When elite equestrians compete for world titles this month, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will be working behind the scenes and before the cameras to ensure the health of equine athletes.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, held Sept. 25-Oct. 10 in Lexington, Ky., is anticipated as the largest sporting event to take place in the United States this year. As the nation's leading organization dedicated to equine health care, the AAEP and its members will participate in many ways during the three weeks of the Games. The AAEP will actively promote the equine veterinary profession to an international audience, involve its student membership in learning opportunities and provide crucial equine medical information to the numerous media outlets covering the Games.

The AAEP's participation during the Games includes:

Veterinary student volunteers. Thirty-three fourth-year veterinary student members of AAEP student chapters will monitor biosecurity, help assess competition horses, and provide general veterinary care alongside the Games' official veterinarians