American Association of Equine Practitioners

American Association of Equine Practitioners. The American Association of Equine Practitioners is the world's largest professional organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Founded in 1954, it serves a global membership of veterinarians and veterinary students by providing educational resources, setting practice standards, and advocating for the equine industry. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the heart of the Thoroughbred breeding industry, the organization collaborates with entities like the American Veterinary Medical Association and the United States Equestrian Federation.

History

The organization was established in 1954 in Fort Collins, Colorado, by a group of veterinarians seeking to advance equine medicine. Key founding figures included Dr. Wayne O. Kester, who served as its first executive secretary. Early efforts focused on creating a forum for sharing knowledge on topics like colic surgery and infectious diseases such as equine influenza. The association's headquarters moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 1977 to be closer to major equine industry centers like the Keeneland racecourse and the Kentucky Horse Park. Throughout its history, it has addressed emerging challenges, from the outbreak of Potomac horse fever to the development of guidelines for equine herpesvirus.

Mission and activities

The mission is to improve the health and welfare of the horse, advance the profession of equine veterinary medicine, and provide support for members. Core activities include developing and disseminating practice guidelines on issues like vaccination protocols, medication control for performance horses, and biosecurity measures. The organization actively advocates for equine welfare through partnerships with the American Horse Council and regulatory bodies like the United States Department of Agriculture. It also administers the AAEP Foundation, which funds research and disaster relief efforts following events like Hurricane Katrina.

Publications and resources

The association produces a wide array of scientific and practical resources for veterinarians and horse owners. Its flagship journal, the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, publishes peer-reviewed research on topics ranging from lameness to equine metabolic syndrome. Other key publications include the AAEP Practice Guidelines and the manual Equine Infectious Diseases. For the public, it maintains the educational website My Horse University in partnership with Michigan State University. It also offers extensive online resources through its AAEP Exchange and hosts webinars featuring experts from institutions like Colorado State University.

Annual Convention

The Annual Convention is one of the largest equine veterinary meetings in the world, typically attracting thousands of attendees. It rotates among major cities such as San Antonio, Orlando, and Las Vegas. The program features hundreds of hours of continuing education lectures, wet labs, and seminars on subjects including advanced imaging, arthroscopy, and practice management. The event also includes the trade exhibition EquiSUMMIT and hosts the presentation of prestigious awards like the Frank J. Milne Award. Special sessions often focus on industry sectors like the Quarter Horse or Standardbred racing industries.

Governance and membership

Governance is overseen by a Board of Directors, composed of elected officers and regional directors representing districts across North America. The daily operations are managed by an executive director and staff at the Lexington, Kentucky headquarters. Membership is categorized into several types, including Active members (practicing veterinarians), Student members from institutions like University of California, Davis or University of Pennsylvania, and International members. Distinguished members may be honored as Fellows or receive the title of Life Member for exceptional service to the profession and the association.

Affiliated organizations

The association maintains formal affiliations with numerous other groups to further its mission. It is a founding member of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues. It works closely with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons on specialty certification. Other key partners include the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, and the Fédération Équestre Internationale. Through the World Equine Veterinary Association, it collaborates on global health initiatives addressing diseases like African horse sickness.