Unbridled Grit: How This Cowgirl Veterinarian is Roping Hearts and Inspiring Minds
Dr. Kyre Larrabee's story reads like a Western saga, woven with threads of determination, compassion, and a deep love for animals. Raised on a cow-calf operation in Southwest Kansas, Kyre's roots in ranching cultivated her passion for animal care from a young age.
For Kyre, the rodeo arena was as familiar as the family ranch. Throughout her youth, she spent countless hours riding and competing in rodeos, embodying the spirit of the American West. Yet, beneath the dust and the sweat, a dream took root – a dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Her path to fulfilling that dream led her to Oklahoma State University (OSU), where she not only pursued her undergraduate degree in Animal Science but also competed for the OSU Rodeo Team. With grit and ambition, Kyre embraced the challenges of academia and rodeo simultaneously, showcasing her unwavering determination.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Kyre remained at OSU to pursue her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, determined to turn her childhood dream into reality. Her journey through veterinary school was marked by perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that would define her career.
With her DVM in hand, Kyre embarked on a journey that took her across the vast landscape of veterinary medicine. From participating in an equine surgical and sports medicine internship to serving as a rural veterinarian in the Texas Panhandle, Kyre embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.
Today, Dr. Kyre Larrabee stands as an Assistant Professor of Practice for Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, where she continues to inspire the next generation of veterinarians. Her passion for equine sports medicine, herd health, and small animal surgery shines through in her dedication to her students and her patients.
Beyond the confines of academia, Kyre finds solace and joy in the simplicity of ranching and roping. When she's not in the classroom or the clinic, you'll likely find her at a local jackpot or rodeo, indulging in her lifelong love for the Western way of life.
But Kyre's journey is not just about veterinary medicine and rodeo; it's about resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of purpose. Despite facing challenges and difficult decisions along the way, Kyre remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference – not just in the lives of animals but also in the lives of those who dream of following in her footsteps.
As she looks to the future, Kyre sees herself continuing to inspire and advocate for the next generation of cowgirls and cowboys who dare to dream of a career in medicine. With humility and determination, she carries forward her mission of bridging the gap between Western heritage and modern healthcare, proving that with grit and grace, anything is possible.
In five years, Dr. Kyre Larrabee may still go by Ky to her friends and family, but her impact will reverberate far beyond the dusty plains of her childhood. With more lessons to be learned and stories to tell, Kyre's journey is far from over – and the world of veterinary medicine is all the richer for it.
