Shannon Oliver was born and raised in Dinwiddie, VA. She began riding horses at the age of 8 and soon realized she had a passion not only for showing, but also for their health and care.

While working with horses, she assisted in their training, breeding and foaling. She attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 2004 Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences with an Equine Emphasis. Dr. Oliver then attended Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine where her focus was on equine health.

After graduation, she completed an internship at Manor Equine Hospital in Monkton, MD where there was a large population of racehorses, foxhunters and sport horses. While there, she gained invaluable experience with advanced surgery, lameness and anesthesia.