Claude Bourgelat was a French veterinary surgeon, born on March 27, 1712, in Lyon, France. He is best known for founding the world's first two veterinary schools, which laid the foundation for professional veterinary education. Bourgelat's contributions to veterinary medicine were transformative, as he introduced a scientific approach to the field, replacing the traditional, unorganized practices that had previously prevailed. Educated at the cole nationale v t rinaire de Lyon, Bourgelat focused on animal diseases and effective treatments, marking a shift toward a more systematic and scientific understanding of veterinary care. His work extended beyond veterinary medicine, as he was also interested in equestrian techniques, authoring A New System of Horsemanship. His achievements earned him recognition from the French Academy of Sciences and the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Bourgelat's legacy in veterinary education and scientific practice has had a lasting impact, and he passed away on January 3, 1779, in Paris, leaving a profound influence on the future of veterinary science.