Ellen Tinsley Hoots, DVM, MS, of Hoof Beats Veterinary Practice in Willow Spring, N.C., has been selected as the January honoree of the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) My Vet Matters Contest. Hoots was nominated for the award by horse owner Denise Bricker of Clayton, N.C. Over 140 veterinarians were nominated during January.

In her nomination of Hoots, Bricker described Hoots’ willingness to donate her time to educate young horse owners through 4-H and Girl Scout horse camps and her decade-long devotion to the Special Olympics equestrian program. In addition, Hoots has built a support network of horse owners in her community to transport horses for owners who do not own trailers as well as provide homes for abused or neglected horses.  As Bricker said, “In 30-odd years of owning horses, I have never met another veterinarian with the passion and commitment of Dr. Hoots.  She truly matters to everyone of us whose life she has touched.”  Bricker’s winning entry can be viewed in its entirety on the AAEP’s myHorseMatters.com web site