Dr James Alexander Rodger, a pioneering figure in Australian equine veterinary medicine, accomplished artist, published author, and visionary community leader, sadly passed away on September 8, 2025, at the age of 81.
His death marks the end of a distinguished career that fundamentally transformed diagnostic approaches in equine reproductive medicine while leaving an indelible mark on the Upper Hunter Valley through his artistic talents, literary contributions, and community leadership.
Dr. Rodger graduated from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1968, before immigrating to Australia in 1976-77. He joined the prominent Morgan Howey and Frasier Equine Veterinary Practice in Scone, working closely with the pioneering veterinarians Dr John Morgan and Dr Bill Howey, alongside fellow veterinarians Al Simpson, Nigel Scott, Jamie Barnes, and Hugh White.
This association with Dr Morgan and Dr Howey, both respected figures in Australian equine medicine, proved instrumental in shaping his approach to veterinary practice and his understanding of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
Dr Rodger’s commitment to professional excellence was reflected in his qualifications: BVMS, MRCVS, MACVSc (Master in Equine Medicine), and FANZCVS (Fellowship in Equine Reproduction). His expertise encompassed stallion fertility, artificial breeding, clinical research, and equine sports medicine, with experience gained in multiple equine centres worldwide.
His dedication to advancing equine veterinary knowledge extended beyond clinical practice into veterinary literature. In 1997, he co-authored and published “Practical Horse Breeding,” a significant contribution to the field that shared practical insights and evidence-based approaches to equine reproduction with veterinarians and breeders worldwide.
He worked at Scone Equine Hospital before establishing Jerrys Plains Veterinary Hospital near Singleton in 1990, which grew to become widely recognized throughout Australia and internationally as a specialist equine reproduction clinic. The clinic became renowned for its comprehensive laboratory supporting haematology, biochemistry, bacteriology, and andrology, primarily servicing thoroughbred studs while also supporting the growing non-thoroughbred industry.
Dr Rodger will be remembered as one of the first equine veterinarians in Australia to recognize and advocate for the broad clinical application of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing in equine reproductive medicine. His exceptional professional foresight, demonstrated as early as 2022, represented a paradigm shift in diagnostic thinking that moved the industry beyond traditional culture-based methods toward cutting-edge molecular diagnostics.
His visionary leadership came at a critical juncture when Australian thoroughbred fertility rates were declining. His willingness to challenge conventional diagnostic practices exemplified the scientific leadership essential for industry transformation, establishing clinical precedents for rapid pathogen detection, enhanced diagnostic sensitivity, evidence-based treatment protocols, and reduced antimicrobial resistance.
Beyond his veterinary expertise, Dr Rodger was a talented artist who showcased his work through numerous exhibitions. His artistic pursuits reflected the same attention to detail and creative vision that characterized his professional innovations, adding another dimension to his contributions to the cultural life of the Upper Hunter Valley.
Dr Rodger’s most enduring community legacy stems from his role as one of the visionary founders of what became the Scone Horse Week Festival. Over four decades ago, Jim joined forces with Peter Hodgson, Bill Howey, John Morgan, Ray Gooley, David Bath, Bill Rose, Mike Pritchard, Barry Chapman, and Brian Russell to transform a major country race meet and sales into a festival celebrating Scone as the Horse Capital of Australia.
The festival, which began with a simple Saturday morning parade featuring “a few horses, a Cobb & Co and the Pony Club,” has grown into a 10-day celebration attracting over 10,000 people and featuring the richest country racing carnival in Australia.
As chairman of Muswellbrook Race Club he played instrumental roles with both the Scone and Muswellbrook race clubs and his community spirit was prominently demonstrated through his involvement in the development of the Scone Mare and Foal Monument.
Dr Rodger’s legacy lives on through the Jerrys Plains Veterinary Hospital he founded, the annual Horse Week festival he helped create, his published works, his artistic contributions, and the countless professionals and community members he mentored throughout his distinguished 48-year career in Australian Equine Veterinary Medicine.
-by Dr Kevin Doyle MVB
