Equine veterinarians will put goodwill to action Dec. 1 during the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) Good Works For Horses Project: Mind, Body and Soul, held in conjunction with the 58^th Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

Practitioners are invited to stimulate their "minds, bodies and souls" this year as they experience the work of the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, a state-of-the-art therapeutic riding facility in Orange County. The three-part program will unite practitioners in a discussion about Equitarian outreach opportunities, a wellness session about staying fit for equine practice, and a therapeutic riding session where they will assist disabled individuals physically and cognitively.

During first portion of the program, practitioners will open their minds to opportunities to give back locally and abroad during a roundtable session led by Equitarian leaders Richard Markell, DVM, and Jay Merriam, DVM. Practitioners will then receive tips to preserve their bodies for equine practice from the Shea Center’s licensed physical therapists. Finally, practitioners will assist with therapeutic riding lessons, with the option to get in the saddle and feel the benefits of equine therapy from the perspective of the rider.

The $25 registration fee for the project will be donated to the Shea Center. Participants will receive transportation to and from the Convention Center and a box lunch at the Shea Center. Transportation will depart from the lobby of the Convention Center at 8:20 a.m. and return to the lobby entrance at approximately 1:45 p.m. Registration for the event will be available when veterinarians register for the Convention or online at www.aaep.org