Bios

of our staff



- Dr. Patrick First -

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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 -

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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 -

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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 -

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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!).

- KarrieAnn Gaskin - Practice Manager -

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KarrieAnn grew up a military brat and later married a U.S. Marine, moving 18 times—including overseas—along the way. She's been a proud “horse girl” since the age of five and rode competitively for the Sewanee Equestrian Team while attending Sewanee: The University of the South.
She married her husband, Adam, in 2009, and together they have four fantastic kids. KarrieAnn has worked in both large and small animal veterinary medicine since 2004 but stepped away for several years to be home with her children. In 2022, the Gaskins put down roots at their own slice of paradise, G6 Equestrian, which they share with four horses, four miniature donkeys, too many poultry to count—and Blu, their beloved Belgian Malinois and the bestest girl. Outside of work, KarrieAnn enjoys eventing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

- Anna Sloat - Assistant/Customer Service Representative -

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Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Anna Sloat holds a Bachelor's degree in Equestrian Science from William Woods University. She has been riding hunter/jumper horses since the age of 8 and has explored a variety of other disciplines. She has worked in veterinary medicine on and off since 2018 and has lived in Mississippi since 2017. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new food and cocktails, reading, and spending time with her two dogs, Murphy and Milo, and her husband, Monty. She supports both office operations and fieldwork alongside the doctors.

- Abby Stringer - Assistant/Customer Service Representative -

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Abby, adopted from China as a baby, has lived in Mobile ever since. Her lifelong passion for animals led her to become a licensed veterinary technician in the state of Alabama. After 3 years working at a small animal hospital, she came to First Equine to pursue what she loves most. Working with horses from an early age, she’s gone on to be a trick rider in the circus whenever she is able. When she’s not working or running away with the circus, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her horse Buck, donkey Jared, and dog Grunt.

- Laura Rose Cole - Assistant/Customer Service Representative -

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My name is Laura Rose and I’ve been part of First Equine since 2018. I grew up riding here in Mobile and have a degree in biosystems engineering from Auburn University. I work as both an assistant and help out in the office. While I don’t have a horse now, I love getting to work with them every day! My dog Lad is the office Walmart greeter (with his bff Blu) and takes his job keeping the clinic animals in line very seriously. In my spare time these days, I enjoy doing agility and hiking with Lad and my younger border collie, Zest.

- Alisha Moore - Assistant -

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Alisha is from Biloxi, MS. She lived in Florida and Germany as a girl, learning different styles of horsemanship and riding. She worked for Reining trainers in Mississippi and Texas before going out on her own as a trainer. She is now focusing on the sports medicine and rehabilitation of horses as she is passionate about maintaining the best physical and mental condition of the horses. In her free time she enjoys riding her horses, music, art, friends, family, bugs, bones, and leather work.

- Katie Ranager - Assistant -

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Katie Richardson Ranager is an accomplished equestrian and experienced horsewoman with over a decade of hands-on experience in training and instruction. A USPC Graduate B and seasoned competitor through Preliminary eventing and Second Level dressage, Katie has built a career rooted in horsemanship, education, and professional care. Her work includes grooming at the FEI level in both the hunter/jumper and eventing disciplines, and she holds licensure as a pony rider and groom through the Arizona State Racing Commission. Katie has taught beginner through intermediate riders across the country and served as a USPC coach, consistently bringing patience, clarity, and confidence-building instruction to the arena. Her expertise spans young horse development, stallion handling, and farm management. Prior to her full-time transition into the equine world in 2020, Katie gained valuable experience in business development, sales, and real estate—skills that now support her success in managing high-level equine programs with professionalism and precision. With a balanced blend of practical know-how and people skills, Katie continues to pursue excellence in every aspect of the horse industry.

- Erica Bridges - CSR -

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Erica is originally from South Carolina. She has been riding and competing her whole life. Erica completed her degree in Veterinary Technology at Piedmont Technical College. Since then she has furthered her equine knowledge working for multiple professional trainers, attended farrier school, and practices equine massage therapy. She spends her free time with her two dogs Goose and Cairo, her cat Freyja, and three Quarter Horses Stella, Ellie, and Sweets.

Furry Friends

  • Ross, Joey, and Chandler - Fiber Optic Demolition Crew & Client Entertainment

    Whether gnawing wires or stealing snacks, these three meddlesome goats cause chaos with charm. Their job? Keep us on our toes—and our internet provider on speed dial.

  • Lacertus & Fibrosis - Transport Vehicle Inspection and Rodent Control Crew

    These nearly indistinguishable cats split their time evenly between luxurious naps and proudly delivering “gifts” from the wild. It's best not to ask what’s in the box.

  • Nacho - Resident Mini Donkey & Chaos Gremlin

    Don’t let the sweet face fool you—Nacho’s favorite hobby is pestering Ross. His joyful *HeeHaws* echo down the barn aisle like a tiny siren of mischief.

  • Maui - Youth Instructor & Gentle Giant

    A seasoned vet of vet life, Maui’s main job now is helping Weston saddle up and follow in his parents’ hoofprints—with just enough sass to keep things interesting.

  • Janice - Poultry of Prestige

    She showed up uninvited and never left. Janice is now Dr. Brittany’s feathery favorite and somehow always knows the clinic gossip.

  • Floppy - Equestrian Educator Extraordinaire

    With ears that could rival satellite dishes and patience that rivals saints, Floppy is the go-to model for imaging, injections, and the occasional impromptu hug.

  • Joker - Polocrosse Pro & Dr. Patrick's MVP

    Fast, fierce, and just a little full of himself, Joker is the reason Dr. Patrick still thinks he’s 25. He keeps the clinic competitive on and off the field.

Services

that we offer


  • Preventative Medicine
    Wellness plans, Vaccinations, Coggins, Fecal Egg Counts, Sheath Cleaning, Geriatric Care


  • Performance Dentistry
    Oral Examinations, Dental Floating, Wolf Tooth Removal, Dental Extractions


  • Lameness
    Evaluations/Screening, Joint Injections, Advanced Imaging, Rehabilitation

  • Lameness Locator

  • Podiatry
    Laminitis Treatment, Hoof Balancing, Venograms
  • Digital Radiography

  • Ultrasound

  • Endoscopy
    Upper Airway, Lower Airway

  • Gastroscopy

  • Pre-Purchase Exams

  • Microchipping

  • Acupuncture

  • Spinal Manipulation

  • Therapeutic Laser

  • Shockwave Therapy

  • Mesotherapy

  • Surgery
    Castrations, Mass Removal, Enucleations, Caslicks


  • Reproductive Services
    Artificial Insemination, Chilled Semen, Neonatal Exams

  • Educational Seminars

  • Emergency Services
    For established clients only

Charitable Fund


Phineas Memorial Fund: Honoring a Sweet Baby Donkey

Phineas was a cherished baby donkey whose gentle spirit and playful nature brought joy and unity to the team at First Equine Veterinary Services. The fund serves as a heartfelt tribute to Phineas, whose time with us, though brief, left a lasting mark on our hearts.

Phineas was a symbol of joy and compassion. From his playful antics to his gentle nuzzles, he quickly became the beloved mascot of our veterinary team. His presence reminded us all of the importance of kindness and care in our work, fostering a strong sense of community among staff and clients alike. Phineas taught us about love, resilience, and the bonds we form in our shared commitment to animal welfare.

The Phineas Memorial Fund is dedicated to several meaningful initiatives:

  • Equine Care and Rescue: Contributions will support local animal rescue organizations and sanctuaries that provide shelter and rehabilitation for equines in need.
  • Emergency Support: The fund will help provide support for equines that may not receive much needed emergency care due to their caretaker's circumstances.
  • Community Outreach: We aim to develop outreach programs that promote awareness about the importance of equine welfare and responsible ownership, ensuring that the love Phineas inspired continues to spread.

How to Donate

We invite you to join us in honoring Phineas by contributing to the Phineas Memorial Fund. Donations of any size are welcome and will be used directly for the initiatives outlined above. Together, we can continue Phineas’s legacy of compassion and care. To make a donation, please give us a call. Every contribution helps us create a lasting impact in our community and beyond.

Thank You

Your support means the world to us and helps keep Phineas’s spirit alive. Let us come together to ensure that the love and joy he brought to our lives will continue to shine through our collective efforts in caring for animals in need. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us honor a truly special baby donkey.

phineas

Companies we work with:

Externships


At First Equine Veterinary Services, we’re proud to offer hands-on learning experiences through our dynamic externship program. As an external teaching site for Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Enhanced Clinical Practicum (ECP) Program, we provide veterinary students a front-row seat to the world of equine medicine. We also welcome externs from other veterinary schools, offering a well-rounded experience.
Students will ride along with our veterinarians for both routine and emergency calls, gaining valuable insights and firsthand experience in equine care. Plus, we offer convenient on-site lodging with a cozy apartment attached to the clinic for a seamless stay. Interested in joining us? Reach out to the office and take the next step in your veterinary journey!

Contact

us for more information






Monday-Friday 9-4pm
251-377-4540  •  EMAIL



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