ISLAND EQUINE CLINIC - Key Persons
Dr. Ernst received his Veterinary degree from Purdue University in 1997. He completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University with a degree in Zoology and Biology.
Upon graduation, he accepted an internship at Illinois Equine Hospital. During that time, he gained a wealth of information and extensive exposure to lameness, prepurchase examinations, and surgery. After his internship, Dr. Ernst worked with Dr. Fred Benker in Noblesville, Indiana. During this time, he developed an aptitude for equine reproduction. Dr. Ernst enjoys all aspects of equine practice, but has developed an in-depth knowledge in lameness and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Ernst served as president of the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners. In addition to belonging to various other organizations Dr. Ernst was the President of the student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and continues to maintain his membership with the AAEP and the AVMA.
Dr. Ernst grew up riding horses and throughout high school and college he was an avid eventer and showed extensively. In his non-professional time, Dr. Ernst enjoys skiing (snow and water), and traveling with his wife Liz and their son Nathan. The Ernst family shares their home with their dog Jodie Sue and their cat Hank.
Dr. Benn is from Houston, Texas and grew up riding and competing in dressage on her Dutch Warmblood, Teddy and was completely obsessed with horses. As a 6-year-old, she was told she could not become a horse when she grew up and decided becoming an equine vet was the next best thing!
Dr. Benn attended Berry College where she majored in Pre-Vet and Animal Science before earning her DVM from Texas A&M University.
After graduation, Dr. Benn completed an internship at 3H Equine Hospital in North Carolina where she was able to hone her skills in many aspects of equine practice such as preventative care, emergency medicine and lameness.
Dr. Benn enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary medicine and is especially passionate about sports medicine and rehabilitation. She will complete her chiropractic certification at the Chi Institute Spring of 2023 and is excited to share the benefits of this skill set with her patients and clients. Dr. Benn looks forward to joining the Island Equine team and getting to know all of your wonderful animals.
In her free time, Dr. Benn enjoys running and hiking with Derby, her sweet, playful GSP as well as riding her extroverted Half-Arabian Sinbad.
Dr. Loewenstine grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio where she began riding at a young age at her grandparents' farm. She enjoyed riding and competing in eventing through the years with an Appaloosa, Chester and later a Connemara, Blarney.
Dr. Loewenstine attended Clemson University and graduated with a BS in Animal and Veterinary Science. She then attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and earned her DVM. Dr. Katie went on to complete an internship at Brandon Equine Medical Center in sunny Florida where she engaged in many aspects of equine medicine including preventative care, dentistry, podiatry, ophthalmology, reproduction, colics, lameness, and other emergencies. Dr. Loewenstine's desire to return to South Carolina brought her to Edisto Equine Clinic. In her free time, Dr. Katie enjoys riding Blarney, and spending time outdoors with friends, family, and her Great Dane.