It is with great sadness that the Zent family share the news of the passing of Dr. Walter W. Zent, DVM on June 29. He was 84 years old.
Born on April 11, 1939, in Buffalo N.Y., and raised in East Aurora, N.Y., Walter's love of horses began as a young child visiting family in Clinton, Ky. In East Aurora, he grew up riding and began working with Standardbreds as a teenager.
Walter graduated from Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1963. Following an internship at Purdue University, he spent two years investigating infectious disease outbreaks and pathology at the University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Science.
Beginning in 1966, Dr. Zent practiced veterinary medicine at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee (now the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute). For more than 50 years, Dr. Zent epitomized the very best as a veterinarian, a specialist in equine reproduction, a mentor, and a friend to so many in the industry he loved. Not only on a local level but on the national, and international stage as well.
Dr. Zent maintained strong ties with the Veterinary Science Department and the Gluck Equine Research Center and served as Chair for the Gluck Equine Research Foundation. As Chair of the Gluck Foundation, he made lasting contributions to the Department and played an important role in securing funding for facilities on the University's research farm. The mare reproduction facility is now named the “Walter W. Zent – Mare Reproductive Health Facility” in his honor. Everyone who knew him has benefitted from the quiet, sage wisdom and endless patience of Dr. Zent as an amazing teacher.
Dr. Zent dedicated his career to advancing the field of equine reproduction and nurturing a passion for theriogenology among his peers. With a specific focus on Thoroughbreds, he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing mare management practices. He served as president of the Society for Theriogenology in 2005-'06. He was an active member and past officer or committee member of many other professional veterinary and equine organizations, including the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He has delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, authored several book chapters and articles for publication. He served on the committee for the Hagyard Bluegrass Equine Symposium as well as the committee for the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction. Dr. Zent was an honorary Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, further attesting to his impact and influence in the realm of equine reproduction.
Walter and his wife June, in partnership with Tony and Susan Holmes enjoyed tremendous success with their small broodmare band. Together they bred two Breeders Cup winners and multiple successful Standardbreds.
Walter leaves his wife June, daughter Megan Neelis (Trey), son, Drew Zent (Lisa), along with five grandchildren: Christine Neelis, Carter Zent, Harry Neelis, Emma Zent, and Maggie Zent, all of whom were by his side during the last few days. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Shapiro and two nieces.
Dr. Zent's contributions have extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He was passionate about “paying it forward,” fostering collegiality, mentoring, and passing on the art of veterinary medicine to future generations of equine professionals. To honor this commitment, please consider a donation to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Scholarship Endowment through The Foundation for the Horse and/or the Society for Theriogenology at https://www.theriofoundation.org/donation
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 6, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. A celebration of Walter's life and tremendous contributions will be held later this year at a time and location to be announced.
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