History of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

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.