About Us

Staff

We here at Sporthorse Veterinary Services take pride in our team, and work together to provide the best service to our clients. We ensure that every patient receives the highest quality care for routine examinations and major emergencies.

Mark Silverman, DVM MS
Veterinarian

Mark has pursued knowledge and understanding of the equine foot for over 40 years. Graduate studies in Sports Biomechanics resulted in an internship at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs working with elite human athletes, though his personal work involved the study of the relationship between shoeing and the function of the equine foot. Following his graduate studies Mark enjoyed a multifaceted career in the equine industry including biomechanical analysis of equine gait along with training and competing of Dressage horses and stable management.

In 1994, Mark received his veterinary degree from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and his current Sport horse practice is heavily focused on the treatment of lameness and conditions of the equine foot. Mark has over 20 years experience in the use of composites for hoof reconstruction and was involved in the evolution of adhesive shoe technology.

Katie Soobrian, RVT
Practice Manager

Katie is a Registered Veterinary Technician that has worked with Dr. Silverman since January 2006. Her educational background includes an Associate of Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, Sociology, and Linguistics from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

After several years of work in the area of corporate finance, Katie decided to apply to Bel-Rea and follow her dream of being an Equine Veterinary Technician. While attending Bel-Rea, Katie worked and interned at Littleton Large Animal Hospital. After graduating, she joined BW Furlong & Associates in New Jersey as a Clinical Technician, eventually taking over the management of MRI operations. In January of 2006, Katie moved to California where she became the Field Technician we all know and love. Katie has since become the Practice Manager of SVS, ensuring that clients receive the same quality service in the field and at the office.

Lauren S. Miller, BS
Assistant Office Manager

Lauren graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where she got her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with Minors in Equine Science and Agribusiness. Before coming to Sporthorse Veterinary Services, Lauren worked at Valley Creek Farm, a thoroughbred breeding farm in Valley Center. Lauren was in charge of much of the reproductive activity as well as handling and training of all the young horses. Formerly Dr Silverman’s technician, Lauren now assists in managing the SVS office. As many of you know, Lauren and her husband, Eric, have welcomed a new member to their family - McKayla Claire, born on February 20, 2010.

Niki Zarcades, RVT
Technician

Niki has a deep passion for horses, having ridden for over 30 years, 15 of those competitively. She has competed internationally in hunters, jumpers, dressage, three-day eventing, equitation, and endurance. She lives in Olivenhain with two horses, Romeo and Sparkle, and a dog named Kayla. Niki holds a bachelors in Animal Science from U.C. Davis and most recently graduated from the San Diego Mesa College Animal Health Technology RVT program. Niki also owns a hunter/jumper training program in Rancho Sante Fe.