Dr. Patrick First grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood helping care for his family’s Arabian horse farm and showing Arabians at the regional and national levels, earning multiple titles. In 2007, he was a nominee for USEF’s Young Rider of the Year. His love of horses and the industry led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. First completed his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University prior to attending veterinary school there. Throughout vet school, he was elected president of his class, as well as president of the student chapter of AAEP, and also received the Large Animal Surgery Award for his class. After graduation, he moved to Tallahassee, Florida where he worked as an associate veterinarian at a referral equine practice prior to starting First Equine. His professional interests include sports medicine and lameness, reproduction, and dentistry. Dr. First is a member of American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners. In his spare time, he enjoys running, going to the beach, and spending time with Brittany.

The First’s are excited to offer an exclusively equine veterinary service to the local horse community. They are enjoying being back home with their two dogs, Diesel and Dolcé, their cat, Gracie, and their beloved horses, Jo and Keahi.

Dr. Brittany First is originally from Mobile, Alabama where her love of horses started at a very young age. She developed friendships in the local horse community throughout south Alabama and Mississippi riding and competing her off the track Thoroughbred, Jo. After completing her Bachelor’s degree with honors at the University of South Alabama, she attended Mississippi State University for veterinary school. After graduation Dr. First worked for two years at an equine referral practice outside Birmingham, Alabama, then moved to Tallahassee, Florida where she served as a mixed animal veterinarian throughout the area. She is certified in equine acupuncture and spinal manipulation therapy (chiropractics) through the Chi Institute and Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute. Acupuncture and spinal manipulation therapy are two of her main professional interests, in addition to preventive medicine and lameness. Dr. First is a member of American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and United States Eventing Association. In her spare time, she enjoys riding, going to horse shows, dog agility, and being with Patrick, family, and friends.

The First’s are excited to offer an exclusively equine veterinary service to the local horse community. They are enjoying being back home with their two dogs, Diesel and Dolcé, their cat, Gracie, and their beloved horses, Jo and Keahi.

Dr. Bastiana Rodebaugh-Yoder is originally from Winchester, Virginia where she grew up eventing and fox hunting. She spent several years as a working student for professional eventing barns, riding and managing a variety of horses, but developed a special love of OTTBs.

She attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Science and Technology, followed by a Master’s of Public Health from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia before migrating south to attend Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Equine Practitioners. Her special interests include equine nutrition, podiatry, and infectious disease. In her spare time, she enjoys riding and competing her OTTB, Shane, as well as spending time with her husband Tom and pack of rescue dogs.