Ron McDaniel
In 2024, the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants honored Ron with the prestigious Deb Reeder Innovation Award, citing his uncanny ability to foster lasting human connections. “He teaches us how to be better people for the horse,” stated one nominee. His leadership has elevated the role of veterinary support staff and amplified diverse voices across the equine health community.
Off the clock, Ron volunteers with at-risk youth, serves his church and cherishes time with his children and grandkids. He and his wife, Nancy, raised their family in rural Arkansas and have opened their home to foster children.
Ron and Nancy actively support many charitable organizations, including REMOUNT, CALL, Ride Prosperously and The Foundation for the Horse.
When he is not tending to his own small ranch, he day works at nearby cattle ranches, lends a hand to neighbors, and performs his own brand of cowboy verse.
Ron has quite a talent for reciting cowboy poetry and entertaining many with his quick wit. Ron has won the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, winning the Humorous Rising Star division and Reciter Serious Silver Buckle division. For several years, he’s been a featured performer at the Fisher Poets Society, captivating audiences with original verses drawn from ranch life and equine care.
Humble, warm, and ever‐creative, Ron McDaniel’s legacy is one of service—to both animals and people—far beyond any job title.
Mentee Comments:
Ron McDaniel has been a true friend and advocate for equine veterinarians, always bringing people together around the shared goal of improving horse health. His encouragement, genuine interest in others, and unwavering support of the profession make him a mentor whose impact reaches every corner of our industry.
—Robert P. Franklin, DVM, DACVIM
It takes people like Ron to keep the big old wheel turning.
—Jamie C. Carter, DVM
As a colleague, client, and friend, I have observed Ron’s journey through his career for 35+ years. He has been an invaluable ambassador for Merck for time immemorial with his trademark boots at the AAEP Opening Session and strong, positive messaging. He has promoted good medicine and continued to be an innovative thinker with many great ideas crossing the finish line: Vet Story Night being a wonderful collaborative legacy that he leaves with us. But, less publicly, Ron and his wife Nancy have lived with integrity and compassion helping many in his community strive for better lives – Ron is indeed a quintessential hero straight out of a western novel – a true cowboy poet! Thank you, Ron, for the memories!
—Kathleen M. Anderson, DVM
Ron has been a great advocate for equine veterinarians. Ron’s insights and wisdom have been invaluable to all of us.
—Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVSMR
Ron McDaniel is a champion for the horse! His legacy will live in our hearts and our minds for the rest of our days. Helping to put him on the wall of fame is an honor!
—Montgomery D. McInturff, DVM
There are people in life whose influence transcends their professional position, and Ron McDaniel is one of those people. Equine veterinarians throughout the US have known Ron as a reliable source of information regarding the health care products that we use, but it is his infectious enthusiasm for our profession and for life in general that has had a profound effect that can best be described as “mentoring”. I am grateful to Ron for his continued efforts to make the US equine health care industry the gold standard as well as his longstanding support of AAEP and its individual members and am proud to be one of the many that call him friend.
—Jeffrey T. Berk, VMD, MRCVS
I think what we remember most about people is how they make you feel. Whenever I saw you, a smile would come across my face. Thank you for providing me moments of inspiration in life by example.
—Randel Raub, PhD
Ron has been an invaluable asset to the horse industry. He is a wonderful friend to everyone and embodies the principles of treating others with respect. While he has been a great support within the veterinary community, his personal influence on me is far greater. As a friend and mentor, he has taught me invaluable lessons about how to treat others and care for my family. Ron, thank you for sharing your wisdom with me.
—Wade Wisner, VMD
Ron McDaniel is one of those unique individuals who is kind, funny and completely dedicated to his work and those around him–all at the same time. Ron has been an example to so many within our industry and profession, including myself. He goes out of his way to help others on their journey through life, both professionally and personally. I admire Ron for never compromising on tough issues and always putting the horse first. Guided by his faith, he is one that you can always count on to do the right thing. I wish we had a lot more like you, Ron.
—Kenton Morgan, DVM