ProRodeo Sports News - October 5, 2018

TOP VETS

Finalists Named for 2018 Zoetis PRCAVeterinarian of Year Award

BY JED PUGSLEY T he Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to announce and recognize the finalists for the 2018 PRCA Veterinarian of the Year Award. Created in 2010 to spotlight and honor veterinarians who have dedicated time, talents and efforts to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock, the award allows the opportunity to give back to these deserving individuals. Membership of the PRCA nominate a veterinarian whom they feel has shown extraordinary commitment to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock. Nominations are considered by a review and selection committee comprised of industry experts and advocates which carefully reviews each nominee’s specific contributions to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock. Additional criteria, including the extent of involvement in the sport of rodeo and community involvement, also are considered by the committee. The recipient of the 2018 PRCA Veterinarian of the Year Award will be announced in mid- October and will be honored at the PRCA Awards Banquet at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Dec. 5. The following six distinguished veterinarians have been selected as finalists. DR. BENJAMIN ESPY, SANANTONIO,TEXAS Nominated by SanAntonio Stock Show & Rodeo Espy, a life member of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, began volunteering at the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo in 1997. While maintaining and continually

improving the operating procedures regarding livestock movement, transportation and conveyance at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, more than 60,000 animals move on and off the grounds under Espy’s watchful eye during the 18-day run. With a passion for higher education, Espy works as an advisor to the students who receive the Veterinary School Scholarships through San Antonio Livestock Exposition. DR.TROY FORD, CLOVIS, CALIF. Nominated by the Clovis RodeoAssociation The son of a longtime rodeo committee member and volunteer, Ford has been the official Clovis Rodeo veterinarian since 1993. While putting his professional duties on hold during rodeo week, the effort provided by Ford extends into the preventative care of rodeo livestock by assisting in the renovation of the rodeo grounds and facilities. In addition to duties with the rodeo, Ford unselfishly gives of his time and expertise to the Fresno and Clovis Police departments’ Horse Patrol Units, Fresno Humane Animal Services, Fresno Chaffee Zoo and numerous vocational education programs. DR. CHARLES GRAHAM, ELGIN,TEXAS Nominated by Dr.William C.Anderson, DVM A founding member of Rodeo Austin, recipient of two Distinguished Alumni Awards from Texas A&M University and an inductee into the Rodeo Austin Hall of Fame, Graham has been a driving force in the prevention and rehabilitation of rodeo’s top competitive horses for more than 40 years.

Espy

Harms

Ford

Ray

Graham

Schneider

ProRodeo Sports News 10/5/2018

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