Dr. Phil Jones, a specialist in equine surgery at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, is putting on his dancing shoes for a good cause. Dr. Jones is one of the celebrity dancers competing in Horse Haven of Tennessee’s Dancing for the Horses. The event, which raises money for the care of abused and neglected horses across Tennessee, pairs local celebrities with professional dancers to compete for awards and bragging rights. Click here to view a recent practice session.

“Horse Haven does so much good work and really cares for the horses in Tennessee,” says Dr. Jones. “This is a wonderful way to support their efforts.”

Dr. Jones has served as a veterinarian for the North American Sport Horse Federation and spent time in New South Wales, Australia where he was the official veterinarian for the national finals for both the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association and the Australian Barrel Horse Association. After returning to America in 2016, Dr. Jones worked three years at Tryon Equine Hospital, the referral hospital for the 2018 World Equestrian Games held in North Carolina, before joining the faculty at UTCVM.

Dances for the Horses will be held Friday, May 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Grande Event Center located at 5441 Clinton Highway in Knoxville. Tickets can be purchased online. In addition to the dance competition, celebrity dancers have the chance to earn additional votes prior to the event through fundraising. Each dollar donated is one vote towards their final score. Click here to support Dr. Jones.