Bringing together the equine industry’s major organizations for the first time to address the issue of unwanted horses, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will host a one-day Unwanted Horse Summit onTuesday, April 19 during the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

“This unprecedented level of cooperation demonstrates the sense of urgency and concern the industry has for the plight of the unwanted horse,” said Scott Palmer, VMD, 2005 president of the AAEP. “Next month’s Summit is designed to be the catalyst for identifying and implementing long-term, practical solutions that elevate the quality of life for these horses.”

A broad spectrum of leading industry organizations representing breed groups, sport and discipline organizations, rescue and retirement facilities, veterinary associations, and welfare groups has been confirmed to take part in the April 19 Summit. In addition to the AAEP, participating organizations include:

• American Horse Protection Association
  
• American Paint Horse Association
  
• American Quarter Horse Association
  
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  
• American Veterinary Medical Association
  
• Appaloosa Horse Club
  
• Bureau of Land Management
  
• Carriage Operators of North America
  
• Day’s End Farm Horse Rescue
  
• Hooved Animal Humane Society
  
• Humane Society of the United States
  
• National H.B.P.A.
  
• Oak Tree Racing Association
  
• Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
  
• North American Equine Ranching Information Council
  
• North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
  
• Standardbred Retirement Foundation
  
• State Horse Council Advisory Committee
  
• The Jockey Club
  
• Thoroughbred Charities of America
  
• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
  
• United States Department of Agriculture
  
• United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
  
• United States Trotting Association

The Summit, which will be a professionally facilitated meeting, will focus on issues such as responsible horse ownership and breeding, long-term care options and affordable and accessible means of humane euthanasia. While participation in the Summit is open only to invited organizations, an educational session on the morning of April 19 will provide an overview of issues affecting the unwanted horse population. This session is open to anyone attending the American Horse Council’s annual meeting. A report regarding the Summit’s discussion and next steps will be available to the public following the event