David M. Miller, DVM, of Akron, Ohio, has been selected as the October honoree in the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) My Vet Matters contest. Miller is the co-founder of Victory Gallop, a therapeutic equestrian program for children with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. He was nominated by Kim Gustely of Bath, Ohio.

According to Gustely, all of Victory Gallop’s horses are donated to the program, thanks to Miller’s enthusiastic efforts to educate the community and his clients on therapeutic riding’s benefits. As a non-profit organization, Victory Gallop relies on intensive fundraising efforts, of which Miller has played an integral part. In addition, he provides complete medical care to all of the horses.

Miller serves as an active volunteer and role model for riders in the program, providing support and giving extra guidance to children to help them reach their dreams. With the help of Miller and her favorite horse, Wings, one shy young girl who had lost a leg to cancer blossomed into a confident young woman who is now a teacher. Another young rider struggling with an attention disorder was taken under Miller’s wing and has turned his life around, working as a vet tech and serving as a role model for others in the program.

Finally, in what might be the program’s greatest accomplishment, for the past seven years Miller has brought joy and laughter to the oncology ward of a local hospital with the help of Petie, a pony who regularly visits young patients. In closing, Gustely wrote, “We thank Dr. Miller for his commitment and belief in Victory Gallop and the power of human-animal relationships. Our children and the community we serve are very fortunate to have such a devoted veterinarian and friend