[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 187 (Friday, December 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. GLENN BLODGETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RONNY JACKSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2022

  Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Dr. Glenn Blodgett of Guthrie, Texas. Affectionately known as ``Doc 
Blodgett,'' Dr. Blodgett was a skilled horseman and veterinarian whose 
passion for horses motivated him through an extensive career in the 
equine industry.
  Dr. Blodgett began working at the Burnett Ranches, which included the 
legendary Four Sixes Ranch, in 1982, and continued to work until he 
passed away in November of 2022. Dr. Blodgett served as the ranch 
veterinarian and manager of the horse division for the Four Sixes Ranch 
for 40 years while also serving on the board of the American 
Association of Equine Practitioners. As the head of the horse division 
at the Four Sixes, Dr. Blodgett made the ranch an industry leader in 
equine embryo transfer and artificial insemination by consistently 
producing and developing some of the most highly recognized racing and 
western performance American Quarter Horses in the world. He dedicated 
his career and life to the betterment of horses and constantly sought 
to improve the practice of equine medicine.
  Born in Spearman, Texas and raised in the Panhandle, Dr. Blodgett 
discovered his passion for equine medicine early in life which led him 
to complete his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University and 
his veterinary degree at Texas A&M University. He continued his 
educational advocacy and support of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary 
Medicine while mentoring young people and helping foster their passion 
for horses and veterinary careers.
  Dr. Blodgett's years of service are reflected by his numerous 
positions and collected accolades. To name a few, Dr. Blodgett was 
appointed to the first Texas Horse Racing Commission in 1988; was named 
the Texas Veterinary Medical Association's equine practitioner of the 
year in 1990; became director of the American Quarter Horse Association 
(AQHA) in 1991; served as a vice chairman for the Texas Horse Racing 
Commission from 1993 to 1995; became director-at-large of the AQHA in 
2011; became the 65th President of the AQHA in 2015; and was the 
recipient of the 2017 National Golden Spur Award which is the most 
prestigious honor given to a member of the livestock and ranching 
industries. Dr. Blodgett was also inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall 
of Fame in 2019 and the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2021.
  Aside from his steadfast involvement in Texas racing, Dr. Blodgett 
was instrumental in the passing of parimutuel horse racing and pushed 
other legislative efforts which will be felt by the racing industry for 
generations to come. Dr. Blodgett was an industry leader and 
trailblazer; leaving some very large boots to fill. As his daughter 
described, Dr. Blodgett was ``quiet, gentle, and patient'' and ``had a 
special love for all animals and had a way of communicating with them 
like no other.''
  Dr. Blodgett was laid to rest in Guthrie, Texas on November 26, 2022, 
surrounded by family and cherished friends. He will be truly missed by 
those who knew him and by the community he truly affected. He is 
survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Karen, their daughters, 
Buffie (Michael) and Brandie (Mike), and their five grandchildren, 
Catherine, Rebecca, Claire, Myla, and Maddox. A mentor and friend to 
many, I join his family, friends, and the people of the Panhandle in 
celebrating Dr. Blodgett's life and legacy.

                          ____________________