United States Eventing Association

The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Dr. J. Allen Leslie DVM, a distinguished veterinarian, who died peacefully on April 3 surrounded by family and loved ones at his farm in Christiana, Pennsylvania. He was 84.

Leslie was a respected leader in his field, known not only for his groundbreaking work in sport horse medicine, but also for his tireless commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals. Leslie was a Lifetime Member of the USEA and was an active member and supporter. His contributions to the equine industry both locally, nationally and internationally were profound, and his impact will be felt for generations.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, on Jan. 14, 1941, to John Samuel and Anna Katharine (Allen) Leslie, Leslie was inspired by a family friend, Dr. Stephen “Doc” Roberts, to pursue veterinary medicine. He graduated from Ramsey High School in 1959, then attended McDonogh School before enrolling at Cornell University (New York), where he completed both undergraduate and veterinary degrees. While at Cornell, he played on the polo team, winning national championships in 1962 and 1963.

After earning his veterinary degree in 1965, Leslie completed a residency at the University of California, Davis, and later returned east for post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He joined the Delaware Equine Center in 1967 and became a partner, working alongside Drs. Larry Cushing, Matthew Mackay-Smith, and Danny Marks.

Leslie's career spanned decades and continents. He served as the U.S. Eventing Team veterinarian at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and cared for hundreds of horses competing in eventing, dressage, and show jumping. His work took him regularly to Europe to evaluate elite equine athletes, while he maintained practices in both Cochranville, Pennsylvania, and Wellington, Florida. He also served as an FEI veterinary official and helped oversee quarantine operations at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington, Florida).

He was a lifetime member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and a respected speaker, including the 1999 World Equine Veterinary meeting in Paris, France, and the 2006 Mexico Equine Veterinary Medicine conference. In addition to his veterinary practice, Leslie was an accomplished rider, completing the Tevis Cup, riding point-to-point races and eventing throughout his youth and early career. He was an avid fox hunter with Andrews Bridge Hunt and Cheshire Hunt.

Leslie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mimi Lufkin; his son, Inglis Leslie (Nicole); and siblings Anne Turek (Charlie), Julie Kibbe (Rob), David Leslie (Fern), and Jane Jackson (Ed), along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings Mary Elizabeth Hanscom (David), Gail Haubrich (Peter), and Bill Leslie.

A celebration of life will be held at his farm on Saturday, June 28. For more information and RSVP go to: https://forms.gle/uAfDgLrYSdHcgu9p8

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Green Mountain Horse Association, the Philadelphia Art Museum – Tribute and Memorial Gifts, Brandywine Conservancy, or Cornell Veterinary School.

The USEA sends our deepest condolences to all of Leslie's family, friends, and those in the equestrian community who are impacted by his passing.