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07.22-24.2012
Registration Now Open for AAEP’s Hindlimb Lameness and Business Education Summer Meetings
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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 Works ProfilesGo back to Good Works main page.California veterinarian assists equine rescue in making the “hard calls” It’s Dr. Thomas Hoyme’s candor that helps Gail Gleeson, owner of True Innocents Equine Rescue, make the toughest  health care decisions for her horses. And sometimes, it’s the decision to say goodbye. When a young mare’s coffin bone broke through the sole of her foot, Gleeson didn’t question Dr. Hoyme’s advice to euthanize the horse, ending her severe pain. Gleeson said Dr. Hoyme knows when to stop treatment and when to hold out hope for a horse with a serious health condition. He will attempt even “last resort” treatment methods if he believes thinks these wounded horses have a chance to continue living without pain or discomfort. “People who are very kind have trouble with that concept that the quality of life is probably more important than the quantity,” Dr. Hoyme said. “That’s a thing we struggle with back and forth. We try to decide what we can do to make the horse comfortable.” Gleeson says all of the 20 rescue horses at her rescue wouldn’t be alive today if not for the efforts of Dr. Hoyme. Her horses and donkeys suffer from abuse, founder, burn wounds, behavior disorders and other complicated conditions requiring special veterinary oversight. Since the rescue in Riverside, Calif., opened in 1998, Dr. Hoyme, now 70, has worked with Gleeson to make the tough calls. In addition to years of dedication to the rescue, he has assisted its operation by providing low-cost euthanasia, ambulatory services and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hoyme recognizes that Gleeson’s rescue does its small part to stop the rising population of the unwanted horses. He said he knows small rescues are struggling, and helping her keep veterinary costs down is his way of supporting her mission. He said he takes special considerations for all of his clients that may have trouble financing a costly veterinary bill. Ohio Good Works honoree keeps therapy horses on their feet to help children Congratulations to Dr. Ron Genovese, the Good Works honoree for the month of July The equine “therapists” at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center are chosen for their jobs based on their demeanor. They are trustworthy, sturdy and enduring friends to children with disabilities. But because they are often  advanced in years and come from previous jobs, these horses are susceptible to lameness complications.Dr. Genovese, the Good Works honoree for the month of July, ensures the health and mobility of more than 30 therapeutic riding horses at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. With support from the staff at Cleveland Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Genovese helps resolve serious lameness cases that occur in these “hooved heroes.” About once a month, ailing horses from the clinic are brought to the clinic to for diagnostic work-ups and therapy at reduced prices. The horses have been diagnosed with conditions including tendon injury, chronic arthritis and laminitis, all of which can require costly extended therapy. In difficult economic times, Dr. Genovese and his practice understand the importance of easing financial burdens for the Ohio-based non-profit riding center. Since Dr. Genovese began his relationship with the center in 2008, he and his practice have donated countless hours of service, medications, and surgical and non-surgical procedures. Jinene Studzinski, Fieldstone Farm’s Equine and Facility Director, said Dr. Genovese is deeply and personally invested in the well-being of the center’s horses. “We have been able to restore some of those warriors and get them back to work,” Dr. Genovese said of the therapeutic riding horses. “You have no idea how much happiness and joy they bring to so many kids and families.” Veterinarian shows “heart of gold” through relationship with therapeutic riding center Every question from an inquisitive handicapped child at Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program is important to Dr. Kevin Nelson. When examining a therapy horse at the barn, many times children participating in the program will ask him questions about what he’s doing. For Dr. Nelson, there’s never a question too strange and always enough time for a thorough answer. He often invites the children to listen to the horse’s heartbeat through his stethoscope. He uses his “natural gift for gab” to take these opportunities to educate the children about horse health. “A lot of the children have been through so much with doctors, as soon as they hear the word ‘doctor’ they want to pull away and be nervous because all they know is the negative stuff,” Dr. Nelson, of Union Grove, Wis., said. “I want to  make sure that with these horses, they know I am trying to help.”“Dr. Kevin” is more than a veterinarian to the children and staff members at the program – he is considered a member of their family. He’s provided low-cost care to the program’s 11 therapeutic riding horses since his long-time client Stephanie Kubarth founded the program in 1998. Through a network of horse owners and colleagues, Dr. Nelson helps find new “bomb-proof” therapeutic riding horses for the program. Dr. Nelson, his family and his practice, Bristol Veterinary Service, support fundraisers for the program. In addition, he provides free vaccinations to local 4-H program horses and veterinary checks for animals competing in the county fair. The staff and families at Midwest Therapeutic Riding call Dr. Nelson a reliable and compassionate friend. When a young boy from the program was hospitalized for 13 months for cancer treatment, Dr. Nelson and his wife Deanna frequently visited the boy in the hospital. Dr. Nelson also took Goodie, a favorite horse in the program and NARHA horse of the year, to stay on his private property when she was too sick to continue at the center. “Parades” of children from the program stopped by Dr. Nelson’s house to visit the treasured Appaloosa. After Goodie’s death in 2006, Dr. Nelson built a gravesite under an apple tree on his property. He marked the grave with a bronze plaque and split rail fence post. Dr. Nelson says he is amazed by the children and parents who endure the hardship of disability and disease. When his 6-year-old son Nathan is old enough, Dr. Nelson hopes they can both volunteer together. “I see these families struggle and kids just preserving through all they are going through,” Dr. Nelson said. “It hits home that I’m lucky in so many different regards.” Volunteer role instills the importance of the horse-human bond for Arizona veterinarian Prescott practice owner Dr. Mark Anderson honored through AAEP Good Works campaign Watching a handicapped child make developmental breakthroughs on the back of therapy horses keeps Dr. Mark  Anderson grounded in his everyday veterinary practice. It reminds him of why his job as an equine veterinarian matters.“For me personally, watching the human-animal bond work in that setting gives me an understanding of why horses were domesticated,” Dr. Anderson said. “It’s a neat thing. When you get in the daily crunch of veterinary practice, you can forget about that bond.” For the past four years, Dr. Anderson of Prescott, Ariz., has provided free routine veterinary care to the 15 therapeutic riding horses at Horses for HEART therapeutic riding center in Chino Valley. Dr. Anderson, whose niece benefited from therapeutic riding in Montana, started serving 24 years ago at Horses Help therapeutic riding center in Phoenix. When he relocated to Prescott, he continued supporting therapeutic riding through Horses with HEART. Dr. Anderson and his family started their involvement with Horses Help when the center was a backyard program with only three horses. Dr. Anderson’s veterinary advocacy helped the small operation to grow to become a more than 20-horse operation. Through his work over the years with therapeutic riding programs, Dr. Anderson has gained exposure to the healing affect horses can have on handicapped individuals. He said many children with special needs, including his  niece, have grown to become more independent individuals and accomplished riders through their participation in therapeutic riding programs. In addition to donating about 10 hours of veterinary care each month, Dr. Anderson has hosted seminars on equine health care at his practice and conducted volunteer training sessions for Horses with HEART. He also lends his veterinary expertise as a member of the center’s board of directors. A former racetrack practitioner in Phoenix, Dr. Anderson has developed a reputation in his community his natural ability to charm both horses and people. Riding instructors at Horses with HEART note Dr. Anderson’s high level of professionalism, relentless dedication to caring for horses and extraordinary compassion. Dr. Anderson, who is known for his big smile and easy-going demeanor, possesses a special ability to soothe even the most stubborn horses at the barn. Dr. Anderson says even the busiest veterinarians can find time in their schedule to give back. He recommends colleagues interested in donating services to therapeutic riding programs get information through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association by visiting www.narha.com. MSU chief established program to provide life-saving surgeries for ex-racehorses Good Works honoree advocates CANTER to help rehabilitate Michigan’s racehorses For many injured Thoroughbreds, a costly surgery stands between a career-ending run at the track and their second  calling in life. Dr. John Stick, in collaboration with the Communication Alliance To Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER), has helped make those surgeries possible for hundreds of ex-racehorses. In 1999, Dr. Stick, chief of staff at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, organized a partnership between MSU and CANTER to provide life-saving surgeries for ex-racehorses. Through this program, as many as 60 CANTER horses every year undergo surgery necessary to recover from racing injuries. CANTER offers Thoroughbred owners and trainers a desirable solution for horses that can no longer race. Operated solely by volunteers and funded by charitable donations, CANTER funds free medical care and procedures, rehabilitation, training, and adoption services for every horse it claims. MSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and College of Veterinary Medicine contribute annually to supporting CANTER. In addition, MSU reduces the cost of medical care and surgery for all CANTER horses. When Dr. Stick first started getting involved with CANTER about 12 years ago, the non-profit was bidding for injured racehorses at Saturday auctions. Today, Dr. Stick says owners and trainers gladly contact CANTER to transition their former racehorses to new roles. CANTER coordinates the transportation of horses from the track to the MSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital where they are triaged by Dr. Stick. Commonly, these racehorses present musculoskeletal conditions requiring arthroscopic surgery for bone chip removal or fracture repair. Horses that qualify for surgery stay at the hospital for a short recovery period before they are transported to a foster barn where they start the rehabilitation process. Once they are fully rehabilitated and trained, they are adopted to a suitable owner. Dr. Stick said the MSU-CANTER partnership also functions as a valuable teaching tool for MSU’s veterinary students. After he performs an initial examination on a CANTER horse, veterinary students test their diagnostic skills by triaging the patient themselves. With CANTER horses, MSU students are granted the rare opportunity to perform surgeries with the oversight of Dr. Stick. “This has been a God-send to be able to teach students about these types of injuries,” Dr. Stick said. “Students know they get to do the work on the horses. It’s just a great teaching tool.” In addition to facilitating surgeries for CANTER horses, Dr. Stick has rehabilitated horses on his personal farm and served on the non-profit’s board of directors. His clients have adopted several CANTER horses and he receives Christmas cards ever year from unknown senders who own a CANTER horse. He said CANTER has diminished the public perception that life ends at the track for Michigan’s racehorses. Today CANTER has expanded from its original chapter in Michigan to include chapters in California, Colorado, Illinois, the Mid-Atlantic Region, New England, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information about CANTER, visit www.canterusa.org. A Gateway to a Second Career Little Al was bred to run, but born to jump. When his unsuccessful trial as a racehorse ended, the bay Thoroughbred needed a patient and  optimistic benefactor to help him prepare for a second career. Racetrack practitioner Dr. Jay Addison took Little Al from the track, eventually giving him the opportunity to realize his potential in the show ring. In the course of two years of pasture rest on Dr. Addison’s Pine Knoll Farm, good-natured Little Al showed signs that he was ready to move on to his next role. Today he partners with Dr. Addison’s wife Ellen to compete in amateur show jumping. Through his “good works,” Dr. Addison has helped former racehorses pursue second careers as police mounts, polo ponies, pleasure horses and eventing competitors. Dr. Addison keeps a revolving group of about 30 former racehorses on his Pine Knoll Farm where he monitors their recovery, trains them for new jobs and searches for suitable owners. “This is the way I give back to the industry and the horse,” Dr. Addison said. “I do what I do for a living because I’ve always loved horses.”  Dr. Addison works alongside the Louisiana Horse Rescue Association to make sure former racehorses receive the medical care necessary to recover from a strenuous career in racing. Often, Dr. Addison finds out about racehorses in need of a temporary home and special attention through his colleagues and clients at the track. In numerous cases, he has witnessed time work wonders in to ease the anxiety of these former speedsters. “Often, these horses just need time to get the racing out of their system,” Dr. Addison said. “We have great horses that are now doing other jobs, but they required a long layoff from work to heal.” Dr. Addison’s service extends beyond helping the retired racehorse discover his second calling. He assisted with the relocation of horses in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. During the 2005 disaster, he hauled horses from New Orleans to safer grounds using his personal polo trailer. An avid polo player, Dr. Addison supports local therapeutic riding programs through fundraising events hosted by his polo club. He is also the president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. Without food, water or any evidence of mercy from his owner, an abandoned Quarter horse was found tied to fence post in the punishing 100 degree heat of Sonoma County, California. By the time Dr. Grant Miller reached him, he was already colicking and dehydrated. A few days after he was rescued,  Dr. Miller had no choice but to euthanize “Blackie.”Even though he was distressed by the outcome of this case, Dr. Miller became motivated to do something about it. He knew that with just a few simple resources, he could use his veterinary training to prevent the unnecessary death of other neglected and abused horses in his community. So he started with one small step: collecting spare change in cans and water jugs set out at his practice and at local equine businesses. A little bit of pocket change was the infancy of a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has changed the way horses are treated in Sonoma County. In 2007, Dr. Miller partnered with local animal control to found Coins to Help Abandoned and NeGlected Equine (CHANGE). Working alongside animal control officials, CHANGE provides housing, transportation, veterinary care, adoption and rehabilitation services for abused, neglected and relinquished horses found within the county. The program also trains animal control officers to handle equine abuse cases and provides public outreach to educate members of the community about responsible horse ownership. With the support of donors, pharmaceutical companies and clients, Dr. Miller provides free veterinary services to all rescued horses, including vaccinations, surgeries, blood work, farriery and dentistry. With an established network of clients and members of the equine community, Dr. Miller relocates the horses to foster homes where they receive rehabilitation and training. All expenses to foster a rescued horse, including food, medical care and even insurance coverage, are paid for through CHANGE. Volunteers help Dr. Miller find permanent homes for horses once they are ready for adoption. With forensic training from Dr. Melinda Merck of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dr. Miller instructs animal control officers throughout the state of California to investigate crime scenes. Dr. Miller has personally investigated dozens of crime scenes and provided training for hundreds of animal control officers. Dr. Miller is called on by district attorneys within his state to offer expert testimony in equine abuse and neglect cases. He has testified in several criminal cases, including the case that led to the felony conviction of Blackie’s abuser. Dr. Miller conducts monthly owner education events to inform the public about realistic expectations for owning a horse. On his own accord, Dr. Miller is actively involved in the California Veterinary Medical Association, serving on the association’s Board of Governors, Animal Welfare Committee, Legislative Committee, Agriculture Committee and Political Action Committee. In addition to helping teach classes on client communication at the UC-Davis Veterinary School, Dr. Miller serves on the UC-Davis Veterinary Hospital Advisory Board. Dr. Miller says that he could never have accomplished all the objectives of CHANGE without the support of a concerned equine community and his practice colleagues. Although he was interested in equine abuse cases as a veterinary student, he never saw becoming a forensics expert or advocate for the horse in the court system. He believes the success of CHANGE started with one simple act of kindness and this small effort grew in “exponential fashion” as others joined his plight. “One thing I would impart to motivate others who want to make a change is that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” Dr. Miller said. “If you take one step at a time, its amazing how much people will join you and help you on the path to your goal. Anyone and everyone can make a difference. When you look around and see something that is not right, you can make a difference if you apply yourself.” California Practitioner considers volunteer work part of the veterinarian’s responsibility Congratulations to Dr. Kevin May, the Good Works honoree for the month of February As wildfires swept through San Diego County in 2003, local horse owners were forced to load up their horses and  abandon their homes.During the early morning hours, Dr. Kevin May received a service call from a client whose horse had broken its legs in the emergency. Without delay, Dr. May collected supplies from his office and hurried to meet his client at the emergency shelter at Lakeside Rodeo Arena and Fairgrounds. For the next five days, Dr. May immersed himself in the disaster relief effort by volunteering free veterinary care to horses injured by the fires. Horses brought to Dr. May were suffering from burn wounds, lacerations, eye injuries and colic, with a few so hurt that he had to administer euthanasia. As long as waves of panicked horse owners were coming into the facility, Dr. May remained at the fairgrounds sleeping in his truck and eating meals provided by the Salvation Army. For many horse owners, he was a voice of calm and reassurance during a difficult time.  “I was there for the horse, and I was there for the horse owner, especially the ones that didn’t have anything left,” Dr. May said of his service. “The horse was what they were hanging on to.”Dr. May of El Cajon Valley Veterinary Hospital has always believed veterinarians inherit a responsibility to act as community leaders. In addition to offering free veterinary care during wildfire emergencies in 2003 and 2007, Dr. May has donated his services to help local therapeutic riding centers, mentored students interested in his area of expertise and participated in local horse shows. “I guess I grew up feeling like that was a part of what it meant to be a vet – as a vet, you are kind of a leader in your community,” Dr. May said of his role as a community volunteer. “You are in charge of the health care of the animals in the area.” Dr. May has helped ease mouth and back pain in older therapy horses by organizing two programs, Chiropractic Acupuncture Relieving Equine Soreness (CARES) and Therapeutic Equine Dentistry (TED). He noticed that many horses donated to the therapy centers arrived with dental complications that caused them to drop food and lose weight. Through TED, Dr. May donates a year’s worth of free dental care for five horses at three therapeutic riding centers. Every dentistry service, from filling cavities to the cost of antibiotics, is provided free-of-charge to horses selected for this program. A noted expert in equine acupuncture, Dr. May’s CARES program was organized to provide a day each month dedicated to acupunctures and chiropractic services at each of the three local therapeutic riding centers. Many of the horses are only able to continue working as therapy horses through relief provided by Dr. May’s therapies. Dr. May says he’s watched horse’s demeanor improve once dental and back pain have been alleviated through these programs, making the therapy horses better mounts for the disabled children who ride them. Dr. May is also constantly taking on interns from around the world who want to learn the practice of alternative therapies. New Jersey practitioners help little rescue perform mighty miracles Congratulations to Drs. Mary Beth Hamorski and Christina Wilson, the January honorees of the AAEP’s Good Works Campaign. The AAEP thanks you for demonstrating kindness to horses and the equine community through your volunteer service. Fifteen years ago, a local police chief called Dr. Mary Beth Hamorski out to help investigate a case of neglected  miniature ponies on a New Jersey farm. She was told to expect a worst-case scenario. Three stallions were found locked up in a tool shed, trudging up to their knees in their own manure. After receiving prompt medical care at the direction of Dr. Hamorski, two of the ponies were castrated and then adopted to forever homes. But the third Palomino’s condition was more complicated. He was so undernourished that nearly every bone in his body was visible through his shaggy coat. His hooves had overgrown into the form of Aladdin slippers, measuring at 14 inches in length. He was too old and weak for castration surgery. And because of years of confinement, he suffered deformities to his legs, making him a poor candidate for adoption. Dr. Hamorski, an ambulatory practitioner at Califon Animal Hospital in Lebanon, N.J., brought “Linus” to Mylestone  Equine Rescue, a safe haven for 34 abused, neglected and relinquished horses that are stricken with complicated medical or behavioral problems. For the past 17 years, Dr. Hamorski has served as the veterinary backbone of the rescue, providing low-cost veterinary care, reliable advice and resources required for the upkeep of these horses. Two years ago, Dr. Hamorski’s associate Dr. Christina Wilson joined the volunteer efforts, and now visits the rescue at least once a week. In addition, the two practitioners support Mylestone by participating in annual fundraising events, donating supplies and promoting the rescue to their clients. Susan Kelly Thompson, the rescue’s founder and director, says Dr. Hamorski came to her aid when she started the rescue with her own money in the early 1990s. Dr. Hamorski vowed to never charge the rescue for a routine clinical exam. While treating her horses, Dr. Hamorski taught a formerly “squeamish” Ms. Thompson how to manage specific medical conditions and administer medication. Helping guide the rescue’s mission, Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson also serve in an advisory role on Mylestone’s board of directors. “The money that goes to the animals goes to the animals – it’s based on integrity and compassion,” Dr. Hamorski said of the rescue. “We’ve been by Susan Kelly’s side since the beginning, and we all have the same vision. No one has their own agenda.” When a client decides to humanely euthanize their horse, Drs. Hamorski and Wilson present them with the opportunity to make a benevolent contribution to Mylestone by donating the horse’s unused medicine or supplies. Every holiday season, Califon’s Christmas cards for clients are stuffed with the rescue’s “wish list.” The practice also solicits pharmaceutical companies for free vaccinations. Most of the equine residents at Mylestone Equine Rescue will need special care and compassion for the remainder of their lives. Many suffer from chronic gastrointestinal conditions, recurring lameness, broken bones, deformities and founder. Many horses recovering from starvation require four to six small meals a day; others are unable to stand on grass. But all represent astounding stories of perseverance and survival. Dr. Hamorski says that she and Dr. Wilson continue to be amazed at how even the most severely abused horses have improved with a little time, compassion and nurture at Mylestone. Today, 30-year-old Linus, who is known for being particularly high maintenance, is the official mascot of Mylestone. It’s a common joke around the farm that the hearty pony thinks he operates the rescue, with his show-off personality and natural charm. He remains a favorite of Dr. Hamorski’s. Like its mascot, Mylestone represents a small but mighty mission. And Califon Animal Hospital believes it’s the small scale efforts that are making a significant impact on equine welfare. “The smaller rescues are doing this fair share without national recognition and their efforts are just as galliant. I can’t impress how important that is,” Dr. Hamorski said. Seaside retirement can’t keep “legendary” practitioner from helping horses Dr. Liz Bracken From providing low-cost services at an equine sanctuary in her local community to uplifting the lives of working equids in  Mexico, Dr. Liz Bracken says her service is driven by her deep-rooted passion for horses. The California practitioner was named a veterinary “legend” when she was presented with the Bayer HealthCare 2010 “Legend of the Year” award for service to the unwanted horse. Her Mexican ranching friends call her an “angel” for salvaging the lives of their working horses and burros. Even as she approaches a long-awaited retirement, Dr. Bracken continues to offer up her time, expertise and resources to help horses and their caretakers.After establishing her private practice in Atascadero, Calif., in 1996, Dr. Bracken recognized a need to help find homes for abandoned and unwanted horses in her community. For the past 10 years, she has served as the primary veterinarian for Miller’s Equestrian Center and Sanctuary, a nearby rescue center and equine ranch located in San Luis Obispo, Calif. The center’s mission is to rescue unwanted horses while providing equestrian programs for children. In addition, Dr. Bracken has organized educational events for horse owners in the local equine community. About five years ago, Dr. Bracken purchased a “casa” in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, became a resident of Mexico and began building what she hoped would become her permanent residence in the small seaside town. While travelling between Atascadero to Loreto every two months, a 1,100-mile trek, she encountered members of local Mexican ranching communities whose horses and burros had never been seen by a veterinarian. She found herself drawn to helping these ranchers and their equids, and started regularly venturing into the hills to offer veterinary care and resources.  Today, she lives in Baja nine months of the year and leads teams of veterinarians, technicians, veterinary students and volunteers to care for Mexico’s working equids. Dr. Bracken and her teams cover a variety of health care needs on these sprawling ranches, including dentistry, internal and external parasite control, castrations, surgical procedures, and treatment of infectious diseases and injuries. Dr. Bracken has treated eye ulcers, snake bites, saddle sores and lameness in the field. She also takes to time educate members of the community about proper horse care and nutrition.Through a network of colleagues, clients and fellow members of the Loreto community, Dr. Bracken has gathered supplies and funding to grow her efforts in Mexico. World Vets and the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign have provided support for Dr. Bracken’s mission through funding and free vaccinations. World Vets has sent teams of veterinarians and volunteers from around the world to participate in expeditions to these rural areas and ranches, which are led by Dr. Bracken and interpreters. On average, Dr. Bracken raises about $20,000 each year to fund supplies and medications for her project in Mexico. Last year, Dr. Bracken sold her equine practice and house in California. Now constantly traveling, she plans to eventually make a full transition to living in Loreto. “We all have and love horses, and we all do a lot of things for horses,” Dr. Bracken said of equine veterinarians. “It’s part of the job, and it’s part of the passion of being an equine veterinarian.” Dr. Bracken invites fellow practitioners and veterinary students to join her efforts in Mexico. She can be reached through her website, www.eltiburoncasitas.com. Ranch Prepares Racehorses for Second Careers Dr. Richard Bowman After fracturing both ankles during her debut race at Canterbury Park, Digi’s Luck was barely able to walk off the track.  The two-year-old filly suffered from the same injury to her front pasterns that led to the tragic death of Eight Belles at the 2008 Kentucky Derby. With immediate surgery and specialized care, a team of veterinarians saved Digi’s Luck. But her short-lived career as a racehorse was over. Fortunately for Digi’s Luck, AAEP member Dr. Richard Bowman believes injured racehorses deserve the chance to recover and take on new jobs. He has found second careers for nearly 400 ex-racehorses that have been rehabilitated at his 4,000-acre North Dakota ranch, coined  “Second Chance Ranch.”Dr. Bowman, a racing regulatory veterinarian for the Minnesota Racing Commission who also operates an equine dental practice, now boards about 60 ex-racehorses at the family ranch he’s known his entire life. His rescue efforts started about seven years ago when trainers at Canterbury Park asked him for assistance finding new homes for racehorses with injury or little value. Whether injured or unsuccessful at the track, Dr. Bowman’s rescued ranch horses receive quality veterinary care and nutrition, with much of the expense coming out of his own pocket. State veterinarians Drs. Lynn Hovda and Christy Klatt support the program as well. The upkeep for the group can cost as much as $100 a day, and most horses stay at the ranch for six months to a year before they are healthy, sound and ready for adoption. Dr. Bowman receives additional funding through the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association program at Canterbury Park. The track collects $1 fee for each horse that starts, and then matches the funds. Dr. Bowman said the program contributes about $8,000 to his efforts annually. He also accepts private donations from his clients. Dr. Bowman constantly seeks permanent homes for the Thoroughbreds through a network of horse owners and colleagues. His rescued racehorses have started new careers as police mounts, pleasure horses and competitors in a variety of equestrian events. Owners keep in contact with Dr. Bowman, sending him photos and postcards of their adopted horses over the years. “It just makes you feel good to know that these animals are doing well,” Dr. Bowman said. When she reached full recovery on the ranch, Digi’s Luck was quickly adopted as a mount for a young boy. The pair now competes in 4-H horse shows. While Dr. Bowman says his motive to start the rescue project was solely to ensure the well-being of horses, rescues and rehabilitation centers are helping to improve the public’s perception of the racing industry. Finding uses for horses post-racing conveys to the public that these horses are valued. “These are wonderful animals, and my consideration from the get-go was for the horse,” Dr. Bowman said. “There’s a secondary effect from a racing industry perceptive – if we can do this all over the country, it would do a lot to help improve the public’s perception of horse racing.” The Most Valuable Horse Dr. Richard Markell Dr. Richard Markell’s repertoire of equine patients includes some of the world’s most extraordinary sport horses, including million-do  llar Grand Prix jumpers and Olympic contestants. But of all the horses that have come under Dr. Markell’s care, he says the most valuable horse he’s ever treated is a horse at the therapeutic riding center where he volunteers.For more than 10 years, Dr. Markell has provided veterinary services and resources to the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in Orange County, California. The Shea Center is one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country dedicated to improving the lives of disabled individuals through horse-related programs. Every Wednesday, his busiest day of the week, Dr. Markell makes time to travel to the Center to oversee the care of its 36 therapy horses. “As soon as I get to the Center, even if I’m over worked or over-stressed, it’s almost as if a deep breath of calm comes over me,” he said. “I am there and I am doing something very important – I am doing something that helps other people.” Only three horses were available for therapy riding when Dr. Markell started his service at the Center. In the course of more than 10 years, Dr. Markell has acted as an instrumental figure in the Center’s growth. He has been involved in every aspect of the Center’s operations, from helping build a new stable to educating faculty members on equine health care. In 2009, the Center recognized his dedicated service by presenting him with the Michael Lewis Friends of the Disabled Award. But Dr. Markell says the true reward for years of service is the smile of a disabled child discovering confidence and joy on board a healthy horse. As an equine veterinarian, Dr. Markell says he feels a sense of responsibility to use his talents to make better lives for horses and the people they serve. “The ability to use my profession and my education to do good in the world is awesome,” Dr. Markell said. |
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American Association of Equine Practitioners |
