The 59^th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, held Dec. 7 – 11 in Nashville, Tenn., attracted 6,592 veterinary professionals, guests and exhibitors, making it the fourth largest convention in the AAEP’s history.

In addition to four days of education covering topics ranging from pain management to sport horse medicine, the Convention featured famed horse trainer Buck Brannaman as the keynote speaker.  Renowned lameness expert Dr. Sue Dyson delivered the prestigious Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture.

“Planning for each convention begins 18 months in advance,” said David Foley, AAEP executive Director. “I extend sincere appreciation to this year’s program chair, Dr. Jeff Blea, and the Educational Programs Committee for developing an extremely well received and comprehensive experience.  This year’s convention was simply one of the best.”

Highlights from the 2013 convention include:

Installation of new officers and board members.  Jeff Blea, DVM, Sierra Madre, Calif., was installed as the 60^th president.  Other members of the 2014 Executive Committee are Kent Carter, DVM, College Station, Texas, president elect; Kathy Anderson, DVM, Elkton, Md., vice president; Jim Morehead, DVM, Lexington, Ky., treasurer; and Ann E. Dwyer, DVM, Scottsville, N.Y., immediate past president.

New members of the board of directors are Mark Baus, DVM, Bridgewater, Conn., and Stuart E. Brown II, DVM, Lexington, Ky. 

Annual awards presented.  The association honored several veterinarians during the Dec. 10 President’s Luncheon.

Distinguished Life Member:  Benjamin Franklin Jr., DVM

Distinguished Service Award:  Harry W. Werner, VMD

Distinguished Educator Award - Academic:  Frank Nickels, DVM

Distinguished Educator Award – Mentor:  Barrie D. Grant, DVM

President’s Award:  Edward W. Kanara, DVM

Events raise funds for AAEP Foundation:  The live auction held during the Foundation Celebration, along with clay shooting tournament and individual donations, combined to raise $84,000 to benefit the Foundation’s outreach programs.

The AAEP’s 60^th Annual Convention will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 6 – 10, 2014.  More information is available at www.aaep.org.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its more than 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

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Photos of officers and award winners are available digitally by contacting Sally Baker at 859-233-0147 or sbaker@aaep.org.  In addition, individual releases about each award winner and the new board members are available.