The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is one of the busiest large animal teaching veterinary clinics in the nation. Founded with contributions from equestrienne Esther du Pont Thouron and others, each year the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals (part of the New Bolton Center named for horseman George D. Widener, Jr.) sees more than 6,000 patient visits, and its Field Service sees more than 19,000 patient visits. In addition to its role as one of the nation’s finest equine surgical facilities, New Bolton Center encompasses hospital facilities for the care of large animals and livestock as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry and the monitoring of emerging infectious disease.

New Bolton Center received nationwide media attention when Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro underwent surgery at the Widener Hospital for multiple fractures to one of his ankles, suffered while running in the Preakness Stakes on May 20, 2006. Despite the long recovery, Barbaro took a turn for the worse in January 2007 and was euthanized on the 29th of that month.