Johnny Mac Smith, DVM, a longtime equine veterinarian who co-founded Peterson Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Florida, and helped guide equine health research through the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, died Oct. 10 at his home in Woodford County, Kentucky.

Originally from Dozier, Alabama, Smith graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. While attending veterinary school, he 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 Smith established himself in equine private practice. In August 1981 he joined John Peterson, DVM, to establish Peterson & Smith P.A. in Ocala, Florida. Originally launched out of Peterson’s farm, the practice grew to include a dedicated hospital in 1983 with the eventual additions of a surgery barn and other facilities. Now known as Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care, the hospital also became the first private equine practice to start a surgery residency program.

Although 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 A. Gary Lavin 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. In 2026 the foundation awarded more than $1.8 million to fund 13 new and 13 continuing projects at 16 universities as well as three career development awards.

In October 2025 Auburn University presented Smith with the J.T. Vaughan Outstanding Equine Service Award. In accepting the honor, he reflected not only on his own journey but also on the family, mentors, and colleagues who had believed in him along the way. Smith credited his wife, Lucy, for believing in him as he was “signing away everything we owned to build an equine clinic.”

“Dr. Johnny Mac Smith was so much more than his professional accomplishments,” said The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in a Facebook post. “He was a kind and compassionate man who made everyone around him feel valued, supported, and cared for.

“His legacy will live on through the research he helped champion, the lives he touched, and the horses he loved so dearly,” the post continued. “We are forever grateful for his friendship and dedication. He will be deeply missed.”