Meet Our Team

Dr. Holly Schmitt

Dr. Holly Schmitt grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and decided at approximately age 5 that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Holly attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio and received a BS in biology while running varsity track and cross country. After graduating from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, she completed an ambulatory internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky and was then asked to stay at Hagyard to work in the Sport Horse department. In her first year as an associate, she attended the Chi Institute and became certified in veterinary acupuncture. While with Hagyard, Holly worked in Thermal, California, Traverse City, Michigan, and Lexington, Kentucky as the official horse show veterinarian for five years. She enjoyed the challenge of diagnosing lameness, and utilized acupuncture along with cutting edge therapies to help keep her high performance athletes in the ring. In December 2010, Holly left Hagyard to work for Farmvet while continuing her work as an acupuncturist. Holly decided to begin practicing on her own in the spring of 2012. In 2014, she reunited with Dr. Heather Woodruff, one of her colleagues from Hagyard, and together they formed Foxwood Equine Sports Medicine. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering her time to the Secretariat Center, competing in the jumpers, and practicing yoga.

Dr. Heather Woodruff

Dr. Heather Woodruff grew up in a small town in Central Vermont. She started riding at a young age and showed in 4-H, Hunter/Jumpers, Eventing and even one (seemingly) long endurance ride! She completed her undergraduate degree at University of New Hampshire with a BS in Zoology. When she had the realization that ‘saving the elephants’ was not really a valid career path, her thoughts turned to medicine. Veterinary medicine felt like an obvious choice due to her passion for animals, and in 2009 she graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. With her graduation, she became the 5th Dr. Woodruff in her family.

After graduation, Dr. Heather completed a one-year internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in the Sports Medicine department. She then stayed on as an Associate Veterinarian for 3 more years, where she focused on lameness, diagnostics and received her acupuncture certification. In 2014, after lots of discussion, planning and a few glasses of wine, she and Dr. Holly started Foxwood Equine Sports Medicine. Some career highlights have included working at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, Kentucky, and 2018 WEG in Tryon, North Carolina. She also enjoys volunteering at Rolex (now Land Rover) Three Day Event each year.

When not working or playing with barn cats, Dr. Heather can be found at home, spending time with her husband and two small sons. She loves to travel, garden and read. Once her sons are a little older, she hopes to revisit her love of riding, and has aspirations of competing again soon.

Sydney Wright

Sydney graduated from Midway University in 2025 where she received a degree in equine studies with a concentration in both equine science and rehabilitation & health. Sydney is looking to grow her education in the equine sports medicine with possibility of applying to vet school in the future. In her free time you could see Sydney at the barn with her horse, hanging out with friends, or relaxing at home with her cat!

Nijae Aklin

She joined the team in 2024 and comes from completing an internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in the Internal Medicine Dept and extensive experience in small animal medicine. In addition to her academic and equestrian pursuits, Nijae proudly serves in the U.S. Army Reserves. After graduation, she plans to commission as an officer and pursue her dream of joining the Army Veterinary Corps following veterinary school. In her free time, you can find Nijae riding, sleeping, spending time with her pup “Woodford,” and doing all the things to stay busy!

Dr. Amanda Gilliland

After graduating with her DVM, Amanda completed a rotating internship at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center where she was exposed to a very high emergency and surgical caseload. She found a love for equine sports medicine, lameness, and diagnostics during her internship and decided to pursue a career centered around the equine athlete. She is very excited to continue her education and pursue acupuncture certification from Chi Institute. Her professional interests include lameness, general practice, and diagnostic imaging.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking, crafting, baking, and spending time with her cat Jessica. She’s very excited to be living in Lexington and learning about everything it has to offer!

Christine Parr

Christine Parr grew up in Walkerton, IN and at an early age that she wanted to be in the horse industry. Christine attended Midway College and received a degree in Computer Information System.

While attending Midway College, she worked for AQHA Professional Horseman and Judge Bennie Sargent as well as for Narvick International Bloodstock at the Keeneland Sales. In January of 2002, she married the love of her life Chuck Parr and started working for WinStar Farm in A/R, Equine Records and Booking Stallions. In 2007, she wanted a change of pace and started working at Hagyard Pharmacy/Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. This is where she, Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Woodruff all met! In December of 2012 is when she started working for Holly Schmitt, DVM, PLLC, January 2014 Heather Woodruff, DVM, PLLC which all became Foxwood Equine Sports Medicine in April of 2014. The rest is now history!

Outside of work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, doing yoga and showing on the AQHA/APHA circuits.