Jun 28, 2019
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, is an
international leader in veterinary medicine, providing specialized
medical and surgical care to all equine breeds and disciplines. Dr.
W. Thomas Riddle and Dr. Bill Rood founded the full-service equine
hospital in 1986 and, ever since, it’s known throughout the world
for its commitment to quality care and relationships with clients
and the surrounding community. Its talented staff has provided
full-service medical and surgical support to some of the most
famous equines in the world, earning the practice the nickname of
“the Mayo Clinic for horses.” Now owned by 26 shareholders, Rood &
Riddle has satellite campuses in Saratoga Springs, New York, and
Wellington, Florida.
Rood & Riddle is actively involved in owner education and outreach.
In recognition of their connection to the Thoroughbred racing
industry and the need for aftercare programs, Rood & Riddle
established the RR Thoroughbred Sport Horse Awards, given annually
to the top Thoroughbreds competing in dressage, eventing, hunter
and jumper classes at US Equestrian Federation shows. In addition,
the practice presents the Rood & Riddle Comeback Award to the
equine athlete who conquers a major health complication and
ultimately returns to elite competition after receiving care by the
Rood & Riddle staff.
Veterinary medicine is a family tradition in the Riddle family.
Riddle is the son of a veterinarian and several of his children
have connections to the field. Riddle is originally from
Greenville, South Carolina, and attended veterinary school at the
University of Georgia. He relocated to Kentucky after graduation to
intern with Dr. Dan Witherspoon at Spendthrift Farm.
Riddle has been the president of the Kentucky Association of Equine
Practitioners, the Society for Theriogenology and The
Theriogenology Foundation. He was awarded the Steiner Award for
Excellence in the Practice of Theriogenology and is an honorary
member of the American College of Theriogenologists. He currently
has a busy breeding practice in central Kentucky and is the
director of public relations for Rood & Riddle.
In this episode, Elise and Dr. Riddle discuss his experience as the first veterinarian to discover Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS), which ultimately cost the industry over $100 million and put him in an unexpected international media spotlight, but also lay the groundwork for an unprecedented collaboration between veterinarians around the globe. Dr. Riddle also shares his perspective on Rood & Riddle’s evolution from its early days to its recognition as The Mayo Clinic for Horses; offers advice to current and aspiring veterinarians; and discusses his perspective on the future of veterinary medicine and science in the next 20–30 years. Elise and Dr. Riddle also talk about his typical day, the types of cases seen in their reproductive practice (the LeBlanc Reproductive Center), and recounts some of his best memories delivering amazing news to horse owners.
Tune in to hear it all!
Topics of Discussion:
[:25] About today’s guest.
[1:05] When Dr. Tom Riddle thinks back to the very beginning of Rood & Riddle, what experiences stand out to him most?
[3:32] Dr. Riddle reflects on how remarkable it is to have far exceeded the goals he and Dr. Rood set for the practice.
[5:19] Dr. Riddle speaks about the more than 10,000 cases they see annually.
[7:35] Dr. Riddle offers advice to current veterinarians and veterinarian students aspiring to someday work at Rood & Riddle.
[12:47] Dr. Riddle speaks about the importance of collaboration and truly working as a team at Rood & Riddle.
[15:56] What is it about horses that inspires such devotion?
[18:29] Why veterinary medicine is a mix of science, art, and instinct.
[21:02] Dr. Riddle’s experiences and insights into Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS).
[25:14] As a veterinarian, working with the world’s finest practitioners and staff, how important is collaboration, excellent communication, and rapport?
[28:45] Dr. Riddle’s predictions for veterinary medicine breakthroughs over the next 20–30 years.
[34:20] At the heart of Rood & Riddle’s reproductive practice is the LeBlanc Reproductive Center. Dr. Riddle discusses the types of cases that are seen there and the differences between a general practice veterinarian and a theriogenologist.
[39:10] A typical day for Dr. Riddle and the aspects of being a practicing vet that mean the most to him.
[40:45] The milestones for mares that reproductive specialists look for, measure, and manage.
[46:40] Dr. Riddle recounts some of his favorite memories delivering great news to horse owners.
[47:38] What experiences from Dr. Riddle’s father’s vet practice fed his own interest in veterinarian medicine? And what is it like to share that legacy with his dad?
[50:41] As a self-described “horse nut,” one of Dr. Riddle’s favorite places is in the saddle, riding with his wife.
[52:02] About next week’s episode of Because of Horses.
[53:23] Where to learn more about Rood & Riddle.
Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story!
To recommend someone please send an email to elise@becauseofhorses.com.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS)
EquestFile (Use coupon code: BOH10 to receive a 10% discount for two months off your subscription)
GGTFooting.com/BOHP
The LeBlanc Reproductive Center at Rood & Riddle
“A Day with Dr. Tom Riddle” Video
Next week’s episode of Because of Horses
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