Ocala, Fla.-based equine veterinarian Dr. Richard “Chip” Estes was recognized with the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ 2018 Distinguished Educator – Mentor Award for the continuous support he has shown his colleagues throughout his career and into his retirement.  

The Distinguished Educator – Mentor Award honors 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. Dr. Estes received the award during the Dec. 4 President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 64th Annual Convention in San Francisco, Calif. 

A 1974 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Estes spent most of his career in private practice, primarily with broodmares and horses in training. Throughout his more than three decades of practice, Dr. Estes dispensed practical, science-based advice to numerous colleagues and, more recently, has shared his extensive knowledge and provided a balanced perspective to discussions in the AAEP Rounds—online forums for members to seek advice and share ideas about cases and other veterinary topics. 

Dr. Estes has a strong history of collaboration and humility in practice, making him an exceptional mentor to veterinarians at all stages their careers. 

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.