Don’t miss listening to this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, where we talked with Katie Garrett, DVM, DACVS (LA), current AAEP President, about what the organization has been working on this year. The AAEP has primarily focused on three areas: sustainability, governance, and a biometric sensor project. In the podcast, she also detailed some of the AAEP’s smaller efforts.
Equine Practice Sustainability
Sustainability has been a top focus for the past several years, Garrett said, because “if people aren’t choosing equine practice and staying in equine practice, then we won’t still have equine practice.” The Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability’s work is mostly complete, and the five subcommittees will merge with other standing committees for continued efforts. The Commission’s results have been outstanding, she said, and she detailed the future for each subcommittee in the podcast.
AAEP Governance
Garrett said the AAEP established a task force in 2024 in response to the bylaws amendment that was tabled at last year’s general membership meeting. This task force comprised a diverse group representing all parts of the membership, and they examined all aspects of the AAEP governance, surveyed the membership, and recommended actions to the Board of Directors, which were approved. In the episode, Garrett described their recommendations and the process that will occur at this year’s general membership meeting during the Annual Convention in Orlando.
Biometric Sensor Project
The AAEP has pioneered a biometric sensor project in response to concerns about social license to operate in equine sports, including racing, eventing, showing, and rodeo. The organization issued a request for proposals (RFP) for wearable technology that could identify horses with issues that required additional screening and examination. Preventing injury before it happens is “a big hole in our knowledge” that can have a huge impact on equine health, Garrett explained. In 2025, the AAEP will help match a large cohort of 2-year-old racehorses with companies that have developed sensors. The goal is to find a sensor or sensors that correctly identify concerns that can be recommended to HISA. This exciting project will yield data that can change equine sport in the future.
AAEP’s Smaller Efforts
Finally, Garrett highlighted the many smaller efforts the AAEP has leaned into through its hardworking volunteers and staff. From continuously updating disease guidelines to formulating new XP Labs for small group education, the organization has ensured AAEP members have many valuable resources available to them.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Garrett reminded listeners of the great benefits the Foundation for the Horse provides horses affected by disasters, its research grants to scientists unlocking new treatments and approaches, and its strong support for education. She outlined the various programs and a new grant program for Transforming Equine Practice.
Garrett is eager to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out. “This is your organization! Make your voice heard,” she said, encouraging listeners to call the AAEP office or reach out to her at kgarrett@roodandriddle.com.
About Dr. Katie Garrett
Katie Garrett, DVM, DACVS (LA), attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1999. She then attended veterinary school at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, graduating with distinction in 2003. Garrett completed two internships and an equine surgery residency at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, achieving board certification with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2012. Her main area of interest is diagnostic imaging, in particular musculoskeletal MRI and laryngeal imaging. She heads Rood & Riddle Equine’s diagnostic imaging department and is the 2024 President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Related Reading
- The Business of Practice: 2024 AAEP President Katie Garrett
- AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: 2024 Equine Fee Survey
- AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: New Paradigms in Equine Emergency Coverage
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