Brian & Anne Lang

Owners

Meet Brian and Anne Lang, the Triple Eight Equine Center owners. Brian's remarkable journey involves owning and overseeing agriculture equipment dealerships spanning three states. His dealership achieved consistent recognition, ranking among North America's top 10 AGCO dealers for over 30 years.

While Brian's son has taken on more of the dealership's day-to-day responsibilities, Brian has decided to embark on a unique venture. Brian found a profound connection with horses, reveling in their majestic and therapeutic nature. This led him to establish the Triple Eight Equine Center, driven by the desire to share the joy of horses with people and actively contribute to the conditioning and rehabilitation of these remarkable animals.

For Brian, the rodeo represents one of the last true American family events, and the horse community feels like a second family. The name "Triple Eight Equine Center" holds special meaning, with 888 symbolizing a guardian angel, a guiding force. Inspired by a life-altering accident, Brian Lang felt a divine presence that fueled gratitude, leading to "Triple Eight" as a symbol of protection. Horses, recognized for their therapeutic impact, embody the center's mission to support horses and humans on their journey to strength and healing.

Anne Lang, having a long career in the banking industry, has added a unique touch to the equine center by opening Phoenix Western Shoppe on the campus. This tack store offers a diverse range of horse tack for all disciplines, along with western clothing and accessories—an invaluable addition considering the absence of tack stores in the area.

Kris Harris, DVM

Diplomate ABVP (Equine)

Dr. Kris Harris grew up in Russell, KS riding, showing and training horses with her father. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Following her passion for horses, Dr. Harris continued her education beyond vet school becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in equine. In addition, she is graduate of Options for Animals College for Animal Chiropractic and is certified through the International Chiropractic Veterinary Association. Dr. Harris is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Equine Practitioners. In 2019, she received the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award.

Dr. Harris’ first position after graduation was as an associate veterinarian in a busy mixed animal practice in York, NE. After her first son was born, her family moved to Ness City, KS where she assisted in building a new mixed animal facility. Eventually she purchased that practice and started Western Edge Veterinary Center which served clientele from all of southwest Kansas. In 2018, Dr. Harris moved to Hays, KS and established her current exclusive equine practice, Western Prairie Equine Service.

In her spare time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Jay have two grown sons, Kyle and Kade. Jay and Kris have two horses, Cash and Cinch, and a dog named Josie. Together they own a ranch in Ness County, ride horses, enjoy watching and playing sports, and are active in their local church.

'There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.' - Winston Churchill

Meet Wyatt Schmidtberger - One of Triple 8 Equine Center's Part-Time employees.

Wyatt is a Senior at Victoria High School and one of Wade and Jody Schmidtberger's triplets.

Wyatt starting riding with his dad at a very young age and still continues to today. Along with that he trains horses, and is also a bull rider.

Wyatt has been working part-time at Triple 8 Equine for three years now. You may see Wyatt riding horses, hauling hay, cleaning stalls, mowing or just helping clients and their horses. There is no job too big or too small for Wyatt.

We are proud to have Wyatt as a part of our Triple 8 Team.

Meet Emma Schmidtberger - One of Triple 8 Equine Center's riding instructors.

Emma is the daughter of Wade and Jody Schmidtberger. Emma is a Senior at Victoria Jr/Sr High School and participates in volleyball and basketball. She is also the secretary of her FFA chapter.

Emma enjoys competing at local barrel races and the KWHA shows. In the little bit of free time Emma has she is training horses with her dad. Emma thanks her dad for the love of horses, and for teaching her everything she knows.

We are proud to have Emma as a part of our Triple 8 Team.

Wyatt Schmidtberger

Emma Schmidtberger

I am 20 years old. I am a quarter horse gelding and a retired barrel horse. I am a flea-bitten grey. I have been helping children do their lessons for about a year now and I am great for beginners because I am very patient. I will help kids learn to walk, trot, lope and getting comfortable with different speeds. I am patient, allowing students to learn how to guide and change direction, back up easily, and learn different speeds comfortably. I look forward to meeting you at your lesson!

Denver

I am 16 years old. I am a quarter horse mare and I have experience with cutting and reining events! I am a bay. Having experience within the cutting and reining I am very broke and soft in the face. With that in mind, many times the instructors will save me for the intermediate to advanced riders in the program! I have nice stops and spins because of all my training. I help students learn how to do proper hand and body placement because I am very sensitive. I can help students learn to get comfortable with different speeds and maneuvers. I like to have fun during our lessons and I look forward to meeting you!

Coco

I am the youngest member of our lesson horse team at just 7 years old! As a big bay gelding, I may be youthful, but my easygoing nature and laid-back attitude make me a perfect match for riders of all levels. I’m a gentle giant with a patient demeanor, ready to help you through every step of your riding journey. Whether you’re taking your first ride or honing in on more advanced techniques, I’m here to help you reach your goals. I can’t wait to meet you and share some memorable rides together!

Jake

I am 9 years old. I am a quarter-horse and a retired mounted shooting horse. I am a very rare color but am registered as a grulla. I have been helping students with their lessons for about a year now. I am very helpful to beginners because I build a lot of confidence at a walk and a trot. I am great for learning the very basics and fundamentals. I allow students to get comfortable with things like walking, trotting, guiding and backing up! I look forward to meeting you at your lesson!

Mojo