The American Association of Equine Practitioners presented its 2021 Sage Kester “Beyond the Call” Award to renowned equine orthopedic surgeon Larry Bramlage, DVM, MS, DACVS, for his legacy of service toward the betterment of the veterinary profession, horse health and his local community.

The “Beyond the Call” Award is named in honor of its first recipient, the late Wayne O. “Sage” Kester, DVM, and recognizes a current or former AAEP member who has made significant and long-lasting contributions to equine veterinary medicine and the community. Dr. Bramlage received the award during the December 7 President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

A partner at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., Dr. Bramlage has advanced the diagnostics and treatment options for horses with orthopedic disease and injury through groundbreaking research and application into clinical practice. He has shared his extensive knowledge and expertise through numerous peer-reviewed publications, provision of continuing education for veterinary surgeons and other practitioners, and training and mentorship of countless students, interns and residents.

His four decades of distinguished service to the AAEP include a term as president in 2004; participation on 28 different councils, committees and task forces, including chair of the Educational Program Committee in the mid-1990s; and establishment of the popular Kester News Hour session at the annual convention. In 2014, the AAEP presented its Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Bramlage and fellow orthopedic surgeon Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith for their pivotal contributions over 23 years to the development and growth of the AAEP’s award-winning “On Call” program that provides veterinary expertise in support of televised horseracing broadcasts.

Beyond the AAEP, Dr. Bramlage has been active in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, serving as president in 2007 and on the board of regents and other committees. He also serves on the board of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and is a past chair of its Research Advisory Committee. Elected to membership in The Jockey Club in 2002, Dr. Bramlage currently serves as a steward of the organization and member of its Thoroughbred Safety Committee.

Among his many honors are the 1994 Jockey Club Medal for his contributions to Thoroughbred racing; the 1997 Tierklink Hochmoor Prize for his pioneering work concerning internal fixation of fractures; the British Equine Veterinary Association Special Award of Merit in 2000; AAEP Distinguished Life Member recognition in 2008; and the 2010 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Foundation Legends Award for his development of the fetlock arthrodesis procedure for horses.

A 1975 graduate of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bramlage served as an associate professor of equine surgery at The Ohio State University prior to joining Rood & Riddle in 1989. In addition to his considerable industry contributions, Dr. Bramlage is a strong advocate for the needs of neglected and abused children through his support of CASA of Lexington; and he has served on many committees within his church and helped establish its stewardship mission.

About AAEP

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.