- 4,825 attendees joined the in-person event, with nearly 400 additional virtual participants registered.
- 120 hours of RACE-accredited CE sessions focused on evidence-based equine care.
- 301 exhibitors showcased products and technologies in the world’s largest equine veterinary marketplace.
- Dr. Sarah Reuss installed as the 72nd president of the AAEP, alongside the 2026 leadership team.
- Over $550,000 in scholarships awarded to veterinary and PhD students by The Foundation for the Horse.
- Multiple individuals and organizations recognized with annual and newly established awards honoring service and excellence.
- The next AAEP Convention will be held December 7–11, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Advancing Equine Veterinary Medicine
Equine practitioners from around the globe gathered in Denver, Colorado, for the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 71st Annual Convention, held December 6–10. The event drew 4,825 participants, including veterinarians, students, exhibitors, and guests, with an additional 400 registered for the virtual education experience.
“The AAEP Annual Convention remains an exceptional opportunity for equine practitioners to stay current and connected with novel diagnostics and treatments, new technology and service offerings for practice and, perhaps most importantly, with peer support,” said AAEP Executive Director David Foley.
With 120 hours of RACE-accredited continuing education, practitioners accessed innovative, evidence-based solutions for clinical challenges affecting equine health and soundness. Member Roundtables and Mane Connection discussions provided forums for professional collaboration and community building.
Networking, Marketplace, and Connection
Beyond education, attendees expanded their professional networks during social gatherings and explored 301 exhibitors in the convention’s expansive marketplace—the largest in-person equine veterinary exhibition in the world.
Leadership and Awards
The AAEP installed Dr. Sarah Reuss of Littleton, Colorado, as its 72nd president. She will serve alongside:
- Dr. Eric Mueller, President-Elect (Sunset, SC)
- Dr. Emma Adam, Vice President (Lexington, KY)
- Dr. Mitchell Rode, Treasurer (Berryville, VA)
- Dr. Tracy Turner, Immediate Past President (Stillwater, MN)
New board members include Dr. Stacey Cordivano (Chadds Ford, PA) and Dr. Ernie Martinez (Lexington, KY).
During the December 9 President’s Luncheon, the AAEP recognized exceptional contributions to the horse and the profession, presenting traditional honors alongside three new awards:
- A. Gary Lavin Equine Welfare Award – Unbridled Sanctuary, Greenville, NY
- George Stubbs Award – Tracey Forfa, Dickerson, MD
- Futurity Award (new) – Kylie Yancey, Fort Collins, CO
- Margaret Phyllis Lose Solo Practitioner Award (new) – Dr. Amanda McCleery, Archer, FL
- Olive Kendrick Britt Rising Star Award (new) – Dr. Jamie Clark, Helena, MT
- AAEP Research Award – Dr. Liara Gonzalez, Raleigh, NC
- Distinguished Educator – Academic Award – Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, Fort Collins, CO
- Distinguished Educator – Mentor Award – Dr. Stephen Reed, Lexington, KY
- Sage Kester Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Tim Mair, Maidstone, UK
- President’s Award – AAEP Staff
Supporting the Next Generation
Through The Foundation for the Horse, the AAEP awarded $555,000 in scholarships to 28 veterinary students and two PhD candidates, underscoring its commitment to the future of equine veterinary medicine.
Looking Ahead
The AAEP’s 72nd Annual Convention will take place December 7–11, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, continuing its tradition of advancing equine care and community.
Information sourced from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) press release.
