Sherry Johnson
DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR
In the rapidly evolving world of equine sports medicine, few professionals have shaped the direction of the field as meaningfully as Sherry Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVSMR.
With a rare combination of clinical depth, research expertise, and high-level industry leadership, Sherry Johnson has established herself as a transformative figure in equine performance health. Her work bridges scientific discovery with practical treatment innovations, giving horses and their caregivers access to some of the most advanced rehabilitation strategies in the world.
Early Foundations and Academic Milestones
Sherry Johnson’s journey into equine medicine began at Iowa State University, where she earned her veterinary degree and developed a strong interest in musculoskeletal health and athletic performance.
After graduation, she headed to Florida to complete an intensive equine internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, where her caseload and clinical responsibilities immersed her in the realities of performance horse practice.
Her passion for diagnostic precision led her next to Colorado State University (CSU) for a fellowship focused on equine imaging. This year of advanced training honed her skills in identifying subtle pathology and interpreting complex findings, an ability that continues to underpin her approach to lameness and rehabilitation.
Specialty Training in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Determined to build on her strengths, Sherry Johnson entered one of the most respected collaborative residency programs in the field: the joint CSU / Equine Sports Medicine, LLC residency in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation.
The program’s dual emphasis on clinical excellence and inquiry-based learning shaped her into a well-rounded specialist prepared to tackle both routine injuries and highly complex performance-limiting conditions.
Her dedication culminated in achieving board certification with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2019, an accomplishment reserved for veterinarians who meet the highest standards in equine athletic health.
Research Contributions and a PhD Grounded in Innovation
Following her residency, Sherry Johnson returned to CSU to pursue a PhD centered on orthopedic rehabilitation. Her research explored cutting-edge strategies such as tendon repair mechanisms and blood flow restriction therapy, areas with enormous potential to influence how injuries are managed in both equine and human athletes.
Sherry Johnson’s work remains widely referenced and has contributed significantly to the expanding research base surrounding rehabilitative therapies for musculoskeletal injuries. Her strong academic background, spanning veterinary medicine, fellowship training, a residency, board certification, and a research doctorate, positions her among the most comprehensively trained experts in the field.
Leadership at Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (ESMR)
Today, Sherry Johnson serves as a senior partner and managing rehabilitation veterinarian at Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, LLC. She oversees two advanced centers, located in Whitesboro, Texas and Scottsdale, Arizona, that support elite performance horses competing in disciplines including reining, cutting, barrel racing, and show jumping.
In her work at ESMR, she manages challenging injury cases, designs tailored rehabilitation protocols, and collaborates closely with trainers, farriers, specialists, and horse owners. Her unique blend of research-based insight and practical clinical experience allows her to create treatment plans that blend innovation with real-world applicability.
Influence Across the Veterinary and Equine Industries
Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Sherry Johnson plays an influential role in the broader equine community. She has served in numerous leadership capacities, including:
- Program Chair for the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Performance Horse Committee
- Kester News Hour moderator on four occasions
- Equine advisory board member for Pulse Vet Technologies
- Key opinion leader for American Regent Animal Health
- External advisor to the Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences
- Strategic advisory board member for Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine
She also maintains an active relationship with CSU as affiliate faculty, and she has proudly served as the Official Veterinarian for the AQHA World Show since 2015.
A Career Recognized Through Prestigious Awards
Sherry Johnson’s contributions have been honored with several highly respected awards, including:
- American Quarter Horse Foundation Young Investigator Award
- EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowship
- Storm Cat Career Development Award
- Iowa State University Young Alumni Award
- AAEP President’s Award
Each of these distinctions reflects her excellence in research, leadership, mentorship, and clinical advancement.
Sherry Johnson: A Continuing Mission to Elevate Equine Athlete Care
With more than 50 invited speaking engagements, 15 peer-reviewed publications, nine book chapters, and nearly $200,000 in research funding, Sherry Johnson continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in equine rehabilitation.
Her career reflects a deep belief that science and practice should move forward together, and that the horses at the center of the industry deserve nothing less than evidence-based, compassionate, and forward-thinking care.
Sherry Johnson is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from him, Dr. Peter Ramzan and Dr. Annamaria Nagy, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.