The AAEP and AAEP Foundation have partnered with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, the Donkey Sanctuary and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association to debut a program for "equitarians" seeking to help working horses, donkeys and mules through veterinary service.

The AAEP's first equitarian meeting, to be held Oct. 17-22 in Vera Cruz, Mexico, offers veterinarians the cultural knowledge and field training to assist struggling communities where working equids are used for subsistence. Attendees will gain hands-on experience serving equids in impoverished areas of Vera Cruz, where hundreds of horses are in need of saddle fitting, disease treatment, castration and other services.

In addition to applicable lectures featuring experienced "equitarians," attendees will interact with local equid owners and caregivers during educational workshops as part of each course. Attendees will learn effective field farriery and lameness. All classes will be presented in English. The meeting will lay the groundwork for future equitarian meetings hosted by the AAEP.

"AAEP members have a real opportunity to showcase their interests and capabilities while making a difference in the world," said Nathaniel A. White, DVM, MS, AAEP president. "We hope our members will see the value in this program and will become ambassadors for the AAEP and AAEP Foundation when helping equids worldwide