Surrounded by family, William Thomas Riddle, DVM, passed away at home on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 at the age of 74. He was born in Greenville, S.C., on June 7, 1952, to the late Herbert Earle and Anne Newby Riddle.
Tom met his wife Margaret while working at Spendthrift Farm and married in 1981. In 1982, Tom partnered with Dr. William Rood to found the world-renowned Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. Tom was an internationally recognized authority on equine reproductive medicine and was honoured with numerous awards and distinctions, including serving as president of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners, the Society for Theriogenology, and the Theriogenology Foundation, and receiving the Steiner Award for Excellence in the Practice of Theriogenology, the Friend of University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs, UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Dean's Distinguished Service Award, and the Distinguished Educator–Mentor Award from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
A self-proclaimed "horse nut," Tom was a tireless advocate for the horse industry and founded Hats Off to Kentucky's Horse Industry Day, a celebration of the horse and its impact on the state of Kentucky. He was appointed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission by Governor Andy Beshear in 2023. He touched the lives and careers of countless young veterinarians, leading quietly, intently, and by example.
Tom loved horseback riding with Margaret on their farm and spending time at the beach in South Carolina. He was a true family man who cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family is forever grateful for his love and attention, his steady example of integrity and humility, and his great sense of humour. His steadiness, faith, and diligence built an unshakeable foundation for his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Peden Riddle Fraley (Bryan); his sons, Alexander Landstreet Riddle (Emily) and William Davis Riddle (Neely); his sister, Jessica Riddle Curlee; his brother, John Newby Riddle; and his grandchildren, Adeline Davis Fraley, Harrison Anne Fraley, John Woodford Riddle, Charlotte Louise Riddle, and another grandson on the way, William Thomas Riddle II.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Earle Riddle, Jr.
A gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill, in Versailles, Kentucky.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the Church of the Ascension in Frankfort, Kentucky, with Rev. Mr. Peter Doddema officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bluegrass Farms Charities, P.O. Box 12252, Lexington, KY 40582, or donate to bgfcky.org.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Tom Riddle.