The Business of Practice: Updates from AAEP President Dr. Tracy Turner

In this episode, 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners president Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, joined us to discuss what the organization has been working on this year and how his priorities have shaped the progress.  

Turner is passionate about protecting horse sports through increased awareness of social license to operate. At the beginning of his term, he participated in a summit of stakeholders organized by the United States Equestrian Federation that produced a white paper on best practices for show horses.  

Turner reported that Ashley Morgan, DVM, CAE, was appointed as the new AAEP Director of Sports Medicine Welfare and Advocacy. He discussed the importance of members joining state VMAs to bolster their influence on state legislatures when they consider legislation that could affect equine practice. Because many states are considering creating midlevel practitioner positions, advocacy has never been more important, he said. Turner praised the many equine veterinarians using their extensive knowledge to advocate for equine welfare, stating, “we need science and evidence-based welfare rules.” 

Turner then outlined the new AAEP Strategic Plan created last summer. Built on the three pillars of education, membership, and the horse, the strategic plan guides association initiatives for about five years. He described the new XP series, the Member Assistance Program, and the importance of AAEP members “being the voice for the horse in all things.” Turner said sustainability efforts are continuing through the work of existing committees as well as the new Early Career Committee.  

The Racehorse Wearable Biometric Sensor Research Program is currently collecting data from six sensor companies, Turner shared. The results will be an exciting step toward improving the welfare of these athletes, he said. 

Finally, Turner highlighted the good work being done by the Foundation for the Horse, previously known as the AAEP Foundation. In closing, he said, “The AAEP is one of the most well-respected organizations in the world” in the equine community, and he thanked all the members for their support during his term. 

About Dr. Tracy Turner  

Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1978 and served on the faculty at the University of Illinois, University of Florida, and University of Minnesota. He joined Anoka Equine Clinic in 2004 and then started Turner Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in 2016. Since retiring from clinical practice at the end of 2023, his primary business has been Turner Wilson Equine Consulting. Turner has consulted for the USDA Horse Protection Program, the FEI, and the USEF. He has had the privilege of working at four Pan American Games, three Olympic Games, and two World Equestrian Games. He volunteers with the Equitarian Initiative and serves as an FEI Examining Veterinarian for show jumping. He is the 2025 AAEP President. 

Related Reading

• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Navigating Legislation Affecting the Veterinary Profession
• The Business of Practice: Catching Up With 2025 AAEP President Dr. Tracy Turner
• How Did Rodeo Gain its Social License to Operate?

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