Annual Awards
The AAEP presents annual awards to individuals and groups serving their profession and the welfare of the horse in extraordinary ways. Nominations are accepted from current AAEP members until June 1, and the awards are bestowed at the annual convention.
If you have questions about the nomination process or need additional information, please contact Shelly Coomer at scoomer@aaep.org.
The George Stubbs Award recognizes the contributions made to equine veterinary medicine by individuals other than veterinarians. The award is named for George Stubbs (1724-1806), the artist and teacher who played a vital role in veterinary education.
The AAEP Research Award is established to highlight the value of equine research and give recognition to an individual who has recently completed research that has or will make a significant impact on the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of equine disease.
Distinguished Educator Award (Academic)
This award honors an individual who made significant and long-lasting contributions to equine veterinary medicine and the community. In 2025, this category was merged with the Distinguished Life Member Award to form the Sage Kester Lifetime Achievement Award.
Distinguished Educator Award (Mentor)
To be awarded to an individual who by his or her actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners through mentoring.
Sage Kester Beyond the Call Award
This award honors members who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to equine veterinary medicine and the community. The “Beyond the Call” award is named in honor of its first recipient, the late General Wayne O. “Sage” Kester, DVM.
Distinguished Service Award
To be awarded to an individual who has provided exemplary service to the AAEP or a similar organization to the benefit of the horse, horse industry, or the profession of equine veterinary medicine.
A. Gary Lavin Equine Welfare Award
To recognize a non-veterinary organization or individual that has demonstrated exceptional compassion or developed and enforced rules and guidelines for the welfare of horses.
The President’s Award
The President’s Award, introduced in 2008, honors individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to the association during the past year by contributing a significant portion of time and expertise to benefit the health and welfare of the horse. The sitting AAEP president selects the recipient of this award.
Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture
The Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture debuted at the 1997 AAEP Convention in Phoenix, Ariz. Named for AAEP past president and distinguished life member Frank J. Milne, the lecture series features state-of-the-art research on subjects and techniques considered important by the equine veterinary profession. The Milne lecturer is chosen by the AAEP Educational Programs Committee.
Margaret Phyllis Lose Solo Practitioner Award
To be awarded to an AAEP member in solo practice who demonstrates commitment to the advancement of the equine veterinary profession while striving for work-life harmony, thereby serving as an exemplary role model for others in the association, particularly those in private practice. This award was established in 2025.
Olive Kendrick Britt Rising Star Award
To be awarded to an AAEP member within the first decade of their career for leadership or engagement within the association and/or profession or for design and delivery of research that advances horse health or veterinarian wellbeing. This award was established in 2025.
Futurity Award
To recognize an AAEP student member making important contributions for the association or their peers through engagement within the AAEP, provision of service to peers or the association, and/or demonstration of future leadership potential. This award was established in 2025.
Distinguished Life Members
This distinction recognizes regular members who have made outstanding contributions to the association throughout their career.
