09/04/2026
A true hero!!! 🐴🦄 So honored to work with Dr. Mansmann and learn from him!!! 🌟🌟🌟 He has had a profound impact on all of us at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital in both the clinic and in the lab. Thank you Dick Mansmann for making us better veterinarians and for helping us help the horses we love so much!!! ❤️🐴❤️
The best mentors don’t just share knowledge — they expand how we see it.
This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧, whose career has been defined by collaboration and a lifelong commitment to advancing equine health.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Ph.D. recipient from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Mansmann built a career that bridged academia and private practice. He served at multiple veterinary colleges and most notably as the founding director of the Equine Health Program and the Podiatry and Rehabilitation Service at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital.
A recognized leader in equine lameness, podiatry, and sports medicine, Dr. Mansmann authored and contributed to foundational texts including Equine Medicine and Surgery, Equine Lameness, and Equine Podiatry, while publishing extensively across disciplines from metabolic disease to rehabilitation. His contributions earned him induction into the American Farriers Journal Veterinarians’ International Hall of Fame, recognition as an honorary Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, as well as induction into The Foundation for the Horse's My Mentor Honor Wall program in 2020.
But beyond the titles and accomplishments, those who worked alongside him experienced something more — a mentor who challenged them to think differently and push beyond convention.
“Dr. Mansmann is 100% dedicated to making sure the next generation of veterinarians truly appreciates and understands the “No Hoof, No Horse” philosophy and repeatedly goes the extra mile to provide them and our house officers with the best educational experience possible.”— Lauren V. Schnabel, DVM, Ph.D., DACVS, DACVSMR, North Carolina State University
Dr. Mansmann showed that expertise isn’t just about what you know — it’s about how you inspire others to think, question, and grow.
👉Read more about Dr. Mansmann: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/mansmann/
✨ Honor someone who shaped your journey: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/support/mentor-honor-program/
