Dr. John Hurtgen, a renowned specialist in embryo transfer work, died early this morning at his farm in New Freedom, Pennsylvania while delivering a foal. Dr. Hurtgen fell ill and called for a colleague working nearby, but died. He was 63.

A native of Wisconsin, Dr. Hurtgen received a degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota and completed his doctorate there in theriogenology in 1979 before joining the University of Pennsylvania's famed New Bolton Center. In 1984 he left New Bolton to work at Dr. William Solomon's Pin Oak Lane Farm in New Freedom. He later left Pin Oak and established his own Nandi Farm in New Freedom, where he became expert at successfully performing embryo transfers.

Nandi Farm was the home to five standardbred stallions: Tom Ridge, Quik Pulse Mindale, Nuclear Breeze, Garth Vader and Lear Jetta. In addition, more than 100 mares resided at the farm, including some used exclusively as recipient mares for ETs. Dr. Hurtgen also trained about 25 horses on his farm.

Dr. Hurtgen is survived by his wife Linda, who worked with him on the farm; two daughters, Clare and Maureen, and grandchildren Julia and Toby. A son, Peter, died as a teen-ager in an automobile accident.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. John Hurtgen.

(harnessracing.com)