Dr. Patrick First grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood helping care for his family’s Arabian horse farm, where he earned multiple titles showing Arabians at the Regional and National levels. In 2007, he was nominated for the USEF’s Young Rider of the Year Award. His love of horses and the equine industry led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. First completed his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University prior to attending the College of Veterinary Medicine, also located at Mississippi State. Throughout vet school, he was elected President of his class, President of the student chapter of AAEP, and received the Large Animal Surgery Award. After graduation, he moved to Tallahassee, Florida where he worked as an Associate Veterinarian at a referral equine practice then eventually moved to Mobile and started First Equine Veterinary Services alongside his wife, Dr. Brittany First. His professional interests include sports medicine, lameness, reproduction, and dentistry. Dr. First is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. First is an avid polocrosse player and enjoys being an avid part of the local equestrian community. 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, Floppy and Maui.

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 College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Brittany worked at an equine referral practice outside Birmingham, Alabama for two years, then moved to Tallahassee, Florida where she served as a mixed animal Veterinarian.In 2016, she moved back home to Mobile and started First Equine Veterinary Services alongside her husband, Dr. Patrick First. She has received certifications in equine acupuncture, spinal manipulation (chiropractic), and equine rehabilitation from Chi University and serves as a lab instructor for the spinal manipulation courses offered there. Aside from these integrative therapies, Dr. Brittany also enjoys routine wellness visits and client education. She is a member of American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, United States Equestrian Federation, United States Eventing Association, and United States Dressage Federation. Dr. Brittany is happy to be a part of the local horse community and enjoys eventing and dressage with her horse, Floppy. She and Dr. Patrick are loving life on their small farm with their horses, two dogs, cats, and goats.

Dr. Zach Nettles grew up in Pelahatchie,MS. He was introduced to horses at a young age and began riding competitively, mostly in western performance events, and won multiple titles at the national level. He attended Mississippi State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture. He then went on to attend veterinary school at Mississippi State, graduating in 2024 and receiving the MVMA Large Animal Award. During his time at Mississippi State, his passion for riding continued as he spent most of his spare time working on a cattle ranch. His primary professional interests include equine sports medicine, lameness, podiatry, and reproduction.

Dr. Kristin Durden grew up in Sandersville, GA where her passion for the outdoors and animals started at a young age. She began her academic journey playing collegiate softball before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she completed her undergraduate degree. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, graduating in 2025 and receiving a Certificate of Merit in Large Animal Medicine & Surgery. Her professional interests include dentistry, wellness care and lameness. She enjoys building strong relationships with clients and their horses. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time at the beach with her husband Joe, and cheering on Georgia football (Goooo Dawgs!).