dr. Heidmann has extensive experience evaluating and treating performance and lameness problems. he performs specialty evaluations and ultrasound examinations for many types of equine athletes, both nationwide and internationally.
Dr. Heidmann has served as an expert witness in many legal, welfare, and insurance cases. Has has twice served as the Head of Internal Medicine for Pan-American games, an Olympic Qualifying event –first in Guadalajara, Mexico (2011), and again in Lima, Peru (2019). He participated as one of the founding veterinarians of MSU’s Bioregions program to Mongolia in 2014 (www.bioregions.org). He is Adjunct Faculty at WSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, and Affiliated Faculty at Montana State University, Bozeman.
Dr. Heidmann is the founder, Hospital Director and Head of Internal Medicine at Montana Equine. He also works in Wellington Florida during the Winter Equestrian Festival, and serves as the Head of Internal Medicine at Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
He enjoys speaking to small groups and larger formal seminars. Please call or email Peter to arrange bookings for your group or meeting.
Dr. Al Flint
Dr. Al Flint is a 4th generation Montanan born and raised in the Flathead Valley. Growing up, he explored the Bob Marshall Wilderness on horseback during both Summers and Winters. He completed a Masters degree in Reproductive Physiology and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology at Colorado State University prior to entering the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Flint is the head of Equine Surgery and has been providing surgical services for 8 years at Montana Equine. He brings passion, experience and expertise to his work. Dr Flint’s professional interests include equine sports medicine, surgery, and reproduction. Dr Flint focuses on maximizing patient outcome using western medicine and complementary alterrnatives. When not at work, Dr. Flint enjoys riding, hiking or skiing Montana’s backcountry and time with his daughter.
Dr. Jaime Lehfeldt
Dr. Jaime Lehfeldt grew up in rural Nevada where she raised and showed horses, sheep, and cattle. She showed hunter/jumpers, three-day-eventers, western performance horses, and rodeoed. During summer months, she would work at a guest ranch leading rides and starting colts. Along with her horse experience, the FFA and 4-H organizations taught her leadership, perseverance, business skills, and compassion for the animals and their owners which would be applicable in her career later on down the road. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, she was accepted to veterinary school at Oregon State University which allowed for a hands-on education with a small class size and wonderful staff at OSU as well as Washington State University. Following graduation, Jaime headed to Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado for a well-rounded internship. Dr. Lehfeldt did a residency at Oregon State University in Large Animal Internal Medicine doing research on equine metabolic syndrome, and camelid medicine. Following her residency, she returned home to Smith Valley, Nevada where she started a successful referral and general practice, focusing on preventative medicine, infectious diseases, and geriatric medicine. Internal medicine deals with the intricacies of the body, whether normal or abnormal, and how it responds to disease. During Dr. Lehfeldt’s career, her curiosity about ways to help heal the body with a natural approach has developed. This interest spurred her on to get certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture and spinal manipulation allowing her to combine eastern and western medicine for her patients. Jaime met her husband, Erik, a rancher out of Lavina, MT and moved to the area in 2015.
Dr. Chuck Whitmer
Dr. Whitmer grew up in Fallon Nevada working with cattle and horses. His experience in the veterinary industry began in Nevada, working with his hometown veterinarian his senior year of high school and has been in the industry since then. He attended college in Reno at the University of Nevada, Reno. GO PACK! He later went on to Colorado State University where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, additionally, he stayed on at CSU one extra year to complete an internship with the Equine Ambulatory Team. He recently spent time in the central valley of California working in a 3-doctor equine hospital. Dr. Whitmer’s veterinary interests include lameness, reproduction and surgery. He also has an interest in saddle construction and fit in regards to the western horse. When he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Shannon and their two children Tate and Ella. A few of his hobbies include: Team roping, Saddle making and brewing beer just to name a few.
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Dr. Sierra Chanutin was born and raised in south Florida, where she developed a passion for the equine industry and veterinary medicine at an early age. She dedicated her free time to shadowing and working with many of the local equine veterinarians. Despite growing up in Wellington Florida, a predominant location for english equestrian sports, her and her twin sister Dr. Sidney Chanutin developed a strong interest in western performance horses, competing in barrel racing throughout high school and college.
Dr. Chanutin earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 2019. Following graduation, she pursued advanced clinical training, completing an internship at Texas Equine Hospital in Bryan Texas and a surgical fellowship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford Texas. She later returned to Florida to continue her specialized training, earning a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine while completing a large animal surgery residency at the University of Florida.
In March 2026, Dr. Chanutin joined her sister at Palm Beach Equine Clinic as an ACVS board-certified large animal veterinary surgeon after successfully completing her Phase II board examination. Dr. Chanutin is excited to be splitting her time between Florida and Montana, spending time each summer with Montana Equine.
Outside of work, Dr. Chanutin enjoys spending time with her Beagle, Cassie, and riding her Quarter Horse, Ruby.
Dr. Perez is originally from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and fell in love with horses while spending time at his grandparents’ farm. At 27 years of age, Dr. Perez decided to follow his passion for horses and become an equine veterinarian. He graduated from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Since then, Dr. Perez has been practicing general medicine with a special interest in reproduction, neonatology and radiology. His professional life has been spent mostly in Florida and Louisiana with a couple of short stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. In 2024, Dr. Perez decided to join the Montana Equine Helena team and use his experience to provide excellent compassionate veterinary care to the equine population of the greater Helena valley area. In his free time, Dr. Perez enjoys cycling, hiking, pickleball, billiards and working on cars.
Dr. Marc Kinsley is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and provides elective and emergency surgery services. Dr. Kinsley grew up in upstate New York and graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Following graduation, Dr. Kinsley interned at Mid Atlantic Equine Hospital in New Jersey, followed by a stint as a mixed animal ambulatory practitioner in western New York. Dr. Kinsley then completed a large animal surgical residency at Oregon State University.
Dr. Kinsley has joined Montana Equine in a part time role in 2026. In addition to his role at Montana Equine, Dr. Kinsley is on faculty at Oregon State University. Prior to these roles. he previously served as the Executive Director of Hospital Operations at Iowa State University and has more than a decade of experience as a large animal surgeon including 7.5 years as surgery service leader at Michigan State University. His clinical interests include both orthopedics and soft tissue surgery, particularly lameness, fracture repair, arthroscopy, colic, mass removals and tumor therapy, airway surgery, and laparoscopy. Dr. Kinsley has had numerous advanced trainings in equine lameness and imaging and looks forward to continuing the excellence provided by Montana Equine. In addition to his clinical interests, Dr. Kinsley is an accomplished researcher and has advanced equine health with his research on Wnt signaling and cartilage development (osteochondrosis) and repair/osteoarthritis, minimally invasive surgery, and anesthetic drug effects on post operative colic.
Dr. Shannon Moreaux grew up on a ranch with an abundance of farm animals and wildlife. He migrated through Oklahoma and the Rocky Mountains working on ranches, shoeing horses and steadily pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Moreaux was a professional farrier before earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Oklahoma State University. After graduating veterinary school Dr. Moreaux settled in Bozeman, MT with his wife, Dr. Cindy Moreaux. After practicing veterinary medicine in the Gallatin Valley for a decade Dr. Moreaux joined the faculty at Montana State University as the Director of the Equine Science Program and the Montana Extension Equine Specialist. Dr. Moreaux mentored undergraduate and graduate students and published multidisciplinary research. His areas of research have included behavior, nutrition, metabolism, metabolic and infectious diseases of horses. Dr. Moreaux earned the rank of tenured Associate Professor and won several teaching and leadership awards during his time at MSU. Dr. Moreaux returned to full-time veterinary practice in 2019 and has worked on horses around the world but is very happy to be back “home” in Montana. Dr. Moreaux’s professional passions are healing animals and educating people about animal health and welfare. His special veterinary interests are metabolic diseases, podiatry, preventive medicine, and nutrition.
Dr. Emily Green grew up in Bozeman, MT. She has been riding horses her
entire life, ranging from trail riding, packing, ranch work and roping,
and collegiate polo. She attended Cornell University for her bachelor’s
degree in animal science. At Cornell, Dr. Green worked for an equine
reproduction and immunology research center and played polo (Go Big
Red!). She then took a year off and worked as a wrangler on a guest
ranch in Paradise Valley, and in the winter calved for a ranch in
central Montana. Dr. Green attended Oregon State University for
veterinary school. She completed an internship with Montana Equine in
May 2024 and transitioned into a full-time veterinarian position. Dr.
Green enjoys primarily ambulatory work, focusing on sports medicine and
lameness, dentistry, medicine and routine care. In her free time, she
enjoys spending time with her dog Sage, riding horses, skiing, mountain
biking and running, photography, and leatherworking.
Dr. Lehman grew up in Alaska riding horses on the beach and studying for Pony Club ratings. While completing her undergraduate degree at Montana State, she was a technician at Montana Equine and competed with the university IHSA team. She then went on to complete her Masters in Toxicology and DVM degree at Colorado State with an interest in equine internal medicine. Her internship year after veterinary school was at Loomis Basin Equine, with a focus on critical care both in the field and ambulatory setting. After internship, she completed a residency at UC Davis to be a specialist in Equine Internal Medicine. She is very excited to be back at Montana Equine to see familiar faces and make new connections.
Dr. Lehman’s main training and interests include critical care, infectious disease, neurologic disease, respiratory and cardiac cases, and especially loves working with post-partum broodmares and newborn foals. She enjoys helping owners design biosecurity practices to limit spread of infectious disease on their farms. She also has a soft spot for working on donkeys and has been a part of many equine technical rescue efforts!
Outside of work, Dr. Lehman enjoys riding her accident-prone horse “Indy” and is enjoying new-mom life.
Dr. Elizabeth Krueger
Dr. Elizabeth Krueger grew up in rural Indiana where she competitively showed her horses and also raised goats, rabbits, and chickens. Her love of horses first began when her family would visit a dude ranch in Michigan every summer while growing up. Dr. Krueger was actively involved for 10 years in her county’s 4-H chapter and served as club president during her final years of 4-H. She competed mainly in western pleasure, trail, and showmanship classes but also dabbled in rodeo and English riding with her horse Dylan.
Dr. Krueger attended Purdue University (Boiler Up!) for her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, while also obtaining minors in Animal Science and Chemistry. At Purdue, she worked at the state’s ADDL lab in the virology department, in a behavioral/habitat research project, and completed an internship at the local zoo. In her free time, she volunteered at Purdue’s veterinary school and served as an officer for her Pre-Vet Club. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Krueger had the great opportunity to complete a well-rounded equine internship at Brandon Equine Medical Center (Brandon, Florida) where she strengthened her knowledge and clinical skills. Her special interests include reproduction, foal management, and general wellness. In her free time, Dr. Krueger enjoys spending time with her dog Stevie, hiking, reading, riding, and spending time on the water.
Dr. Casey Cooper
Dr. Casey Cooper was raised on his families’ horse ranch on the California/Arizona border of the desert. During high school, Dr. Cooper spent his summers with elite performance horse trainers in Scottsdale, Arizona. These valuable mentorships prepared Dr. Cooper to show his reining horses competitively in youth and amateur AQHA and NRHA events across the country. Dr. Cooper attended Colorado State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Bio-Medical sciences. Dr. Cooper completed the DVM program at CSU in May 2015 and joined Montana Equine as an intern in 2015. After completing his internship, Dr. Cooper worked as a full-time veterinarian at Montana Equine through May of 2024, when he moved to Jackson, WY. Dr. Cooper continues to work at Montana Equine on a part-time basis.
Dr. Cooper enjoys focusing on lameness cases as much as anything implementing regenerative medicine and biological pharmaceuticals when possible. In conjunction with his interest in diagnosing and treating equine lameness, he has an extensive background with podiatry and enjoys working with farriers to complement treatments.
Dr. Caitlyn Ramaeker grew up in eastern Iowa where her dad was also an equine veterinarian for many years. She grew up in a vet truck and at endurance rides helping her dad. She also competed in competitive trail rides as a kid.
Dr. Ramaeker attended Iowa State University for undergraduate and veterinary school. During vet school, she worked in the equine hospital helping with lameness, surgery, and ICU cases for more experience. Following vet school, Dr. Ramaker completed an internship at Stillwater Equine in Minnesota where she gained invaluable hands-on experience from a variety of clinicians. Dr. Ramaeker then practiced in western Illinois for 8 years prior to moving to Billings with her husband.
Special interests include chiropractic, lameness, and wellness visits.
In her free time, Dr. Ramaeker enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Dr. Annie Oakes hails from the hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY and was greatly influenced by its vibrant horse culture and racetrack. She graduated with her DVM degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Starting her career in Bozeman, Montana at Montana Equine, Dr. Oakes has completed extensive post-graduate training in equine referral centers across the country. As a result of practicing in Montana, Indiana, Tennessee, and Lexington, Kentucky she is fortunate to have learned from a variety of people and horses along the way. She is thrilled to be returning to the group, and to now call the Wood River Valley home.
Dr. Oakes is residency trained in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, is a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) and Hallmarq Standing MRI certified operator. She takes special interest in performance medicine, imaging, and rehabilitation. She also finds geriatric and general medicine exceptionally rewarding, and enjoys getting to know her patients as they return to health following injury or illness.
In home life, she prefers outdoor hobbies, all the better with family, and when it’s wintertime in the mountains!
Dr. Nikki Roos grew up riding in the Tahoe national forest, where she developed a passion for veterinary medicine early on. She earned a degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University before completing her veterinary degree at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. During her time in Edinburgh, she was a part of the polo team and completed a certificate in undergraduate teaching. Her clinical interests center on equine reproduction and sports medicine, including lameness evaluations. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, skiing and knitting.
Dr. Hannah King is originally from Walnut Cove, North Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before going on to complete her veterinary degree at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her training, she developed a strong interest in equine medicine, with particular passions for equine dentistry and internal medicine. Dr. King is excited to begin this next chapter in Montana with her chocolate Labrador mix, Beau. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with Beau, knitting, and trying out new dessert recipes.
Dr. Caroline Ficca is originally from North Carolina, where she developed a lifelong passion for horses through competing in the hunter–jumper discipline. Her early exposure to a variety of equine injuries within her local equine community inspired her pursuit of veterinary medicine.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Veterinary Bioscience at North Carolina State University, where she worked as a small-animal technician, conducted equine grazing research and ring-tailed lemur research, and showed dairy cattle. Dr. Ficca went on to receive her veterinary degree from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. During her time in Scotland, she led trail rides on Exmoor ponies and was an active member of the university boxing team. She also took a year off during veterinary school to further her experience in equine sports medicine while working as a sports medicine technician in Florida.
Her clinical interests include sports medicine and lameness, dentistry, preventative medicine, and the promotion of animal welfare.
Outside of work, Dr. Ficca enjoys yoga, hiking, and spending time with her new cat.
Dr. Sonnet Ludwig earned her veterinary degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2026, where she served as President of her student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and was honored with the Award for Excellence in Equine Practice. She has further trained in equine acupuncture with Chi University, and comes to the field with the intention of becoming a well-rounded equine general practitioner.
Originally from Fargo, ND, Dr. Ludwig headed south to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Psychology while playing collegiate tennis. After graduating, she made her way to Winter Park, CO, and found herself falling deeper in love with the mountains, the outdoors, and veterinary medicine.
Before veterinary school, Dr. Ludwig worked as a wrangler, developing a deep understanding of horse behavior and horsemanship, and spent years in the ski industry as both a ski instructor and patroller before taking on the role of Risk and Safety Manager. This progression has helped shape her into someone who is ready for the expected and the unexpected alike, and understands the value of communication and building meaningful client relationships.
Today her favorite thing is hitting the trails with her mares, Dory and Belle, and seeing where the ride takes them. That lifelong relationship with horses is at the heart of why she chose equine medicine — and why it never really felt like a choice at all.
When she’s not in the saddle or at work, you’ll find her in the kitchen testing new recipes, at crossfit, fly fishing, or reading.
Dr. Emma Boroditsky was born and raised in Winnipeg MB Canada, meaning she is no stranger to harsh winters (Winnipeg is otherwise known as “Winterpeg”). She has been heavily involved in her province’s equine community through riding, training and competing for over 18 years.
Emma completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph with a Bachelors of Bio-Resource Management while majoring in Equine Management. She then attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon SK Canada, graduating with the Class of 2026. While in vet school she served as Vice President of her class, Student-Teacher Educational Progress (STEP) committee co-chair, and student representative of the Curriculum Committee. After her internship, Emma aspires to complete an equine theriogenology residency, though also shares an interest in dentistry, internal medicine and surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, golfing, CrossFit and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Dr. Paul Gabrys was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for animals and the outdoors from a young age, eventually inspiring him to pursue veterinary medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 2022. While at Penn State he showed dairy cattle and worked on a dairy farm, sparking his interest in agriculture and large animals. It wasn’t until veterinary school, working at the University of Pennsylvania’s large animal hospital, the New Bolton Center, that he realized his passion for horses. He received his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2026.
His clinical interests include ambulatory work, internal medicine, reproduction, and the intersect between agriculture and conservation.
Outside of work, Dr. Gabrys enjoys fishing, backpacking, skiing and any other excuse to get outside.
Megan Rae Triplett
Practice Manager
Megan has been a part of the Three Forks community since 1981, when her family relocated from Fort Collins, Colorado. Growing up on a small farm, she developed an early and lasting connection to horses, often spending her time caring for them from a young age.
She joined the Montana Equine team in 2013 as Office Manager, where she built strong relationships with clients and gained a deep understanding of the practice. In 2016, Megan advanced to Practice Manager, overseeing operations across all Montana Equine locations.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her three children, including frequent trips to Arizona to visit her oldest daughter and granddaughter. Her interests include horseback riding, exploring the outdoors on side-by-sides, traveling to new places, and making the most of Montana’s natural beauty with family and friends.
Desirae Raffety
Financial Administrator
Desirae was born in Bozeman, Montana and spent her childhood years growing up in the Three Forks area. She moved with her family to Northern Minnesota for high school and two years of college.
In 1998 she moved back to Montana where she finished her bachelor’s degree at MSU in Business with a Marketing emphasis. She married her husband Justin, and they have two daughters, Taylor and Sarah. They have lived on Justin’s families ranch outside Willow Creek since their oldest daughter Taylor was 2 years old.
While raising their children Desirae has had multiple accounting positions both local as well as remote to be there for her children as much as possible. Her oldest daughter Taylor is a Sophomore at Montana Tech in Butte studying OSH and the youngest Sarah is a Sophomore at Three Forks High School. She has been a competitive gymnast at Lone Mountain in Bozeman since the second grade which has allowed their family the opportunity to travel together all over the United States for her competitions.
Desirae enjoys running and has participated in a half marathon as well as many other road and trail races. Trail races being her favorite, as she enjoys the local views and the beauty of being in the mountains. She was able to achieve a much-desired goal of hiking Hollow Top Mountain in the Tobacco Roots with her husband this past summer.
Brittany Emens
Customer Service Representative
Brittany grew up in California both on the Central Coast as well as Northern Sacramento Valley. She has had a love of horses since High School. After a road trip of a lifetime, in 2013 to Montana, she and her husband Mike decided it was the place for them. Aside from chasing her 4 kids around FFA, 4H, and various sports; she also LOVES Real Estate and is a licensed agent. In her spare time she loves to travel and explore both Montana and beyond as well as spending time in the kitchen during the winter and the outdoors during the summer. Let her know a favorite Montana spot to explore when you chat with her!
Audria Bloch
Customer Service Representative
Audria is a Montana native from Thompson Falls and has called Three Forks her home for over 10 years. She and her husband Dan have 2 children that leaves them with an empty nest. When time allows, she enjoys family, outdoor activities including elk hunting, camping, riding her horse in the back country, cooking and gardening. Her extended family also requires plenty of attention which includes 5 horses, several cows, 3 labs and 4 cats. Life is good!
Kaydee Eppler
Administrative Assistant
A native of southern California, Kaydee grew up all over the western United States – Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Arizona have all been home at some point in her life. She was blessed to have been born into a family with a long history of horsemanship; breeding, training, showing, ranching, racing, and rodeo had heavy influences on her upbringing. Kaydee first joined the Montana Equine crew in 2016 and spent two years as a receptionist in the Three Forks clinic before moving back to Arizona. She’s thrilled to have been able to rejoin the team as a remote member of the office staff! Kaydee was certified as an Equine Massage Therapist in 2008, and she enjoys training and conditioning both her own and outside horses in her free time. She and her boyfriend, Billy, share their home with eight horses, three dogs, and one cat. You can often find them exploring the outdoors or hitting the occasional team roping or barrel race.
Julia Strazz
Inventory Manager
Julia is originally from Chandler, Arizona, and moved to Montana in 2017 to attend Montana State University. She graduated in 2020 with degrees in Microbiology and Organismal Biology. Julia worked at MEA the year after graduating, and is excited to be rejoining the Three Forks team as an Inventory and Laboratory Coordinator. In the future, Julia hopes to further her education in the veterinary field. In her free time, she enjoys live music and hiking around Bozeman!
Derric Jankowski
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Derric grew up in the town of Schoharie, New York. From a young age, he has always had a love for horses and a passion for all aspects of western riding. Derric went to SUNY Canton and received his Associates degree in Veterinary Technology; this led him to further his education, where he continued in Equine Rehabilitation. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time in the saddle, being outdoors, and continuously finding new places to explore.
Natalie Newton
Veterinary Assistant
Natalie grew up in San Diego, California, where she began competing on the hunter/jumper circuit before she could even remember. She earned an associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from San Diego Mesa College, then transferred to the University of Georgia, graduating in the summer of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Biosciences. During her undergraduate career, Natalie worked at a mixed animal practice with an emphasis on equine sports medicine, assisted at an equine therapy barn, served as treasurer of the Dairy Science Club, and spent a year as a veterinary assistant in a small animal clinic. Taking a year off before starting veterinary school, she moved back out West to gain additional hands-on clinical experience. When she’s not with her horses, Natalie enjoys spending time with her dog, Bonnie, as well as hiking, hunting, and fishing
Christine Gluch
Veterinary Assistant
Christine moved to the beautiful state of Montana in 2014 where she started college at Montana State University. She graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences, concentration in Equine Science. Her love and passion is evolved around horses. She loves helping patients, clients, and learning new things to broaden her knowledge. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her horses, Shady and Rocky, going hunting, fishing, and anything else that is surrounded by the outdoors, of course with her dog, Hoot. Christine is excited to be apart of Montana Equine and to be surrounded by an amazing team and patients!
Ande Farabee
Veterinary Assistant
Ande grew up competing on the hunter/jumper circuit in California and Ohio, where she developed a passion for equine care. After high school she attended the University of Findlay, where she was a member of the eventing team, before transitioning to an online program to pursue her bachelor’s degree in business.
Ande spent a year as an ambulatory equine vet assistant in central Ohio before moving to Montana in 2026. When finished with her bachelors degree, Ande plans to pursue her veterinary technician certification.
Regan Handley
Veterinary Assistant
Regan grew up in Colorado and moved to Montana in 2022 to attend school at MSU. Upon graduating in May of 2026, she received her bachelor’s degree in Equine Science. She’s loved horses all her life and is delighted to keep doing what she enjoys most at Montana Equine. In her spare time, she loves hiking, reading, music, and spending every possible moment with her horse, Cody.
Keira Holmes
Veterinary Assistant
Keira was born and raised in California, moved out here about 2 years ago and studying animal science at MSU. Keira joined the team in June of 2025 and has been working as a patient caregiver. Keira has been riding horses since she was 6 years old doing hunter/jumper and eventing. In her spare time, Keira enjoys hiking/camping/ swimming/ and off-roading.
Elissa Griffith
Patient Caregiver
Elissa grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, where she developed a strong passion for working with animals through years of competing in canine 4-H and training dogs. In 2022, she relocated to Montana to continue pursuing her interest in animal care and handling. Outside of her professional life, Elissa enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their Border Collie, Danali.
Nora Kusler
Patient Caregiver
Nora moved to Montana to studying conservation biology at MSU. While figuring out her next steps in life she joined the team at Montana Equine as a patient caregiver, working at Montana Equine has inspired her to move forward from undergrad into vet school. In her free time Nora likes hiking, fishing, backpacking, snowboarding, and reading a good book.
Marielle Van Tuyn
Patient Caregiver
Marielle was born and raised in Alaska, spending her summers in Hamilton, Montana, where her family operates the Bitterroot Stock Farm. A sixth-generation cattle rancher, she developed a deep connection to ranch life and large animals from an early age.
In 2014, Marielle made Montana her full-time home, living between Hamilton and Belgrade. Her lifelong passion for working with animals, especially large animals, led her to pursue a career in the field. After completing a year of college in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she studied agriculture with a minor in equine studies, she returned to Montana to continue her education. She is currently nearing completion of her Veterinary Assistant program through Penn Foster.
In her free time, you can catch her at Bobcat games, riding ranch broncs, and spending time on any body of water with her dog.
Rianna Miller
Patient Caregiver
Rianna was born in Georgia and moved to Montana to pursue her passion for horses and earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Equine Science from Montana State University. She graduated in 2025 and joined the team at Montana Equine to combine her love of horses with her desire to support their health and well-being.
From a young age, Rianna knew horses would always be a part of her life. What started as a childhood passion grew into a career path, and she is excited to continue learning and growing within the equine industry. During her time at MSU, she explored a variety of riding disciplines, including jumping, western riding, and polo.
In her free time, Rianna enjoys riding horses, spending time with her dog Ivy, and hanging out with friends.
Riley Spurlock
Patient Caregiver
Riley was born in eastern Colorado, growing up raising and showing livestock. From riding horses to showing pigs and working cattle, she fell in love with animals and animal medicine. She moved to Montana in 2024 to study animal science at MSU. After completing her undergraduate studies, Riley wants to continue her education by either completing a master’s program or attending vet school. In her free time, you will find her skiing, hiking, camping, and drinking coffee!
Indy Hill
Barn Crew
Indy Hill is a junior at Manhattan High School and a lifelong resident of Montana’s Gallatin Valley. Raised around horses, Indy has developed a deep passion for equestrian sports and is an active member of Five Valleys Pony Club. She competes in eventing with her horses and brings dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic to everything she does.
Outside of riding, Indy enjoys traveling, dirt biking, and creating art. After graduation, she plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman to continue pursuing her academic and personal goals close to home.
Hannah Todd
Barn Crew
Hannah Todd was raised on a ranch in Cameron, Montana, where her family raised Red Angus cross cattle and Quarter Horses. Growing up in the agricultural industry fostered a strong work ethic and a deep passion for animal care, particularly within the equine industry.
Hannah is an incoming junior at the University of Kentucky, where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Science on the Pre-Veterinary track. Her long-term goal is to attend veterinary school and specialize in equine medicine.
With a lifelong love of horses and hands-on experience working with livestock and equines, Hannah is committed to expanding her knowledge and skills while building a career dedicated to the health and well-being of horses.
Hannah Landeraaen
Veterinary Assistant
Hannah was born and raised in Montana, she grew up in Scobey, MT and has always had a strong passion for working with all animals, especially horses. She was actively involved in 4-H for over 10 years, during this time she trained her team of Percherons, Ginger and Sage, to drive various types of wagons. Hannah graduated from Carroll College in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Anthrozoology. During and after college Hannah worked as an assistant barn manager at a local boarding facility as well as a Teamster during the summer. In her free time she enjoys driving her horses, pet sitting, baking, and volunteering at the wildlife center in Helena.
Afton Mignery
Veterinary Assistant
Afton was born and raised in Helena Montana, graduating Capital High School in 2024. She has had a passion for horses from a young age, getting her first horse at age eight. Afton competes in versatility ranch horse competitions as well as participating in 4H and other various equine events. Afton is interested in pursuing an equine related career.
In Memory of Meghan Roun
Veterinary Assistant
Born in Wisconsin, Meghan came to Montana in 2004. Meghan attended Penn Foster College and received an associates degree as a Veterinary Technician, she graduated with honors in 2023. Meghan is dedicated to caring for large and small animals. In her free time she enjoys trail riding, and participating in equine events such as team sorting and penning.
Brooklee Stief
Veterinary Assistant
Brooklee was born and raised in Montana. After graduating high school, she moved to Oregon and worked in a small animal clinic as an overnight critical care and ER assistant for 10 years. Brooklee finally made her way back home to the mountains and the big sky country where her heart had always been. During her free time Brooklee enjoys horses, working dogs, fishing, hiking, the night sky, sunsets, camping, shooting, and spending time with her 98-year-old Grandma, 19-year-old son, and a few close friends.
Josie Bunkelman
Veterinary Assistant
Josie was raised in western Colorado, where she grew up showing horses and developing a deep appreciation for the outdoors and equestrian life. In February, she made the move to Montana and is excited to explore new opportunities and experiences in her new home.
James West
Veterinary Assistant
James grew up grew up on his family’s ranch in Butte Valley, NV raising cattle, horses, and sheep before moving to Pendleton, OR to finish high school. After high school he attended Oregon State University to get his Animal Science degree. His hope is to attend Veterinary school and focus on Equine/Rural medicine. He spends his free time working on school and spending time with friends.
Athena Taylor
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Athena is an Army brat from Texas that started teaching and went to tech school in Colorado. She graduated in 2020, obtained her license while in Wyoming, and has worked in small animal until moving to Montana with her new husband. Growing up she wanted to be an equine vet and still keeps the option of going to school for it open but for now LOVES getting to work alongside vets willing to share their knowledge.
She is a 1st generation cowgirl that bought and trained her 1st horse using internet resources!
In her free time, she can be found on the ranch enjoying every second with her 3 horses, 3 dogs (a heeler, a border collie, and a cowdog mutt) and her cat.
Cassie Hull
Patient Caregiver
Cassie was born in Washington and moved to Montana with her family when she was 13. She was active in 4H and FFA throughout school and went on to raise and train horses for others and herself after graduation. She currently lives in Roundup, MT with her husband, dogs, cats, and horses. In her free time she enjoys riding and competing on her horses as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Ty Pierce
Patient Caregiver
Ty grew up in Roundup, Montana, where he was raised ranching and helping raise cattle and horses. He was actively involved in FFA throughout his school years and spent time cowboying before beginning his role at Montana Equine. Ty now lives in Billings, Montana, with his cat. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, boating, riding his horses, spending time in the mountains, and making the most of time with friends and family.
Jada LaTray
Patient Caregiver
Jada LaTray was born and raised in Billings, Montana, in a family deeply rooted in ranching and rodeo. Growing up around horses and livestock sparked her lifelong passion for horsemanship, rodeo, and animal care.
She continued her education at Montana Western in Dillon, Montana, where she studied Equine Studies and further developed her knowledge and skills within the equine industry. After completing her education, Jada returned to Billings to pursue a career working with horses and joined Montana Equine.
Outside of work, Jada enjoys spending time with her dogs, riding horses, being with family and friends, and helping on her family’s ranch. Her strong agricultural background and dedication to animal care make her a valuable member of the Montana Equine team.
Emily Mayo
Patient Caregiver
Emily is a 1st generation cowgirl who grew up in Northern California where she competed in CHSRA and qualified for NHSRA HS and JH finals. Emily went to Lassen College where she obtained her Associate’s Degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Science while competing in College rodeo and the California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association (CCPRA).
She has worked in a veterinary hospital since she was 15 years old and has always been passionate about veterinary medicine. Emily is currently on the path to obtaining her Veterinary Technician License through Penn Foster. You can find Emily in the mountains or at a barrel race with her horses and dogs on her free time.
Renee Larison
Customer Service Representative
Renee lived most of her life in Oregon, and earned a bachelor’s in biology from Portland State. At a young age she was drawn to animals, and worked as a zookeeper for many years taking care of a variety of critters. She especially enjoyed working closely with the vet staff to train animals for voluntary medical behaviors such as blood draws and injections.
Shortly after moving to Montana, Renee got a position at the local zoo for a couple years and then decided to pursue veterinary medicine. She is enrolled in Purdue’s Vet Tech Distance Learning program and is working towards her license and an associate degree. She has been an assistant in the small animal vet world and now loves working with the amazing horses, staff and clients at Montana Equine.
Renee loves spending time with her husband and dogs, hiking, exploring our gorgeous state, wildlife watching, volunteering at the zoo or wildlife sanctuary, reading and catching up with friends.