Hagyard Kicks Off Sesquicentennial, Unveols Year-Long Anniversary Plans

[Wandering Eyes]

LEXINGTON, KY–Hagyard Equine Medical Institute observed its Founder's Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, with a formal commemoration of its sesquicentennial. The occasion served as the kickoff to a year-long celebration of 150 years of accomplishments and contributions to the equine veterinary field.

Hagyard announced plans to honor the milestone through a series of commemorative initiatives and events slated for the coming year.

“At 150 years old, Hagyard is in elite company,” Hagyard's CEO Ken Ford said at Thursday's event. “Enduring for 150 years puts us in the same category as businesses such as John Deere, Wells Fargo and Anheuser-Busch. Less than half a percent of businesses in the U.S. make it through 100 years, so to make it to 150 is a remarkable achievement started by our founders. These milestones just scratch the surface of Hagyard's history and legacy.”

Hagyard was founded in 1876 by Dr. Edward Thomas Hagyard, who traveled from Ontario, Canada to Central Kentucky and opened the original Hagyard practice with his two sons on East Short Street in downtown Lexington. In 1951, his grandson, Dr. Charlie Hagyard, partnered with Dr. Arthur Davidson and Dr. William McGee to form Hagyard, Davidson, McGee Associates. Twenty-three years later, they broke ground on the current facility on Iron Works Pike, which now sits on 110 acres. In 2004, the business was reincorporated and formed what is now known as Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Today, the practice employs 65 veterinarians and over 400 support staff.

Dr. Luke Hagyard Fallon, DVM, a fifth-generation representative of the Hagyard family recently profiled in the TDN, spoke to the firm's enduring legacy during Thursday's event. Fallon highlighted his family's multi-generational passion for equine care, noting that a sixth generation, including his son and niece, is currently enrolled in veterinary school.

“Our mission is to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art equine veterinary care with a deep commitment to our legacy of integrity, compassion and a broader community,” he said. “This is as true today as it was in February of 1876 and we are dedicated to continuing our legacy of enduring passion and unrivaled expertise for another 150 years.”

Fallon said that Hagyard has curated several initiatives to celebrate the milestone throughout the year. Chief among them, the Institute has partnered with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to introduce the E.T. Hagyard 1876 Scholarship. The program aims to address the shortage of equine veterinarians by reducing the cost of veterinary school for students pursuing the field.

“Approximately one percent of graduating veterinarians choose equine practice and of that one percent, nearly fifty percent leave equine practice after the first five years of being out in the job market,” Fallon noted.

Keith Kleine, Director of the AAEP's charitable arm The Foundation for the Horse, added, “The equine veterinary profession is currently facing a critical crossroads. The cost of a four-year veterinary school in the U.S. now ranges from $200,000 to $400,000 over the four-year period. Most graduates enter the field with over $175,000 in debt. The challenges we face are real, but they are not insurmountable.”

The goal for the E.T. Hagyard 1876 Scholarship is to raise $1.5 million over the next three years to endow the fund, providing three $25,000 scholarships annually. Hagyard intends to continue supporting the fund with the goal of doubling the endowment every three years.

Hagyard also announced plans to host a global continuing education symposium during the Keeneland Fall Meet for the institute's extensive alumni network of former interns, fellows and residents. Additionally, Hagyard revealed that a permanent monument will be erected on the Hagyard campus to serve as a lasting tribute to the 150-year milestone.

Lexington mayor Linda Gorton was on hand Thursday to present a proclamation declaring Feb. 5, 2026 as Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Day in Lexington.

“What started as a small family operation has grown into one of the finest equine medicine institutes in the world, and it's right here in Lexington,” said Mayor Gorton. “Since day one, Hagyard has continued to raise the bar, not just in Kentucky, but for the entire equine industry worldwide.”

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