The Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) has added Dr. Robert J. Hunt, DVM, MS, DACVS to its committee.  Hunt joins Dr. Jerry Johnson and Dr. Phillip Hammock to make up the VAC.  The VAC was originally formed at the request of the Celebration to serve as an independent advisory committee in charge of implementing objective testing, including blood testing and digital radiographs, at the 2014 Celebration.

The additional welfare enforcement initiatives implemented by the VAC were in addition to the inspections by the SHOW HIO and USDA.  The VAC has continued to work on the implementation of objective testing since the completion of the Celebration and submitted an application for an independent HIO that would incorporate inspection protocols approved by the VAC.

Dr. Hunt graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and joined Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in 1991 where he currently is a member of their practice.  Hagyard is a world-renowned veterinary clinic in Lexington, Ky. that employs over 50 veterinarians.  According to the Hagyard web site, “no other single, non-university veterinary group in the equine world is currently able to match its qualifications.”

Dr. Hunt returned to the University of Georgia in 1987 to complete his surgical training and graduate degree in cardiovascular physiology.  Dr. Hunt remained on faculty and became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1991.  He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), Kentucy Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) and Association Equine Practitioners (KAEP) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club (KTFMC).

“The VAC is very fortunate to add someone of Dr. Hunt’s ability.  His education, experience and expertise in the equine world will serve to continue the efforts of Dr. Johnson and Dr. Hammock.  The VAC looks forward to continuing its efforts to finalize objective testing and inspections of Tennessee Walking Horses that ensure a predictable pre-show inspection and their welfare in competition,” said VAC spokesperson Tom Blankenship.