The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) presented Benjamin Franklin Jr., DVM, with the Distinguished Life Member Award for his leadership and extensive involvement within the association during his 45 years of membership.

The Distinguished Life Member Award honors an AAEP member who has made outstanding contributions to the association throughout their career. Franklin, a semi-retired racetrack practitioner who served as AAEP president in 2000, was honored Dec. 10 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 59th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

During his presidency, the AAEP tackled the issue of medication in racing by developing and approving the “Policy on Therapeutic Medication in Race Horses,” which would extend to other disciplines. That year also saw the AAEP launch a horse owner website to engage owners with horse health issues.

Since joining the AAEP in 1969, Franklin has served two separate terms on the board of directors and has applied his experience and expertise as a member of numerous committees, including Racing, Ethics, Purchase Exam, Leadership Development, Nominating, Long-Range Education Planning, Finance, and Abstracts Review. He also served as chair of the Racing Council and Committee as well as the Nominating Committee