Ricci Karkula, DVM, MS, cVMA, is a California native who moved to Stephenville to attend Tarleton State University on a Rodeo Scholarship. She graduated with both a BS in Animal Science and a Master’s Degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in reproduction. She stayed in Texas and graduated with her DVM from Texas A&M University in 2015. After an internship and subsequent sports medicine/surgery fellowship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, she has become a very well-rounded veterinarian. Additionally, Ricci also completed her acupuncture training through Colorado State University in 2016. Prior to joining the BVEH team, Ricci spent 2 years on staff at Elgin Veterinary Hospital as a general practitioner and reproduction veterinarian. As part of BVEH-Navasota, from mid-December through mid-to-late July, you can find Ricci cycle checking and breeding mares, including embryo flushing and freezing, and management of sub-fertile mares. When she isn’t breeding mares, Ricci is also an accomplished sports medicine veterinarian and an asset to the surgery team. Between working, barrel racing, and taking care of her two young children, Grayson and Addison, she has her hands full [citation].