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07.22-24.2012
Registration Now Open for AAEP’s Hindlimb Lameness and Business Education Summer Meetings
 Register
today for the American Association of Equine Practitio... More »
Start of Gaited Horse Show Season Heightens Commitment by AVMA, AAEP and USDA to End Abusive Practice of Soring
 SCHAUMBURG, Ill., April 11, 2012 -- Soring, illegal for more tha... More »
Applications for Funding through the AAEP Foundation Due May 1
 The American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation is... More »
Follow AAEP Biosecurity Guidelines to Reduce Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission during Breeding Season
 The American Association of Equine Practitioners urges those inv... More »
AAEP Foundation Asks Veterinarians to Submit Cases for Laminitis Study
 First Laminitis Research Project study attempts
to identify ris... More »
AAEP Foundation/Markel Insurance Company Honor Top-Achieving Veterinary Students with Scholarships
 Eight outstanding equine veterinary students selected for schola... More »
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Good WorksA spirit of compassion and commitment to service distinguishes veterinarians as some of the most trusted professionals in America. Many AAEP me  mbers volunteer their time and veterinary skills beyond the scope of their daily practice to help horses and the equine community. In 2011 the AAEP’s Good Works for Horses Campaign shared the stories of AAEP-member veterinarians who volunteer their services at equine rescue facilities, therapeutic riding centers, animal control and law enforcement agencies, and more. But we know there are many more stories of extraordinary service waiting to be told. Share stories of AAEP members improving the welfare of horses The AAEP will continue to highlight AAEP members who are impacting their equine community through volunteer service by sharing their stories on the Good Works For Horses website, in the AAEP News section of Equine Veterinary Education and on our Facebook page. Horse owners and veterinary professionals are encouraged to send information about a benevolent veterinarian or colleague to Elizabeth Troutman, publications coordinator, at etroutman@aaep.org or (859) 233-0147. Good works are acts of giving back to the horse, for the love of the horse and the people they serve. Featured Profile Veterinarian Devotes Services to Therapeutic Riding Center that Helped Her as a Youth Congratulations to September Good Works honoree Dr. Shawn Dolan Growing up, Dr. Shawn Dolan always felt comfortable around horses. She started riding at the age of 4 and decided to  become a veterinarian when she was 9. People with disabilities, however, were a different matter. After a traumatic encounter with a mentally handicapped man during her youth, Dr. Dolan developed a fear of people with disabilities. At the age of 15, she decided to face her fear head-on with the help of horses – a creature she understood well. She started volunteering at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, one of the nation’s flagship therapeutic riding programs in Augusta, Mich. With horses as her medium to make contact with mentally and physically handicapped individuals, Dr. Dolan developed an appreciation for the humanitarian work at the Center. “I said to myself, ‘I can’t live life this way, I can’t walk around being scared of people,’” Dr. Dolan said. “The Center helped me get through a difficult situation in my life and grow mentally.” More than 26 years later, Dr. Dolan continues to repay the Center for its part helping her overcome her former fear by donating comprehensive veterinary care. Since 2006, Dr. Dolan has visited the Center once a week to provide free veterinary services and low-cost medications to its 16 therapeutic riding horses. As a specialist in equine spinal adjustment, Dr. Dolan offers routine care to relieve the physical stresses associated with consistently carrying unbalanced riders. Dr. Dolan’s dedication to the Center extends beyond providing free veterinary care. In addition, she gives educational seminars about equine health care topics, including stretching techniques, early detection and prevention, and work routines. These seminars are available to Center staff members, volunteers and members of the public. She also supports the non-profit organization by getting involved in fundraising initiatives and events. She recruits sponsors for the Center’s events and has participated in fundraising horse shows with her personal Quarter horse mare. Dr. Dolan works beyond the call of her practice because she believes in the power of therapeutic riding. She’s seen children and adults make significant developmental progress through the Center’s programs. She is especially inspired when watching veterans of war benefit from their interactions with horses. “I believe in the therapeutic healing power of the horse,” Dr. Dolan said. “It’s really cool to see older gentlemen in wheelchairs without horse experience really looking forward to coming out every week. Some of them can’t even ride, but just being around the horses is therapeutic for them.” To see all the 2011 profiles, click here. |
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American Association of Equine Practitioners |
