Dr. Catherine “Cat” Foreman-Hesterberg
Director of Midwest Equine and Primary Care Veterinarian
My approach to equine veterinary care is to offer all possible options in order to meet the needs of my clients. In addition to providing primary care, dentistry, internal medicine, reproduction, and emergency care, I have also trained in sports medicine procedures in Aiken, S.C., on some of the country’s best athletes—from barrel racers to eventers to racehorses. I am also certified in animal chiropractic and believe this modality of treatment is useful in all shapes and sizes of horses.
My background: I grew up on a hunter/jumper farm in St. Joseph, Ill., and was on the back of a pony before I could walk or talk. Most of my life I have competed in or coached Pony Club teams, including competing around the world. I earned my bachelor of arts degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., and then attended the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate of veterinary medicine. I continue to ride in my spare time, and I compete in jumper shows with my thoroughbred gelding, Mac.
Dr. Kianna Taylor
Primary Care Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor hails from the Rhode Island and recently graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. While currently finishing her master’s in public health degree, Dr. Taylor has been seeing horses at Midwest Equine.
In her spare time, Dr. Taylor likes to spend time with her friends and family, take her dog Kash for walks, and spend time with her pony, Handsome.
Dr. Lori Madsen
Equine Sports Medicine
I earned my veterinary degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. I am interested in lameness, physical rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. My certifications include being an equine rehabilitation practitioner and performing animal chiropractics. I am currently working toward board certification with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
My background: My passion for horses took off when I started taking riding lessons at a barn in Naperville, Ill., as a child. I competed on the local Hunter/Jumper circuit and worked in the barn to offset the costs of lessons and training. After working with sport horses competing at a national and international level, I began to have more of an interest in helping to rehab the injured horses than in riding and competing, so I decided to become a veterinarian.
Betsy Laurance, CVT
Veterinary Technician
Betsy has been working in veterinary medicine since 2012. She became a certified veterinary technician in 2019 at Parkland College. Betsy has worked in small animal and large animal medicine in a variety of settings, including private practice, academia, and now ambulatory.
Since joining Midwest Equine, she has advanced her equine knowledge and experience.
For fun, Betsy enjoys reading, hammocking, and hanging out with her cat, Fleur.
Karen
Veterinary Assistant
Karen has worked at Midwest Equine since its inception and has worked at the Farmer City clinic for over 20 years! Karen works at our front desk and is normally who you hear behind the phone. Everyone loves Karen, and how well she knows the central Illinois area!
In her free time, Karen enjoys taking care of her paint horse, T-Bone, and pony, Cinnamon. She also cares for three cats. Back in the day, Karen showed Western and English Pleasure on two different mares in the Bloomington-Peoria area.
Kristina Slaby
Practice Coordinator
Kristina holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology as well as a master’s degree in management, both from the University of Illinois. After working as a barn manager in the area for a year, she found her home at Midwest Equine. You will catch her doing a little of everything, helping in the office, in the clinic, and sometimes on the farm!
Kristina grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. When she was 8 years old, she started taking riding lessons and she has been involved in the hunter/jumper world ever since. While in college, she fell in love with hunt seat catch riding through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). She now competes in Jumpers with her one-eyed, red-headed thoroughbred mare. She also teaches lessons and serves as assistant coach for the IHSA and Interscholastic Equestrian Association team.