Equine veterinarian Michael Anthony Ball, born July 1, 1961, passed away Dec. 20, 2014.

Ball was born in Pittsburg, Pa., but moved to Syracuse, N.Y., as a child and graduated from Henniger High School.

Ball was passionate about horses from an early age and after high school graduation, worked professionally with them for many years before returning to college.

Ball attended Cornell University, first for his undergraduate degree and then graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1992. After spending two years at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, Ball returned to Cornell to complete a residency in large animal internal medicine, as well as completing research and teaching duties in the Pharmacology Department.

Ball went on to work in private equine practice in Central New York, and Florida and throughout his career worked with passion and excitement for horses and their caretakers.

Ball spent several years working with the United States Equestrian Team and especially loved traveling with the team throughout Europe and Canada, and made friends wherever he went.

Ball's second love was teaching and was always thrilled to share his knowledge of horsemanship and veterinary medicine with a younger generation. Ball authored numerous articles on horse care, as well as publishing original research articles.

Ball's happiest moments were spent at the many horse shows he attended, joking with friends, creating nicknames for the people and animals he enjoyed most, rescuing wayward kittens, and caring for his beloved horses.

Since Ball was awarded a multitude of scholarships while he was a student at Cornell, to which he was very grateful, what better way to return the gift? Please consider donating to the Michael A. Ball, DVM Scholarship Fund, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 39, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401.

A celebration of Ball's life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at the All Saints Church reception hall in Lansing, N.Y.

Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.

>>Read full obituary