Why Tennessee Walking Horse Owners Choose Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital: A Legacy of Excellence and Ethical Care
Why Tennessee Walking Horse Owners Choose Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital: A Legacy of Excellence and Ethical Care
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, founded in 1986 in Lexington, Kentucky, has earned global recognition as a premier equine healthcare institution, often dubbed the “Mayo Clinic for horses” . For Tennessee Walking Horse owners, the hospital’s combination of cutting-edge medical expertise, specialized services, and ethical advocacy makes it a trusted partner in maintaining the health and performance of their horses. Below, we explore the key reasons behind this preference.
Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capabilities
Tennessee Walking Horses, prized for their smooth gait and athleticism, often require precise care for lameness, musculoskeletal injuries, and performance-related issues. Rood & Riddle’s Sport Horse Medicine division offers comprehensive diagnostics, including gait analysis, radiography, MRI, CT scans, and nuclear scintigraphy, to pinpoint issues that might otherwise go undetected 27. Their podiatry center is particularly notable, featuring advanced tools like video gait analysis and therapeutic shoeing to address hoof and limb conditions—common concerns in gaited breeds 110.
The hospital’s surgical expertise further solidifies its reputation. With over 5,000 surgeries annually, including orthopedic procedures pioneered by Dr. Larry Bramlage, Rood & Riddle has transformed outcomes for injuries once deemed career-ending 47. For example, fetlock arthrodesis, a procedure used to save horses like the Thoroughbred Chelokee, exemplifies their ability to innovate in high-stakes cases .
Commitment to Ethical Practices and Advocacy
Rood & Riddle veterinarians, such as Dr. Scott Hopper, have actively participated in inspections at events like the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Dr. Hopper’s critiques of subjective USDA inspections and his advocacy for objective, science-based evaluations align with owners seeking transparency and welfare-focused care .
By publicly challenging inconsistent disqualifications and promoting humane training methods, Rood & Riddle positions itself as a leader in ethical equine medicine. This stance resonates with owners dedicated to preserving the breed’s integrity while adhering to evolving welfare standards .
Holistic and Complementary Care
Beyond traditional medicine, Rood & Riddle integrates chiropractic care, acupuncture, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy into treatment plans . Dr. Woodrow Friend, certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association, exemplifies this approach, offering non-invasive solutions to enhance mobility and performance—a critical consideration for gait-focused breeds like the Tennessee Walker .
Their reproduction services, including advanced theriogenology and cryopreservation at the LeBlanc Reproduction Center, also cater to breeders aiming to sustain bloodlines while ensuring mare and stallion health .
Proven Track Record with High-Profile Cases
Rood & Riddle’s history of treating renowned horses—from Rachel Alexandra’s life-saving colic surgery to Wise Dan’s comeback from laminitis—demonstrates their capability to manage complex cases . For Tennessee Walking Horse owners, this track record instills confidence that even rare or severe conditions, such as laminitis (a frequent complication in gaited horses), can be addressed with expertise .
Accessibility and Global Reach
With facilities in Lexington, Saratoga Springs, and Wellington, Rood & Riddle provides geographically diverse access to specialized care. Their ambulatory services extend to farms, ensuring timely interventions for emergencies like colic—a common equine ailment 10. Additionally, their international collaborations, such as semen export partnerships, support global breeding programs, appealing to owners of elite Tennessee Walking Horses .
Educational Leadership and Industry Influence
Rood & Riddle’s veterinarians are not only clinicians but also educators and researchers. Dr. Tom Riddle’s pivotal role in identifying and addressing mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) in the early 2000s highlights their contribution to solving industry-wide crises . By sharing knowledge through publications and conferences, the hospital empowers owners with up-to-date practices, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
Tennessee Walking Horse owners choose Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for its unparalleled medical expertise, ethical leadership, and holistic approach to care. Whether addressing gait abnormalities, advocating against soring, or managing reproductive health, the hospital’s dedication to innovation and welfare ensures that horses receive world-class treatment. As the equine industry evolves, Rood & Riddle remains a steadfast ally for owners committed to excellence and integrity.
For more information, visit Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.