24/04/2026
REPOST: The Foundation for The Horse
The future of our industry is shaped by those willing to think differently — and act on it.
This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐥, a pioneer in equine surgery and regenerative medicine whose vision transformed what’s possible in the care of the horse.
From his early work at UC Davis as part of the team behind the first successful colic surgery — helping shift survival rates from 0% to over 90% — to becoming a founding force in veterinary regenerative medicine, Dr. Herthel never stopped pushing boundaries. He believed deeply in the horse’s innate ability to heal, and he dedicated his career to giving them every opportunity to do so.
In 1996, he founded Platinum Performance, developing nutrition-based solutions that further supported whole-horse health — a reflection of his belief that care goes beyond intervention and into prevention and wellness.
But beyond innovation, perhaps his greatest impact was in what he passed on to others.
“While he was a visionary, he also was a person of action. Rather than just coming up with new ideas, Doug pursued his. In doing so, he taught me that thinking is important, but it is futile without action. For me, Doug’s mentorship is defined by these words: Think, Act, Try.”—Jarred Williams, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA, DACVECC, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Herthel instilled a mindset of curiosity, persistence, and compassion; he encouraged those around him to think boldly, act decisively, and never stop advocating for the horse.
Although he has passed away, his legacy lives on in the countless veterinarians and professionals he mentored, the innovations he championed, and the standard he set for always putting the horse first.
Because of Dr. Herthel, the future of equine medicine continues to evolve — and every horse given another chance is part of that legacy.
👉Read more about Dr. Herthel: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/doug-herthel-dvm/
✨ Honor someone who shaped your journey:
https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/support/mentor-honor-program/?
