Glenn P. Blodgett, DVM
His undergraduate career began at Texas Tech University, and then he later transferred to Oklahoma State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Oklahoma State University (OSU), followed by his veterinary degree from Texas A&M University (TAMU) in 1974. Upon vet school graduation, Dr. Blodgett kicked his career off at Spur Veterinary Hospital in Spur, Texas. Two years later, he returned to his hometown of Spearman and opened the Hansford County Veterinary Hospital with Dr. Tom Latta.
In 1982, Dr. Blodgett was recruited by Anne Marion to be the resident veterinarian and horse division manager for the legendary 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. Here, he transformed the operation into a world-class breeding enterprise—managing more than 1,500 mares annually and propelling the ranch to All-Time Leading Breeder status for both winners and race money earners. Dr. Blodgett didn’t simply manage the horse division—he helped build it into the industry leader it is today.
His service and passion for the horse extended far beyond the barn. He served on the board of American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), contributed to its Racing and Ethics committees, and in 2016 was honored as an AAEP Distinguished Life Member for his outstanding contributions. He also served as director-at-large and president of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), played a pivotal role with the Texas Horse Racing Commission, and was a trustee of the American Horse Council. Along with these, he was an avid supporter of the FFA and 4-H programs, and an active member of the Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA), Texas Quarter Horse Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Ranching Heritage Association. Dr. Blodgett also served as an adjunct professor with Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and as an adjunct graduate professor with Texas Tech University in the service of advancing horse welfare, breeding excellence, and industry integrity.
Outside of his professional associations, Dr. Blodgett served on the Guthrie Common School District as a board member for 24 years, was a member of the advisory board for Tarleton State University in Stephenville, served as chairman of the King County Tax Appraisal Board, Vice President of King County EMS, and was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho (OSU) fraternity.
For his incredible work, he has been recognized with inductions into the AQHA Hall of Fame, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. He has also received numerous awards including TVMA Equine Practitioner of the Year, Association of Racing Commissioners International’s Joan Pew Award for racing commissioner of the year, OSU Graduate of Distinction in Animal Science, Outstanding TAMU Alumni, AQHA Racing Council Special Recognition Award and Register of Merit, and the National Ranching Heritage Center Golden Spur Award.
Dr. Blodgett passed away on November 20, 2022, but his legacy endures through the countless lives he touched, the veterinarians he mentored, and the elevated standard he set for the care, breeding, and respect of the horse.
Mentee Comments:
Dr. Glenn Blodgett set the benchmark for professionalism, horsemanship, and quiet leadership at the 6666 Ranch, where his influence extended far beyond the ranch gates. I was fortunate to witness his humility, work ethic, and deep respect for the horse shaped not only exceptional horses but exceptional veterinarians.
—Rob Franklin, DVM, DACVIM
Working for Dr. Blodgett was my first real adventure. I wanted to experience cowboy lifestyle and equine practice before returning to a seemingly boring life in Tennessee. Fortunately, through Doc, I became addicted to good horses and equine practice. Dr. Blodgett fostered my career, guarded my future, directed my ambitions, and, most of all, tolerated me. He was far more than a mentor. Many can and will share the same sentiment, which speaks volumes to his footprint in equine practice.
—Jeremy L. Whitman, DVM