VIRGINIA EQUINE - Key Persons
Andy was born in Richmond and grew up in Sandston. He attended Varina High School, Hampden-Sydney College , and VCU. He currently lives in Midlothian along with his two sons. Away from work, you are most likely to find Andy hunting, fishing, or involved in a sporting activity with his kids.
Andy joined Virginia Equine in July of 1999 after twelve years in the jewelry industry. Initially Andy came to help with the restoration of the stables and grounds at Deep Run Hunt and the conversion of the Whip's House to an office. He decided to stay on since there always seemed to be new projects on the to do list.
These days Andy's duties include the bookkeeping, maintaining the computer and telephone systems, as well as answering the phones and scheduling. He is also the resident plumber, electrician, equipment repairman, etc.
Brenda Blevins is an important part of our business. She handles all of the scheduling, ordering supplies, sterilizing equipment, and paperwork. A longtime resident of Goochland, Brenda has been with Virginia Equine since its very beginning. She can answer almost any question a client asks, and if not, she can find the person who will.
Brenda has a soft spot for dogs and cats, and often has a rescue or two or three under her wing.
Carlin Kelly is originally from Chagrin Falls, Ohio where she grew up riding and showing hunter/ jumpers. She graduatedfrom Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania and received her BA in Dance and a minor in Biology. She also founded and competed on the Mercyhurst College Equestrian Team. She then attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Go Bucks!) where she was active in the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, worked as a student worker in the Galbreath Equine Center ICU and completed a research project on laminitis. As a senior, she was received awards for excellence in equine field service and equine surgery. After graduating from vet school, she completed a one year internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Earlysville, VA. Her professional interests include sports medicine, diagnostic imaging and podiatry.
Dr. Daniels was born in December of 1967 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. He was raised in Beloit, a small farming community in north central Kansas, by a family with a strong background in Thoroughbred racing. His father is the manager of an agricultural finance service and his mother is a high school teacher of 30+ years.
In 1987, Dr. Daniels began his undergraduate education at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Prior to completing his undergraduate degree in animal science, he was granted early admission into the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn; he eagerly accepted and enrolled in 1990. During his four year tenure as a veterinary student, Doug received numerous scholarships and awards for his academic and diagnostic excellence in equine medicine. He became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 when he graduated Cum Laude from his alma mater.
Manor Equine Hospital in Monkton, Maryland selected Dr. Daniels in 1993 for an internship in equine surgery and medicine. He resided there for a year before moving to Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, where he was hired by Virginia Equine Clinic as an associate veterinarian specializing in equine sports medicine and lameness. He eventually purchased the practice in 1997.
Among his numerous credentials, Dr. Daniels has been named the official equine veterinarian for the Virginia State Fair. He is also an official veterinarian for the National Steeplechase Association. He has previously served in an advisory position for the Virginia Horse Racing Commission on the development of official medication regulations. Dr. Daniels is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Virginia Association of Equine Practitioners. He has gained the trust and respect of the hundreds of clients with whom he works with his diagnostic excellence, his humanistic approach, and his unwavering commitment to his patients and his practice.
Job Titles:
- Farm and Clinic Barn Manager
Karen was born in Richmond and has spent her life involved with horses. She has been competing since she was a child in the hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines. Karen spent 6 years working on a race farm where she cared for, rehabilitated, and exercised racehorses. During college, Karen spent 2 ½ years as a working student for an international show and sales barn. Karen was also an officer on the Board of Directors of Radtech Equine Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation set up to manage and maintain the intercollegiate riding teams and stables for Virginia Tech and Radford University.
In 1994, Karen graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Physical Science. Karen is also a graduate H-A from the United States Pony Club. Karen has several years experience as a vet tech and a pharmacy technician. She has managed and trained for both large and small boarding and training barns in the Richmond area. When she's away from the farm, Karen keeps busy with her daughter, Hannah, as well as teaching riding lessons and showing hunters and jumpers.
Dr.Lindsay Neist grew up in the area showing Quarter Horses. After receiving her veterinary degree from Virginia Tech she was chosen for a competitive internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Charlottesville.
Her main veterinary interests are lameness, diagnostic imaging and racehorse medicine. In addition to traditional veterinary medicine she also greatly enjoys being able to offer her patients a holistic approach through both chiropractic and acupuncture care.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her Australian Shepherd "Rali" and her QH colt "Chip". She is excited to be back into the show ring as soon as "Chip" is ready!