NCHA News

Andrew K. Currie, DVM: 1939-2019

Doc was born August 11, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He passed away May 3, 2019, at home, after a long fight with cancer.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Isabel Currie.  He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1963, after completing his undergraduate studies at Rutgers and Colorado State University.

Upon graduation he moved to Houston, Texas to pursue his specialty in Equine lameness and medicine. He met his wife to be, Sandy Thompson. After completing a year in Houston, he had the opportunity to move to Lexington, Kentucky to work with one of the pioneers in Equine Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. D. L. Proctor. In 1966, he and Sandy were married, and she joined him in Lexington. Although they enjoyed their time and his great experiences in Kentucky they yearned to return to Texas and open a private practice.  

Doc and Sandy bought a farm in Northwest Houston where he opened the Currie Equine Clinic. It was because of his work ethic and dedication to his patients that he felt like he had to live at the clinic. His philosophy was “work hard, critique your work, always make sure you surrounded yourself with good people, put the horse first and always treat your clients like you would like to be treated." He loved the sport of rodeo and while treating many of the top athletes, he was able to further his own personal ambition of roping.

Doc had a great eye for a good horse. He credits his ownership of some nice horses to the association with good horsemen. Together Doc and Sandy owned the NCHA World Champion Cutting Horse, “Sugar Vaquero”. They owned a Reserve World Champion Team Roping Horse, partners on a World Champion Calf horse and more.

Doc and Sandy moved to Llano, Texas in 2016 to start a new chapter - semi retirement. He finally had the opportunity to spend more time in the roping pen.

Doc dedicated his life to serving the equine industry. He treated all of his patients the same, no matter their discipline or their cost, from the back-yard pony to the elite equine athlete.  His integrity, ethics and honesty made him a standout in his field. Because of that he served on the Board of Directors of the AAEP, served on numerous committees for the AAEP and TVMA, was past chairman of Equine Committee for the TVMA, on Board of Directors for the Texas Horse Racing Association.  Member of AVMA, TEVA, AQHA, PRCA, Life member and Life time committeemen of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Doc was inducted into the 2012 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. Long standing Official Veterinarian for the Tejas Vaquero’s - Friends for Life.

Doc was not one to judge. He would council only if you asked but would never judge you. The friendships he formed over the course of his life are treasured by those fortunate enough to have known him.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Sandy, his son Kelso and two grandsons, Kade and Kameron,  Cathy Cribbs his right hand and faithful assistant of 39 years, Kathy Stoops faithful secretary of over 20 years.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Chapel in Llano, Texas at 1:00 P.M. with Richard Vandventer officiating.

In lieu of flowers: donations made to Hill Country Memorial Hospice  P.O. Box 835, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 /  St Jude’s Hospital / Charity of your choice.