July 22, 2014 - The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) is pleased to announce a three member veterinary advisory committee that will be in charge of rules and regulations pertaining to the safety and well-being of one of the most important equine breeds, the Tennessee Walking Horse.

The panel consists of Drs. Jerry H. Johnson, D.V.M, Dallas O. Goble, D.V.M, and Phillip D. Hammock, D.V.M.

“As chairman I speak for the entire committee and we are pleased to provide TWHNC 
with independent veterinary advice,” said Johnson. “Our primary mission is to protect the horse and set a gold standard which hopefully will be embraced and utilized by the industry for the future."

“It is with great appreciation that the Celebration welcomes these distinguished veterinarians to the Tennessee Walking Horse family,” stated Mike Inman, CEO of the TWHNC. “Their expertise and leadership are of great value in protecting the cherished breed that is the Tennessee Walking Horse.”

Johnson is an equine veterinarian with nearly 50 years experience with degrees from the University of Georgia (D.V.M.), Iowa State University (M.S.), and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist.

A tenured professor prior to entering private practice in 1979 in Lexington, Kentucky, Johnson taught equine surgery for sixteen years at five universities: University of Pennsylvania, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Auburn University, and University of Missouri.

Goble graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with a degree in agriculture; he later received an additional degree in arts and sciences in 1967. Goble then attended the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine and earned his DVM in 1969.

After earning his DVM, Goble practiced in Oklahoma for three years before becoming a faculty member at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He eventually moved to the University of Tennessee as a faculty member for the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. He was the equine surgery/clinical professor. He remained in this position until he retired in 2003.

Although Goble is retired he remains busy as the Budweiser Clydesdale herd health consultant. Goble travels all over the United States evaluating the 250 horses in the Budweiser herd. The horses are located across the country from Florida to California at eight different facilities.

Hammock is an equine surgeon based in Louisville, Tennessee and according to the Knoxville News-Sentinel is regarded as one of the top surgeons in his field according to racing insiders. Some of his past patients include former Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide and Dubai World Cup winner Curlin.

Hammock holds degrees from the University of Tennessee (B.S. and D.V.M.), the University of Illinois (M.S.) and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.