About Us

OUR MISSION

Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care seeks to be a leading international veterinary practice that provides state-of-the-art veterinary care to our patients while fostering professional relationships with our clients that stand the test of time.

History of Our Practice

In August 1981, two solo equine practitioners in the Ocala area, Dr. John Peterson and Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, founded Peterson & Smith P.A. Shortly after its establishment, Dr. Philip Matthews joined the team following his graduation from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kevin Hahn was added in 1982, followed by Dr. Donnie Slone in 1983. Dr. Matthews became a partner in 1985, with Drs. Hahn and Slone joining the partnership soon thereafter.

In 1993, Dr. Johnny Mac Smith left the team after developing a horse allergy. Over the years, Drs. Peterson, Matthews, Hahn, and Slone retired, while new veterinarians joined the organization and helped carry its mission forward. As the team expanded, so did the hospital's services, reputation, and reach within the equine industry.

Today, Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care, formerly known as Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital, includes more than 25 veterinarians, supported by a dedicated team of more than 50 veterinary technicians and a broad administrative and client services staff. More than four decades after its founding, the hospital remains committed to the vision established by Drs. Peterson and Smith: delivering exceptional, comprehensive care to horses and the people who love them.

Our Facilities

From 1981–1982, Peterson Smith operated out of Dr. Peterson’s farm. During this era, the decision was made to build an equine hospital. The grand opening of the hospital was July 10, 1983, at 4747 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, Florida. This new facility was comprised of a single building consisting of a front office, offices for five veterinarians, a small laboratory, one treatment room with an x-ray machine, eight stalls and an apartment. The original surgery barn was built in 1984 and, over time, the medicine barn, sports medicine barn and an isolation barn were added.

In 1999, the vision to create a reproduction center became a reality with the construction of the Equine Reproduction Center in Summerfield, Florida, now known as the Advanced Fertility Center. In 2007, the administrative building of the main hospital was renovated and expanded to create more office space.

Teaching and Learning

In 1983, the practice started an internship program and became a teaching hospital. Since then, Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care has maintained a minimum of one intern, but has mentored as many as eight interns at one time. Peterson Smith also became the first private equine practice to start a surgical residency program in 1983, which has developed the skills of many successful surgeons.

Community Involvement

Our veterinarians and staff are active members of many professional organizations. We also support many local and regional equine communities and businesses.