The report detailing the work of those who participated in the nation’s first-ever Unwanted Horse Summit is now available from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The Summit was hosted on April 19, 2005, in Washington, D.C., by the AAEP with the purpose of identifying long-term solutions designed to improve the quality of life of unwanted horses. Over 25 equine industry organizations and individuals participated.

Attendees worked in small groups during the Summit to examine the causes of unwanted horses and the approaches to dealing with this segment of the equine population. Also discussed were the groups within the industry who can play a direct role in solving the problem. At the end of the Summit participants reached complete consensus on the following key action steps:

· The formation of a national steering committee to direct efforts on behalf of unwanted horses.
· Working groups to be formed as part of this national body to work on specific issues such as education, funding and rescue/retirement facility standards.

“This is an ambitious and ongoing effort that will take the active
participation of the entire horse industry to be successful,” said Scott E. Palmer, VMD, 2005 AAEP president. “The Summit was our first step, and we’re encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment of those who participated.”

Groups that continue to be involved with this effort will next begin the organizational process with the intent of holding another face-to-face meeting by late summer. For a copy of the Unwanted Horse Summit report, click here or contact Sally
Baker in the AAEP office at [email protected] or (859) 233-0147.
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