The Equine Science Center at Rutgers University in New Jersey has named Dr. Patricia Hogan as the 2008 winner of its “Spirit of the Horse” award.

Sandy Denarski, chair of the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement, presented the award at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Breeders' Awards dinner.

The award recognizes individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed through their involvement with horses, and who have made a positive contribution to the horse industry.

Hogan, who operated on Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Smarty Jones  , heads her own veterinary surgery clinic, Hogan Equine, at Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge, N.J.
 
At the presentation, Denarski recalled the Smarty Jones event: “The very promising colt smashed his skull in a starting gate accident," she said. "The prognosis was very bad—worst case, euthanization, and best case, loss of an eye. Smarty’s owners sent him to Patty Hogan, who upon examination, saw indications that the eye could be saved and the eye socket repaired. She saved Smarty’s eye—and possibly his life—and the horse went on to win the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), and several other major stakes races.
 
"Patty Hogan has given back to the equine community in many ways," Denarski continued. “She takes time out of her very busy schedule to host groups of high school students, encouraging them to pursue animal health and veterinary studies. She is also active in race horse rescue and rehabilitation activities."