How New Zealand resident made her way to Roland
At 5 feet tall, Roland resident and large animal vet Cara White may look lady-like, but those who know her say she is the toughest “guy” around.
Originally hailing from Invercargill, New Zealand, White made her way to Roland in 2019 after a stint in Stillwater. Despite her urban upbringing, her connection to animals runs deep, rooted in cherished memories of spending time with her grandparents on their Southland New Zealand cattle ranch.
“During school holidays, I’d be with my grandparents helping out on the ranch,” White said. It was during these years that her love for animals took root, especially with horses.
However, White’s journey took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 12, she endured a traumatic accident at a park in Invercargill, leaving her with a broken leg and foot. Months of rehabilitation followed, during which she discovered solace in horseback riding.
“Riding helped me find my footing again, both physically and emotionally,” she reflects.
“Being on horseback put no pressure on my lower body and helped with my coordination and confidence.”
As she grew older, her interest in equestrian pursuits blossomed, particularly in barrel racing, a sport she excelled in and won accolades for back in New Zealand. Despite misconceptions about the availability of such sports in her homeland, White is quick to debunk them, emphasizing that New Zealand offers a vibrant equestrian scene.
After completing vet school in Auckland in 2015, White’s path led her to Stillwater. There, Cara immersed herself in a new role at an equine therapy facility, finding it particularly rewarding to help children and the elderly through the healing power of horses.
“Some find the horses to be intimidating due to their size but they are really gentle giants, for the most part,” she said. White emphasizes that horses have healing properties, and anyone can benefit from “even just being around horses.” For her, equine therapy is about more than just healing bodies—it’s about nourishing spirits and fostering connections.
In 2019, White’s journey brought her to Roland, whereshepurchased property and planned on opening her own equine therapy ranch. However, the COVID-19 pandemic altered her plans, and she pivoted back to being a large animal vet.
“I love being a vet and helping large animals— cows and horses, etc.,” she said, “but the connections with the people are equally as rewarding.” White adds that she has met many interesting locals who have connections to Blue Ribbon Downs, and countless others who share her passion for equine.
One patient, Sarah, who benefited from White’s therapy said, “The way she teaches you to interact with the horses is amazing, it is like she speaks their language.”
Another patient said that equine therapy helped her through the loss of her husband, stating, “I felt a connection to these large animals and felt like they could read my mind. It was really so wonderful.”
Looking ahead, White remains optimistic about the future and has recently purchased a ranch near Siloam Springs, where she intends to open an equine therapy ranch.
“I am sad to leave the area but am excited to make a difference in another community,” she said. “Sequoyah County has been a very loving place for me to be, and the community has been amazing to be part of.”
