People
Experience, Expertise, and Compassion
Owners Ron and Sara Malone live and raise their own horses at Circle Oak. They have engaged a dedicated and experienced staff to oversee the care and health of all of the horses residing and undergoing therapy here. This group is focused on providing the best care possible for your horse.
Led by Medical Director, Carrie Schlachter, VMD, IVCA, the staff has extensive experience in a wide array of equine health practices. A team of veterinary technicians performs the rehabilitation treatments and fitness programs under Dr. Schlachter’s direction. As a licensed veterinary facility, Circle Oak operates in a hospital format, with procedures and protocols designed to ensure that all horses receive exceptional professional care. In addition, all horses receive individualized, loving, attention and you are welcome to involve any healthcare practitioners that are involved with your horse and know its history, such as your veterinarian, farrier, physical therapist, etc.
Circle Oak Equine Staff
Ron Malone – Owner. 30 years experience owning, showing and caring for horses. Current competitor in cutting horse shows.
Sara Malone – Owner, Business manager. BA, Biological Science, MBA.
Carrie Schlachter - Medical Director and staff veterinarian. VMD, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton School. BS, Animal Science. Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture. Over 30 years experience riding, owning and caring for horses.
Kendra Fettkether – Barn Manager and Veterinary technician. College-level coursework in Animal Science. 15 years experience owning, showing and caring for horses. 10 years veterinary technician experience in small and large animal hospitals.
Kari Farley - Senior Veterinary Technician. BS, Biological Science, SRJC Program in Veterinary Technician Certification (eligible to sit for state certification test 05/10), over 15 years owning and caring for horses. Four years experience in large and small animal veterinary practices.
Karin Long - Veterinary Technician. Former licensed trainer, trainer's assistant and barn manager. 10 years experience, owning, showing, training and working with horses. Experience assisting in an equine veterinary practice.
Shannon Shreve - Veterinary Technician. BS Animal Science, Over 20 years experience owning, showing and caring for horses. Over 5 years large animal veterinary technician experience in the hospital, clinic and laboratory. Over 10 years experience managing stables and farms.
Tina McCord - Veterinary technician. Over 20 years experience owning, showing and caring for horses.
Antonio Pena - Facilities Manager. Journeyman plumber, widely experienced in general construction, irrigation, mechanics and landscaping. Has worked at the ranch for over 10 years.
Luis Hernandez - Groom. Over 20 years experience owning and caring for horses.
Hector Ponce - Groom. Over 10 years experience owning and caring for horses.
Sergio Romo - Groom. Over 10 years experience owing and caring for horses.
Amanda Tartaglini - SRJC student, Equine Sciences Program. Over 10 years experience owning and caring for horses.
Joey Pedroni - SRJC graduate, Equine Sciences Program.
Santa Rosa Junior College Equine Sciences Program interns. The ranch has 1-2 interns every semester. The College values their opportunity to learn about veterinary procedures; we value their focus, dedication, knowledge and interest in horses.