Staff | Performance Equine Vets

Medical Staff

Sabrina Jacobs, DVM – Owner

Dr. Sabrina Jacobs is the owner and founder of the Performance Equine Vets and Performance Vet Supply. A Texas native, she graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Dr. Jacobs has a particular interest in advanced reproductive techniques. She has performed thousands of oocyte recoveries and embryo transfers. Dr. Jacobs is proficient at performing the most complicated embryological procedures, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Embryo Biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Embryo Vitrification (Embryo Freezing). Tasked with leading the team, she is passionate about optimizing every detail of the process to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Jacobs is held in high regard by colleagues and clients alike for her advanced skills, leadership and deeply caring attitude. Dr. Jacobs is a professional member of the American Associateion of Equine Practioners (AAEP), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Society for Theriogenology (SFT). She is licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee.

In her free time, Sabrina enjoys tinkering in her ever growing garden and spending time with her husband Clay and daughter Ansley.

Stephanie Caston, DVM, Diplomate ACVS – LA Surgeon

Dr. Caston grew up in Southeast Texas, she is a specialist veterinary surgeon and a 2002 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. After completing a one year internship at Iowa State University, she remained on staff to finish her surgical training and achieve her diplomate status. Dr. Caston then accepted a position and spent the next 15 years at Iowa State in academia servicing an extensive sport horse community in both surgery and advanced lameness diagnosis. Dr. Caston has been actively involved in numerous research projects including, complicated lameness, orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgeries, emergency surgical colic interventions, advanced imaging and regenerative medicine. She has authored over 150 scientific papers and book chapters on topics ranging from orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgery, developmental orthopedic disease, minimally invasive procedures, advanced upper airway surgical techniques, as well as regenerative therapies including Stem Cells, IRAP and PRP. As a recognized specialist in her field, Dr. Caston is an invited speaker in both national and international conferences on various topics each year. Dr. Caston is involved as an active competitor in Three-Day Eventing. She utilizes this unique knowledge daily as she applies her experience as a rider to her profession as a Veterinarian.

When she is not working, Dr. Caston enjoys competing her own horses in eventing, fox hunting, and spending time with her dogs.

Alanna Farrell, DVM, Diplomate ACVS – LA Surgeon

Dr Alanna Farrell is from eastern Washington State. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. She completed a one year internship at Bend Equine Medical Center before completing anote one year internship at Iowa State University. Alanna completed her Surgical Residency at Iowa State.

Catherine Jula, DVM

Dr. Catherine Jula was born and raised in central Ohio, she was very active in 4-H growing up and showed her QH mare in a variety of Western events. She attended West Virginia University for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science and then went on to veterinary school at Ohio State University. After briefly working in New York and completing an internship at Equine Specialty Hospital in NE Ohio, Dr. Jula completed a Large Animal Internal Medicine residency at Virginia-Maryland CVM in Blacksburg, VA. During her residency, she did research on administration of pimobendan (a cardiac drug) in horses and obtained a Masters degree. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors (camping, hiking, gardening, snowboarding, etc.), cuddling with her two adorable kitties, and eating all the delicious food her partner, Christos, makes.

Breanne Maraman, DVM, CVA

An Alabama native, Dr. Maraman’s interest in horses began remarkably early in life. Her love of horses originated from her mother, Randy, who blessed her with pony rides before she was able to walk. Dr. Maraman was destined to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine and graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. She spent a year at Elgin Equine Hospital in Texas before joining us at Performance Equine Vets. Dr. Maraman’s professional interest include Emergency Medicine, Preventative Health Care, Integrative and Alternative Medicine, as well as Anesthesia. She is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi University under the direction of Dr. Xie, one of leading authorities in Veterinary Acupuncture. Dr. Maraman has commendable interpersonal skills, tenderness and the ability to communicate effectively with her clients in a compassionate and caring manner. Dr. Maraman is pleased to offer small animal services both in the clinic and on the farm.

Each Autumn, you will find Breanne adorned in orange due to her passion for Auburn Football. When she is not in the clinic, she is most likely snuggling on the couch with Tootsie and Finn (her two dogs) or bathing her horse, Cupid, who she has cared for over 21 years. Breanne has an adorable boyfriend Mike, whom together have a keen interest in baking and cooking scrumptious dishes.

Brianna Hamrick, DVM

Dr. Hamrick grew up in the Carolinas just south of Charlotte. She graduated from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, then went on to complete two equine internships- a hospital internship for Rood & Riddle in Lexington, KY, and a rotating internship at University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Ready to be closer to home, Brianna joined Performance Equine Vets in November, 2023.

Since moving to Aiken, Brianna has gotten to spend more time in the saddle, enjoys any activities outside involving her dogs Tate and Bruce, and cares for her ever-growing plant collection.

Jose Zambrano – Veterinary Assistant, Stallion Manager

Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Jose began his career in the United States in 1991. His addiction to horses began at the racetrack Delaware Park, where he began as a groom and was promoted to the title of Assistant Trainer. After spending 15 years working at Delaware Park, Jose relocated to Aiken with his family. Jose joined Performance Equine Vets in 2014. He naturally became the head stallion handler with his gentle nature and calming personality, he is truly an asset to our operation.

Jose is the proud father of three wonderful children, Pepe, Heidi, and Omar. He is expecting his first granddaughter this spring. Jose enjoys managing his elaborate garden and spending time riding his horses while he is away from the hospital.

Cheyanne Hill – Hospital Coordinator

Cheyanne is a lowcountry native from Beaufort, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina Aiken with a B.S. in Biology. She joined the PEVs team in 2019. Cheyanne works directly with the internal medicine department overseeing quality patient care and customer service. She loves all of her patients, but especially the adorable, sassy foals!

Cheyanne started up a small farm of her own and enjoys riding in her spare time. She has a female yellow Labrador named Beans who has been coming to work and going everywhere with her since she was a puppy.

Mandy Kneece – Surgical Coordinator

Mandy was born and raised in the Carolinas and has lived in Aiken for over 8 years. She started her veterinary medicine career almost 15 years ago at a small animal specialty clinic in Columbia, SC. After 12 years she decided her love for horses is what she wanted to pursue and she joined our team. Mandy works directly with the Sports Medicine and Surgery department.

She enjoys spending her days off with her husband and three beautiful children on their tiny little farm that houses 4 dogs and 2 horses!

Taylor Glassor – Veterinary Assistant

Taylor is originally from upstate New York but has spent the majority of her life in the Carolinas. She has ridden since 2001 and enjoys leisure trail rides, small local shows and riding Hunter/Jumper. She likes spending time with her husband, their 4 dogs and 3 cats when not at the barn.

She has her B.S. in Biology with Specialization in Equine Science and previously worked in small animal emergency and specialty for 8 years before returning back to equine medicine in 2023.

Kenzie Smalls – Veterinary Assistant

Washington state native, after graduating high school Kenzie worked on a horse ranch for 5 years in Phoenix Arizona. Then transferring to veterinary medicine while she continued her education at Scottsdale Community College. Getting her undergraduate in Equine Science in 2024.

Ray Kenyon – Veterinary Assistant

Ray grew up in upstate New York, where he competed on the hunter jumper circuit. Later on, he ran a training and sales business showing Arabian horses competitively at the local, regional and national level. Currently, Ray owns a farm in the Aiken area, with polo horses, and Cheviot sheep, and his German shorthaired pointer, Hamish.

Shannon Taylor – Veterinary Assistant

Shannon is an Aiken native who started her career in veterinary medicine in 1996 as a small animal assistant and wildlife rehabilitee. Having ridden horses from a young age, always caring for her own on her small farm, equine medicine is close to her heart. She recently joined the PEVs team in 2024 taking care of the equine hospital patients. She is a mother of 5 children and multiple small animals of various species. She enjoys spending time with her family and animals on her small farm in Montmorenci!

Abigail Nelson – Veterinary Assistant

A dedicated equestrian with extensive experience in equine care, Abigail completed an internship in equine management and care at Oldfield’s Riding School in Sparks Glencoe, MD. Her passion for horses began at the tender age of two and has only deepened over the years. In her free time, she enjoys training her horses and dogs, as well as pursuing creative hobbies such as crocheting, painting, and crafting custom biothane gear for both dogs and horses. Originally from Summerville, SC, Abigail relocated to Aiken three years ago with her spouse to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning and managing a farm, where she is committed to producing sustainable organic food.

Rachel Monat – Veterinary Assistant

Rachel is a seasoned veterinary technician with 14 years of experience in the field. Growing up with a father who was a jockey, Rachel has been deeply involved with horses her entire life.

Natalie Cwik – Veterinary Assistant

Hospital Veterinary Assistant

Lauren – Veterinary Assistant

Surgical Veterinary Assistant

Reproduction Staff

Emily Jones, M.S. Equine Reproduction – Mare Manager, Director of Client Services (Reproduction)

Emily is Clemson graduate with her bachelors degree in Equine Business. During her stay at Clemson, Emily interned with us for two summers. After graduating from Clemson, Emily accepted a position at Kansas State University where she obtained her Master’s in Equine Reproductive Physiology. After leaving Kansas, she headed out west to manage a privately owned breeding and foaling operation. Emily was excited to join us here at Performance Equine Vets. She brings to us extensive training in stallion management and semen preparation. Her combination of medical knowledge and professional experience has proven especially useful to our clients and patients. A warm and compassionate multi-tasker, she works to ensure each and every client and patient receive unparalleled communication and care. Emily tackles each of her numerous duties with passion, relishing the opportunity to educate clients throughout the process. On top of everything else, Emily also assists in management of the recipient mare herd with Marcella.

Emily enjoys spending time relaxing at the beach and taking her dog for long hikes. She loves to cook and consistently bakes yummy treats! Although Emily has been a western girl most of her life, she has recently begun training in dressage.

Emileigh Dinkel – Stallion Manager

Emileigh was raised in St. Francis Kansas. Her parents and grandparents were all Kansas State University alumni, and that’s where Emileigh chose to go to college. Earning her Bachelors of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Agronomy and an Equine Certificate. While in college, she worked for the horse unit and learned a great deal about training and breeding horses. Emileigh’s love of horses began when she was a little girl and continued to grow throughout her life. She participated in 4-H, where she was able to show horses in halter classes and western pleasure, as well as compete in other events.

Emileigh’s favorite past times include watching Kansas State sports, spending time with her pets, enjoying time with her family when she travels home, riding horses, reading books and drawing.

Elizabeth Suarez – Embryologist

Dr. Elizabeth Suarez hails from Mexico City, where she studied Veterinary Medicine at Universidad del Valle de México. She gained valuable experience working for three years on a breeding farm in her hometown.

Dr. Suarez completed a one-year internship at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, followed by a residency in Reproduction at the New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Bilbo, baking, exploring the outdoors, and watching movies and series.

Karina Bonilla – Reproductive Assistant

Karina was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, but has spent the majority of her life in Aiken. Horses have always been a significant part of her life, and she feels that Performance Equine Vets has been a central part of her upbringing. Her father worked at Performance as a technician for some time, and as a child, Karina lived in the house next to the clinic property. Walking past the barns and paddocks on her way to primary school left her in awe of the environment.

During high school, Karina spent her summers volunteering at Performance Equine Vets. While she found hospital-related topics fascinating, her true passion was in Equine Reproduction. After recently graduating from high school, she began working full-time, where she holds the distinction of being the youngest technician on the team.

In her free time, Karina enjoys reading, writing, and playing the guitar or piano. She also loves riding horses and spending time with her younger siblings after work.