John Boyington -courtesy of the family
Phillipsburg rodeo vet honored by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Phillipsburg, Kan. (October 10, 2015) – Dr. John Boyington, doctor of veterinary medicine, has been selected as the 2015 Zoetis Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Veterinarian of the Year.
The Phillipsburg man was selected from among five finalists, and is honored because of his “dedication and service to rodeo livestock,” the PRCA release stated.
Boyington, who owns Crossroads Veterinary Clinic in Phillipsburg, has served as the rodeo veterinarian for Kansas Biggest Rodeo for the past 25 years. In his college days, he competed as a steer wrestler, team roper and tie-down roper, finishing the 1974 season as a Central Plains Region champion. He competed at the professional level, qualifying for the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in 1974 and winning the Phillipsburg rodeo in 1978. Soon thereafter, he quit rodeo competition to focus on veterinarian school.
Boyington was delighted when he heard he had won the award. “I tell you what, it’s amazing. The competition was stiff,” he said, of the other four nominees.
The importance of having a vet at rodeos is crucial, Boyington said. “Concerning the welfare of the animals, it’s good to be there. In case something happens to an animal, it can be cared for quickly.” Boyington is in attendance at each night of the Phillipsburg rodeo and at slack. “I just love to be at the rodeo anyway, so it’s perfect for me, really.”
Being an equine vet and a former contestant, he has a unique perspective of pro rodeo. “You realize how important (horses) are to these rodeo contestants. A lot of people don’t realize what goes into making a rodeo horse. Their horse is their livelihood.” Beutler and Son Rodeo, who brings the bucking horses and bulls for the Phillipsburg rodeo, takes good care of their animals, Boyington said. “They do such a good job of caring for their animals. They’re at their top condition.”
Boyington opened his practice in Phillipsburg in 1990. He and his wife Donna, who have been married for 37 years, have two children: Brooke, a student at Kansas State University and the 2014 Phillipsburg Rodeo Queen, and son John, who is also a student at Kansas State.
The other five finalists include Dr. Tony Scheiber, Cody, Wyo.; Dr. Jerry Billquist, Boerne, Texas; Dr. Marty Dean Tanner, Elgin, Texas, and Dr. Rett Scoggin, Belle Fourche, S.D.
