Western Performance Horse Forum

The Western performance horse industry is growing at an astonishing rate, and along with that growth, there are unique health issues that need to be addressed. The Western Performance Horse Forum–moderated by Jerry Black, DVM, of Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, Calif., and Joe Carter, DVM, of Oklahoma Equine Hospital in Washington, Okla., who both actively participate in the Western performance horse industry–addressed relevant issues and opened a discussion on what role the AAEP should play in this industry.

The Industry Evolves

“Western horses have transitioned from a working class to a performance class in the industry,” said Black. “This is a very exciting time for the Western horse industry to be included in the World Equestrian Games, and to be included in the Olympic Games would be a feather in the cap of the reining horse industry