Veterinarians make Valley new home

Brady and Erika Little met in veterinary school in Kansas. They were from two different worlds, she from Walnut Creek, Calif., and he from Omaha, Neb., but they both loved horses. They fell in love and were led to Carson Valley.

"We are excited to be here," said 30-year-old Brady Little. "We are hoping we can call this home for a long time."

The young veterinarians are the newest additions to Great Basin Equine in Gardnerville.

Erika Little, 34, said she was drawn to the Valley's prominent horse culture, plus proximity to her family in the Bay area.

"The facility is so nice here," she said, "and the people are great."

She said Great Basin's facility is comparable to a university facility.

Brady emphasized its employees and the horses themselves.

"There's a mix of high-quality horses and knowledgeable, friendly people," he said. "We've had a nice welcome."

Both said the 24-hour emergency service has kept them busy. Erika has already performed surgery on horses with colic.

"In the spring, we'll start dealing with reproductive issues," she said.

Hopefully, the couple will have time to settle into their new house in Fish Springs.

"We have two horses, a Labrador and chickens," Brady said. "The chickens kind of came with the place. The property borders BLM land, and we should have a lot of room to play."

"We are really looking forward to becoming part of the community,"he said, "becoming permanent fixtures."

Great Basin Equine is located at 320 Highway 88.

Information, 265-7800.