Meet Our Team
Kris Harris, DVM
Diplomate ABVP (equine)
Dr. Kris Harris grew up in Russell, KS riding, showing and training horses with her father. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Following her passion for horses, Dr. Harris continued her education beyond vet school becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in equine. In addition, she is graduate of Options for Animals College for Animal Chiropractic and is certified through the International Chiropractic Veterinary Association. Dr. Harris is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Equine Practitioners. In 2019, she received the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award. Dr. Harris’ first position after graduation was as an associate veterinarian in a busy mixed animal practice in York, NE. After her first son was born, her family moved to Ness City, KS where she assisted in building a new mixed animal facility. Eventually she purchased that practice and started Western Edge Veterinary Center which served clientele from all of southwest Kansas. In 2018, Dr. Harris moved to Hays, KS and established her current exclusive equine practice, Western Prairie Equine Service. In her spare time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Jay have two grown sons, Kyle and Kade. Jay and Kris have two horses, Cash and Cinch, and a dog named Josie. Together they own a ranch in Ness County, ride horses, enjoy watching and playing sports, and are active in their local church. 'There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.' - Winston Churchill
Brekken Hoffman
Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant
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Brekken is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor's in Animal Science and a minor in Biology. She is currently pursuing her Master of Education (MEd) in Equestrian Education online through William Woods University out of Fulton, Missouri. ​Brekken has a love of breakaway and competes in the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association. She has rode under many accomplished trainers and credits them for helping develop such a strong passion for the equine industry. Whether it be on or off a horse, she will always greet you with a smile!
Tayln Wright
Veterinary Assistant ​
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Tayln is a Junior at Fort Hays State University majoring in Agricultural Communication. She also competes for the Fort Hays Rodeo Team in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. Along with rodeoing for FHSU, Tayln also completes in other organizations including the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association. Growing up in a small town in Texas, she earned the love for the agricultural industry at a very young age. In her spare time, she enjoys training colts and riding her horses to get ready for her next competition.
Emma Schmidtberger
Veterinary Assistant ​​
Emma is the daughter of Wade and Jody Schmidtberger. Emma is a Senior at Victoria Jr/Sr High School and participates in volleyball and basketball. She is also the secretary of her FFA chapter. Emma enjoys competing at local barrel races and KWHA shows. In the little bit of free time Emma has she is training horses with her dad. Emma thanks her dad for her love of horses, and for teaching her everything she knows.
Hadley Bockman
Veterinary Assistant
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Hadley is a current student of Fort Hays State University, on track to graduate in May with a Bachelor's in Agricultural Business. Originally from Nebraska, she was raised on a farm where she developed a strong foundation in agriculture and a deep appreciation for the industry. Hadley has a passion for horses and enjoys every opportunity to be involved with them.
JJ Hammersmith
Veterinary Assistant​
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JJ Hammersmith grew up on a farm west of Gorham, KS, riding and training horses with her brothers. She graduated from Russell High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Phillips University in Enid, OK. JJ eventually moved back to the Gorham area and her husband Jared raises beef cows north of Gorham. They have two children, Jaden and Jalynn who attend Victoria Junior-Senior High School. She is a Licensed Insurance Agent and also works remotely from home. Being with family and friends is her passion but horses are her source of calm! She enjoys sports, family time, anything outdoors, and all animals.
Jay Harris
Business Manager/Veterinary Assistant
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Jay grew up on a farm in Ransom, KS. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters degree in Agronomy. He works at Western Prairie Equine Service part-time as the business manager, takes care of the maintenance and provides after-hours veterinary assistance. Jay's full time career is working as the Cottonwood District Director for K-State Research and Extension. In his spare time, he enjoys riding horses, hunting, and sports.