Meet Our Team
Kris Harris, DVM
Veterinarian/Owner
Dr. Kris Harris grew up in Russell, Kansas riding, showing and training horses alongside 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 veterinary school and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, specializing in equine. She is also a graduate of Options for Animals College for Animal Chiropractic. Dr. Harris is a 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 began her career as an associate veterinarian in a busy mixed-animal practice in York, Nebraska. After the birth of her first son, she and her family moved to Ness City, Kansas where she helped build a new-mixed animal facility. She eventually purchased the practice and established Western Edge Veterinary Center which served clientele from all of southwest Kansas. In 2018, Dr. Harris moved to Hays, KS where she established her current practice, Western Prairie Equine Service. She enjoys all aspects of equine medicine, but has a special interest in the lameness and equine rehabilitation.
She and her husband, Jay, have two grown sons, Kyle (Taylor) and Kade, and one grandson. Kris and Jay currently own four horses and a dog. Together, they enjoy their ranch in Ness County, riding horses, enjoy watching and playing sports, and being active in their local church.
Brekken Hoffman
Practice Manager
Brekken is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor's in Animal Science and a minor in Biology. She has recently finished 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!
JJ Hammersmith
Veterinary Assistant
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
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.