Staff

Dr. Candace is a native of upstate South Carolina. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University. She then attended the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary medicine graduating with honors. Following veterinary school she completed a year long equine internship at Carolina Equine Hospital. After her internship she went on to work at an equine only practice in eastern NC before moving back to call the Piedmont Triad home.

Dr. Candace’s professional interests include preventative and emergency medicine, ophthalmology, and lameness. She is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA).

Horses have always been an interest and passion for Dr. Thrift from an early age. She still enjoys spending time with her Quarter Horse gelding, Ebony, who she has had from birth. Her other interests include cooking, and spending time with her corgi, Rhett.

Dr. Baez grew up in Puerto Rico, where her passion for equines grew from riding and showing Paso Fino horses. She completed her bachelors degree in biology at the University of Puerto Rico, and moved to North Carolina to attend veterinary school at NC State, where she focused on equine medicine. After completing veterinary school in 2021 she remained in North Carolina to complete an internship at Carolina Equine Hospital. During her year long internship she gained experience in equine medicine and surgery, as well as other large animals. Since then, she has practiced ambulatory equine medicine in South Carolina and Virginia.

Dr. Baez enjoys working through complicated internal medicine cases, equine reproduction and neonatology, as well as triaging and managing emergency cases. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, and pup and cat: Milo and Tony Montana.  She also enjoys reading, cooking, and has recently started baking. 

Kelly was raised on a cattle farm in East Tennessee. Whenever they had the chance, she and her twin sister could be found in the mountains on horseback. Kelly continues to trail ride as much as she can. She has her bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology from Lincoln Memorial University, and has worked in the veterinary field for 18 years - at small animal day practices, small animal emergency clinics, mixed animal practices and equine clinics. Kelly lives with her husband and daughter in Pinnacle.

Bridget Fallin is a native of the Charlotte, NC area. Bridget has been riding horses since the age of three. She started off riding hunters, jumpers and eventing, but has ridden many different disciplines. She has currently been showing in ranch riding. She studied equine training and business at Martin Community College where she got her associates degree in 2016.  When she's not working, Bridget enjoys any type of barn or saddle time reading and hiking. Bridget and her husband Andrew welcomed their baby girl in November 2024. 

Fun fact: Bridget had a total hip replacement in April of 2017.

Catelyn is a Michigan native, only moving to NC 8 years ago! She is a graduate f Dalton McMichael High School and is currently a student at North Carolina State University, where she is studying Animal Science. Catelyn has been riding horses since the age of five and previously competed in ranch riding shows. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her dogs and other animals. 

Fun Fact: Catelyn took a study abroad to Ireland to learn about their equine industry!