New equine research, practical veterinary techniques, and business education attracted a record 7,611 attendees to the American Association of Equine Practitioners' 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 5 – 9. The previous record was set during the 2007 convention in Orlando, Fla.

"The economy has affected all aspects of the horse industry in 2009, and I believe our record attendance indicates how strongly equine veterinarians value quality continuing education," said David L. Foley, AAEP executive director. "I want to thank the Educational Programs Committee and convention program chair Dr. Nat White for their exceptional efforts putting together this year's scientific program."

The Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture–"Operative Orthopedics of the Equine Fetlock Joint: Fractures, Fragments, Failures, and Fixes"–was given by internationally recognized surgeon Larry Bramlage, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS.

The annual live and silent auctions held during the Foundation Celebration raised $93,000 to help fund student scholarships, benevolence work, and equine research