Dr. W. Thomas Riddle, co-founder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and the first to report the equine abortion outbreak of 2001 that would be known as Mare Reproduction Loss Syndrome, died Sept. 20 at his home in Versailles, Ky. He was 74.
The son of a veterinarian, Riddle was born and raised in Greenville, S.C., and graduated from Wake Forest University in 1974 and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. After graduation from veterinary school, he traveled to Lexington to serve an internship with Dr. Don Witherspoon at Leslie Combs' Spendthrift Farm.
Following his internship, he spent another three years working at Spendthrift in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While at Spendthrift, he met his eventual wife, Margaret Alexander Riddle. They would be married in 1981.
In 1982, Dr. Tom Riddle joined Dr. Bill Rood in his ambulatory practice in Lexington to form what would become the world-renowned Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. In 1985, Rood & Riddle purchased land on Georgetown Road and broke ground for its new hospital.
Riddle served as president of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners, the Society for Theriogenology, and the Theriogenology Foundation. He also had served as a commissioner for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
He received the Steiner Award for Excellence in the Practice of Theriogenology and is an honorary member of the American College of Theriogenologists. Theriogenology is a branch of veterinary medicine encompassing all aspects of reproduction.
He was recognized as a Friend of the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs, UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Dean's Distinguished Service Award, and the Distinguished Educator-Mentor Award from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Dr. Riddle was the first to recognize and report the 2001 abortion outbreak, known as Mare Reproduction Loss Syndrome. Clinically, he specializes in uterine culture and cytology, early twin management, fetal sexing, and diagnostic ultrasound of the mare's reproductive tract.
A self-proclaimed "horse nut," Riddle was a tireless advocate for the horse industry and founded Hats Off to Kentucky's Horse Industry Day, a celebration of the horse and its impact on the state of Kentucky. He was appointed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission by Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023.
His family noted that Riddle touched the lives and careers of countless young veterinarians, leading quietly, intently, and by example.
In recent years, Riddle had retired from a busy breeding farm practice and his role as the director of marketing for Rood & Riddle.
Riddle loved horseback riding with Margaret on their farm and spending time at the beach in South Carolina. He was a family man who cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family is forever grateful for his love and attention, his steady example of integrity and humility, and his great sense of humor. His steadiness, faith, and diligence built an unshakeable foundation for his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Peden Riddle Fraley (Bryan); his sons, Alexander Landstreet Riddle (Emily) and William Davis Riddle (Neely); his sister, Jessica Riddle Curlee; his brother, John Newby Riddle; and his grandchildren, Adeline Davis Fraley, Harrison Anne Fraley, John Woodford Riddle, Charlotte Louise Riddle, and another grandson on the way, William Thomas Riddle II.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Earle Riddle, Jr.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill, in Versailles, Ky. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 29, at the Church of the Ascension in Frankfort, Ky., with Rev. Mr. Peter Doddema officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bluegrass Farms Charities, P.O. Box 12252, Lexington, KY 40582, or donated to www.bgfcky.org.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
