TDA forms Equine Health Advisory Commission

Jan 18, 2021


Work of the newly formed Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission is underway with a group of experts in the equine industry. The commission was enacted by legislative action in 2020 and is charged with studying the status of equine health and emerging equine health issues.

 “Animal health is a primary focus in agriculture,” Commissioner Charlie  Hatcher,  D.V.M. said. “With this group of experts who have personal and professional knowledge in the horse industry, I’m confident animal health initiatives in our state will be even stronger.”

 The nine-member commission will promote horse health and encourage sound agricultural practices with equine activities and the breeding of equine livestock. Members of the committee are: Dr. Samantha Beaty, State Veterinarian and Assistant Commissioner for Animal Health; Monty McInturff, Tennessee Equine Hospital owner and practice manager; Kelly Burchett, horse owner; Matthew Smith, horse owner; David Terrell, carded horse show judge for numerous associations; Melanie Smith Taylor, equine clinician, television broadcaster  or  major events, and judge for hunter/jumpers and hunter seat equitation; Dr. Steve Adair, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Science associate professor;  Roger Elder, Elder’s Last Lap Ranch owner and member of UT Institute of Agriculture Advocacy Board for Animal Science; and Matt Horsman, Williamson County Extension Director.
 

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