Dr. Kandace Brooke DeBolt is an Alabama native who attended Auburn University for both undergrad and vet school. After graduation, Dr. DeBolt worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for five years, honing her skills and knowledge base on the necessary forms and tests needed for horses to leave and enter the country.

Dr. DeBolt joined the LEMG team in 2019 as an import/export specialist. With so many horses in the Commonwealth traveling overseas to race, compete and breed, Dr. DeBolt’s knowledge is key to ensuring each horse arrives with all its paperwork, testing and other protocols in place.

Dr. DeBolt’s love of animals was fostered by her parents; her father is a small-animal veterinarian whom she grew up working with on their 40-acre farm. “I developed a deep love for taking care of animals [on the farm],” she says. “I loved the animal-care aspect, but I also loved helping owners care for their pets. Watching my father as a valuable member of our community was inspiring, too.”

Dr. Debolt rode on her family farm and moved into hunter/jumper competition as a teenager. In college she began eventing, competing mainly on Thoroughbreds. “I currently have a mustang that is showing a lot of promise as an eventer, if I can ever find time to ride him!” she says. “My kids enjoy our pony sporadically when time away from other sports permits.” Dr. DeBolt also owns two miniature donkeys.

When not working or riding, Dr. DeBolt enjoys hiking, running, reading, kayaking and canoeing, time with her family and her animals, and anything outdoors. Her family includes four boys, ages 11, 8, 6 and 4, and a husband “who is my partner in running this circus” she says.

One of Dr. DeBolt’s favorite things about Lexington is its beauty, as well as the ability to have land, yet still be close to the city – a far cry from San Francisco, where she lived before. Also important to her is the sense of camaraderie, both equine and otherwise: “We have found a community here full of great friends” she comments. (Source)

Recommend this Service or Practitioner