The Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) has contracted with Dr. Christopher R. Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVS, and Dr. Paul C. Stromberg DVM, PhD. to conduct inspections for scar rule compliance on Friday and Saturday night at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
The two independent, highly-qualified veterinarians will be available in Champions Arena to conduct inspections for scar rule compliance either pre-inspection or post-inspection and will not interfere nor take the place of the normal pre-show and post-show inspections conducted by the SHOW HIO and USDA.
The purpose of the examinations is to continue to gather more information for the VAC and make recommendations to the VAC as they continue working toward a more objective, science-based inspection protocol. There will not be a fee to the exhibitor or trainer.
Dr. Johnson is a surgeon and owner of Equine Surgical Services in Versailles, Ky., and former partner at Woodford Equine Hospital in Versailles. He is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association and Vice-President Elect for the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners.
Dr. Stromberg is Professor-Emeritus of Veterinary Pathology (Anatomic) at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Stromberg is also a Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists and recently reviewed biopsies taken from horses deemed in violation of the scar rule by the USDA at the 2014 Celebration.