FROM PETERSON SMITH EQUINE HOSPITAL + COMPLETE CARE FACEBOOK PAGE

We are incredibly saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Johnny Mac Smith on October 10, 2026.

Some individuals leave a lasting mark on an industry through the work they accomplish. Others do so through the people they inspire, the knowledge they share, and the opportunities they create for those who follow. Dr. Johnny Mac Smith did both.

Originally from Dozier, Alabama, Dr. Smith graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. While attending veterinary school, Dr. Smith also worked as a farrier, gaining practical experience and an appreciation for the horses and horsemen he would dedicate his career to serving. After graduation, Dr. Smith established himself in equine private practice. In August 1981, he joined fellow veterinarian Dr. John Peterson to establish Peterson & Smith P.A. in Ocala, Florida. What began as two veterinarians sharing a vision would grow into one of the nation’s most respected equine veterinary practices.

Although Dr. Smith stepped away from active clinical practice in 1993, he continued to dedicate his knowledge, experience, and leadership to advancing equine health on a broader scale. His professional service included participation on Keeneland’s yearling selection team and an appointment to the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, where his expertise contributed to important conversations surrounding equine health, medication, and the integrity of the sport. Among his most significant contributions was his longstanding involvement with the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. As the foundation’s Research Chair, he worked closely with its Research Advisory Committee, bringing together leading veterinary professionals and researchers to identify promising studies and support scientific progress. All while continuing to hold Peterson and Smith close to his heart.

Dr. Smith understood that meaningful progress in equine medicine required not only treating the horses in front of us but also investing in the discoveries that could improve care for horses we might never meet. In October 2025, his extraordinary dedication was recognized by his alma mater when Auburn University presented him with the J.T. Vaughan Outstanding Equine Service Award. In accepting the honor, Dr. Smith reflected not only on his own journey, but also on the family, mentors, and colleagues who had believed in him along the way. His gratitude spoke to the values that had shaped his career: humility, perseverance, hard work, and an appreciation for the people who make great things possible.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Smith’s remarkable life, his service to the veterinary profession, and the enduring contributions he made to the horses and people at the heart of our industry. His impact on the equine industry will be felt for generations to come.

Return to the October 13 issue of Wire to Wire