Trust ◊ Education ◊ Professionalism
Veterinarians
Dr. Janice Posnikoff has over 25 years experience as a highly respected equine veterinarian, primarily as owner and principal vet at Orange County Equine Veterinary Services, in Orange County, California, where she served many long-term clients throughout that region. She now brings her expertise in sport horse medicine to the Okanagan Valley and is sincerely grateful to accept the reins from Dr. Sheila McDonald as the owner and lead veterinarian of Okanagan Equine Vet Services.
She looks forward to to serving you, the horse community of the Valley.
Dr. Posnikoff’s career has been devoted to sport horse medicine focusing on lameness, imaging (x-ray and ultrasound), dentistry, minor surgery and podiatry. The majority her clientele has been from the Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Western Pleasure, barrel racing, competitive trail, gaited horse breeds, miniature horse and pleasure horses disciplines.
Originally from Manitoba and starting her veterinary journey with mentor Dr. Rex Leach, Dr. Posnikoff graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan in 1994.
After completing a one year internship at Chino Valley Equine Hospital in Chino, CA, Dr. Posnikoff worked as an Associate at an ambulatory equine practice in Orange County, California for five years, then went on to purchase and develop her own practice - Orange County Equine Veterinary Services - which she lead and grew for 15 years and successfully sold.
Following California, she moved to Maryland horse country, before returning to her home province of Manitoba to practice at Elders Equine Vet Services for three years.
Over her career Dr. Posnikoff has formed close working relationships with outstanding referral practices, equine surgeons, radiologists, internal medicine specialists, trainers, competitors and breeders throughout North America and Europe.
Dedicated to be at the forefront of contemporary techniques, she recently completed advanced equine dentistry courses and ISELP (International Society of Equine Locomotion and Pathology) modules taught by the world’s greatest equine lameness instructors and clinicians, along with yearly equine continuing education offered through the AAEP and other associations.
Dr. Posnikoff is also author of a series of articles for Horse Illustrated and co-author of the popular book Horses for Dummies.
She is an active member of the equine community, enjoys keeping clients informed of the latest in equine health, and has given many presentations on equine medicine and health.
A personal highlight and one of her finest professional achievements is Wester’s Aikema’s Nico. A little 14.3 Welsh fancy imported German pony, who at first no one could ride. With her team-partner Dory Breneman, a professional dressage trainer, Dr. Posnikoff successfully brought Nico up from 2nd level to Grand Prix dressage in southern California. A journey which shaped Dr. Posnikoff’s career.
Dr. Looper grew up on a ranch in Colorado where his family raised horses, cattle, and sheep. Following his veterinary training at Colorado State University, he spent a year interning in California specializing in the treatment of sport horses. He then moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he was an associate and became an equine practice owner, working with racehorses, western competition horses and show horses. During this time, he competed in cutting and the interesting sport of cowboy mounted shooting. He has also raised Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, and Appaloosas.
After 15 years in Arizona Dr. Looper moved to Minnesota, again working with racing, show and rodeo horses, at the same time also practiced in New York, Florida, and New Mexico. He has developed an extensive line of equine supplements (see “In The Loop” website) with the hopes of bringing them to Canada. In 2012 Dr. Looper and his family decided Kelowna is where they would like to settle down and purchased a small farm in Southeast Kelowna.
Throughout his career Dr. Looper has focused mainly on sports medicine although he is interested to learn more about equine reproduction and surgery. He has a strong interest in alternative therapies, is trained in acupuncture, head/ neck chiropractic treatments, ozone treatments, energy medicine, laser, and shockwave therapies. He has extensively used regenerative therapies including PRP, IRAP, and stem cell treatments. Proficient in dentistry, Dr. Looper understands the benefits that a comfortable and balanced mouth can provide for the performance horse. Outside of work, Dr. Looper enjoys fishing, hiking, snowboarding, travel, and of course riding.
Management
Known as MC by our clients, Marie Claire was born in St Johns Newfoundland, but 'grew-up' in South Devon UK, hence the funny accent! At age 11, while living in a small countryside village, she was lucky enough to own her first pony with her sisters. Pippin, a Welsh Cob/Dartmoor pony was just the beginning of a life filled with horses as well ass many other animals including dogs and a pet pig named Pickles. In 2013 her dream to show her 2 young girls their Canadian heritage became reality when her husband was offered a position in Kelowna.
“And so, it began, the four of us and our beloved rescue greyhound x collie Cassie, hopped on a plane and landed in the Okanagan to start our new life.”
A qualified graphic designer, marketing specialist, typesetter, and an office manager ( little-known fact – she also is a trained Dental Technician specializing in the Gold/Wax, Bridges and Crowns.) MC joined OKEVS in February 2019. A horse owner and previous client of OKEVS, she was excited to commence her position here and gain more knowledge whilst learning various aspects of the equine veterinary world. We were even more excited to have her come on board.
Weekends and any time off, you will find her at the lake, hiking, camping in the summer or up at "the hill" skiing and skating. Not to mention the occasional visit to one of our local wineries.
“I am very honoured that I now live and work in this beautiful area of Southeast Kelowna with my family, my two dogs - Loki our Bernese Mountain Dog x Akbash and Lacey - our 'All Canadian Mix' rescue (we think Pyrenees cross) and Pickles our Julianna Pig. I am very proud to be a part of Okanagan Equine Veterinary Services.”
Kristin has always had a profound love for horses. Originally from Calgary Alberta, horses were present in all corners of her life - just never at the centre. Her Nona was 1 of 12 kids raised on a large cattle ranch which is still in operation today. She always loved listening to stories and visiting the ranch. “I am still jealous of all my cousins there today.” As a young girl she attended horse camp every summer at Griffey Valley Ranch and loved every minute. One of her most memorable experiences was taking part in a 4-day fundraising cattle drive, Hooves of History, in honour of her Grandfather’s 65th birthday. She was one of the youngest riders. After a successful career in financial management and hospitality, she decided it was time to get back to her passion. 4 years ago, Kristin became a part of our OKVES family, and we never want her to leave. Today you will find her out working and caring for the horses, in the hospital cleaning, stacking hay, or out in the field assisting Dr.Posnikoff. Her days are filled with watching, working and learning from the horses, techs, and vets. Sometimes we need her in the office too. “It has been a dream come true, especially since I am able to bring my daughter Maddex to work and share with her all the wonderful experiences I have at OKEVS.”
Veterinary Assistants
Born in Inuvik NT, Courtney grew up dog sled racing and started riding horses in the winter of 2014. In 2019 Courtney joined our team at OKEVS and we have been lucky to have her on our team. As Dr. Looper’s assistant, and the knowledge she obtained while attending the University of Saskatchewan, Courtney is one of our “go to” people. Not only helping our vets and clients, but also lending a hand anywhere she is needed. Topping it all off, she is the proud owner of two rescues, Scribbles the beautiful Arab, and Toast the soft-hearted thoroughbred.
Charly grew up in the Okanagan in the small nearby town known as Armstrong, where she learned to love animals. She started riding lessons at a young age and became a competitive show jumper. Charly’s love for horses encouraged her to start her pre-vet journey soon after graduating from high school, where she moved to Kelowna to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, studying Zoology. Once Charly graduates from her bachelor’s degree she plans on applying to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue her passion of caring for animals.
Samantha is currently attending UBCO as a nursing student but has been working with horses since she was 14. Her experience started with volunteering at a rescue ranch with all sorts of animals, but horses were always her favourite. From then on she knew she wanted to work with horses. "I love being around all the horses and people I work with!"
In the spring of 2022, Emily graduated with a BSc from UBCO. Before entering Veterinary college, Emily has decided to gain some hands-on experience, and lucky for us, she applied to OKVES. As Dr. Posnikoff’s assistant it is clear Emily will be an amazing Veterinarian when she completes her studies. Not only is she dedicating her life to the Equine world, she is also the happy owner of Bellini, an Oldenburg you can’t take your eyes off. When Emily has free time, her and Bellini love competing in three-day eventing.
Office & Facility Staff
With over 20 years of experience in administration and customer service, Lindsey insists on providing a friendly compassionate experience for our clients. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to request our services and Lindsey makes that her priority. Whether you come into our office or speak to her on the phone, you can expect to be greeted with a smile and the feeling that we genuinely care about you and your horse.
