The move from farrier shed to science based diagnosis and treatment of disease happened slowly and out of necessity as horse powered agriculture expanded across the short grass prairie and cattle herds moved towards the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies.

Our Exhibit location at Heritage Park Historical Village

A Vintage Veterinary Exhibit planned for Calgary's Heritage Park Historical Village will depict the significant role played by veterinarians in settling the west.

When noted Calgary veterinarian Ted Clark was visiting the park with his granddaughter, she asked him, " Why is there nothing here about veterinarians?" Dr. Ted  Clark concurred that Heritage Park was missing this segment and asked, " Why not?"

A committee was formed and after approximately 18 months of meeting, received the blessing of the Heritage Park Board where  it was determined a suitable veterinary exhibit could be housed in the livery barn.

The Veterinarian, several associated with aristocracy and with political influence, became managers and owners of huge tracts of land (before fences). Some of which still operate under their century-old brands.

Diseases, such as Glanders, Dourine, Tick Fever, Brucellosis, TB etc, followed the import of cattle and horses making disease control, quarantine and meat inspection necessary elements in growth of the ranching industry.

​The Ribbon Cutting at Heritage Park, June 12, 2022

Click the map to view the full Park Map