The American Association of Equine Practitioners presented Glenn Blodgett, DVM, with the 2016 Distinguished Life Member award for his leadership and exemplary service to the association during his 39 years as a member.

The Distinguished Life Member Award honors an AAEP member who has made outstanding contributions to the association throughout their career. Dr. Blodgett, the resident veterinarian for the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, was honored Dec. 6 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 62nd Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Blodgett is a pioneer who has contributed mightily to the equine industry and veterinary profession. He was mentored by AAEP past president Dr. Ed Murray upon graduation from veterinary school at Texas A&M University in 1974 and, in 1982, was recruited by the 6666 Ranch to serve as resident veterinarian and horse division manager.

Considered an authority in equine reproduction, Dr. Blodgett catapulted the 6666 Ranch to the forefront of the equine breeding industry by implementing advanced reproductive techniques with enviable results. Under his tenure, the ranch was awarded the AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Race Money Earners and AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Winners.

Beyond his daily practice, Dr. Blodgett has championed organized veterinary medicine and the broader horse industry. He served the AAEP on its board of directors and on its Racing and Ethics committees. Dr. Blodgett has been active in numerous other professional veterinary organizations, and he was the driving force behind the medication rules, policies and procedures adopted by the Texas Racing Commission. Dr. Blodgett has had a direct role in advancing the welfare of the American Quarter Horse as immediate past president and longtime director of the AQHA. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the American Horse Council.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.