Acquire the essential skills, knowledge and connections that will give you a leg up on your career ambitions by attending the world’s largest and most consequential meeting dedicated solely to equine practice.
Train in the techniques you’ll use in the everyday care of client horses, network with fellow students and future employers, and expand your overall understanding of horse health.
Student Scholarships Available
The AAEP is proud to support our student members by offering 99 scholarships to attend the 2025 Annual Convention in Denver, Colo., including the Extended Student Program on Saturday, Dec. 6. In addition to complimentary registration, students will receive a $500 travel stipend through the generosity of our sponsors, The Foundation for the Horse and Altano. Students who demonstrate involvement in equine-related activities—whether through AAEP, community organizations, or the broader equine industry—are encouraged to apply.
For more information, please contact your Student Chapter Advisor or Student Chapter President.
Saturday, December 6
Extended Student Program
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Separate registration required at an additional cost of $125. Limited to 144 students.
Hands-On Labs
8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Included with Extended Student Program registration
Under expert guidance, you will rotate through three of the four 2-hour labs listed below. Each lab session will be limited to 25 to ensure optimal training and skills development.
- Dentistry FUNdamentals
Jessica Dunbar
Sara Senn
Sara Wefel
Kari Sanderson - Equine Reproduction: From Swimmers to Success
Brittany Middlebrooks, Matty May, Patricio Razquin, & Laurel Caldwell - Would Suturing – Principles & Practice
Scott Toppin
Shannon Murray
Jackie Hill
Jairo Perez - Getting a Leg Up on Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Mary Beth Whitcomb
Lunch and Learn
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Included with Extended Student Program registration
- ‘It’s Giving……Hired’—A guide to interviewing from the interviewer
Dr. Casey Cromer
Sunday, December 7
Student Faculty Advisors' Breakfast
6:30 - 7:30 a.m.
Faculty advisors from participating veterinary schools are invited to a casual breakfast and discussion of issues relevant to AAEP student programming.
Student Chapter Presidents' Luncheon
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Student chapter presidents are invited to meet their colleagues and AAEP staff to discuss student perspectives on AAEP programming and the equine profession.
Internship/Externship Career Night
Panel Discussion
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ethics
Welcome by Altano
Moderator: Dr. Liz Arbittier
Panelists: Drs. Barb Crabbe, Morgan Cattron, Katy White, and Abbey Biddle.
The ethics panel brings together both early-career and seasoned practitioners from diverse practice settings to explore common ethical dilemmas encountered in equine medicine. Panelists will address challenges that often arise from client expectations, peer dynamics, and employer pressures. This interactive session will provide practical strategies and real-world case examples to help practitioners at all stages navigate ethical decision-making with confidence.
Meet the Practices
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Mingle with representatives from more than 70 of the top equine practices to identify opportunities that may be a good fit for you and your career aspirations.
