The History of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

For more than 130 years, the veterinarians of Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Associates, PLLC, have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse. Founded in Central Kentucky in 1876 by Edward T. Hagyard, DVM, the firm has long stood for excellence in veterinary medicine. Its reputation is built, in part, on a continued effort to increase veterinary knowledge and thereby improve the state-of-the-art treatments and surgeries offered to its diverse equine clientele which represent international breeding operations, world-renowned race horses as well as 3-day eventers and pleasure horses. E. T. Hagyard and Sons Clinic Building

The original practice grew until Dr. Hagyard's nephew, Dr. Charlie Hagyard, was joined by Drs. Arthur Davidson and William R. McGee. This newly formed partnership provided the equine industry with a veterinary establishment that could offer several talented veterinarians working as one, to provide the highest quality of equine healthcare.

Today, this philosophy and practice continues at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. With more than 60 veterinarians and a well-educated, experienced staff of support personnel all contributing a variety of specialties and interests, Hagyard is able - on a regular basis - to achieve superior results. No other single non-university veterinary group in the equine world is currently able to match its qualifications.

The talent of Hagyard's veterinarians and dedication of its staff provide to client and patients alike a level of care unequaled anywhere in the equine industry.

Founded in 1876 by Edward T. Hagyard, a graduate of Professor Dick's Veterinary College in Edinbourg, Scotland, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has been at the forefront of equine medicine since its inception.

In 1875, Dr. E.T. Hagyard came to Kentucky to treat a valuable shorthorn bull. Impressed with the quality of Dr. Hagyard's services, the shorthorn breeders urged him to move to Kentucky. Struck by the beauty of the countryside and because of the opportunities for himself and his three sons, Dr. E.T. Hagyard came to practice in Winchester in 1876. A year later, Dr. Hagyard moved to Lexington and in 1891, the E.T. Hagyard and Sons veterinary hospital was built on East Short Street.

Over the years, the practice encountered several name changes and in 1951, after the death of E.T. Hagyard, adopted the name of Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Associates, P.S.C. In 2004, the current name, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute was established with the philosophy of highlighting each department and paying homage to our founders by establishing the names Davidson Surgery Center, McGee Medicine Center, McGee Fertility Center, and Hagyard Laboratory.