Tracy Turner, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVSMR, owner of Turner Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Stillwater, Minn., has been appointed the 2023 vice president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). He will be installed during the November 21st President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 68th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, and will assume the role of AAEP president in 2025.

Dr. Turner founded his practice in 2016 and concentrates exclusively on equine sports medicine, lameness and surgery. He previously spent 12 years with Anoka Equine Veterinary Services in Elk River, Minn., and served on the faculties at the University of Illinois, University of Florida and University of Minnesota. He received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1978.

Beyond his daily practice, Dr. Turner is an Equitarian Initiative volunteer, delivering medical care to working equids and education to students and caretakers in the developing world. He serves as an Examining Veterinarian for Fédération Equestre Internationale for show jumping and has consulted in the past for U.S. Equestrian Federation and USDA APHIS Horse Protection Program for Tennessee Walking Horse welfare.

“AAEP has not only been an avenue to give back to an industry that has given much to me, but it is also an organization that positively impacts all aspects of the equine industry worldwide. It is an organization that one can go to meet, collaborate and exchange ideas with other practitioners that share the same passion: the horse.”

An AAEP member since 1986, Dr. Turner previously served on the board of directors from 2017–2019; as chair of the Farrier Liaison Committee; and as member of the Educational Programs and Student Relations committees as well as the Foundation Advisory Council. He currently chairs the Equine Disease Communication Center Advisory Committee. Dr. Turner was instrumental in creating the AAEP student chapter veterinary farrier short courses and laboratories, and he served as the faculty advisor for the AAEP student chapter at the University of Minnesota for many years.

In addition, Dr. Turner has served on the Minnesota Horse Council board of directors since 2002, including several terms as president, and currently chairs the Legislative and Welfare committees. He is also a past president of the Minnesota Association of Equine Practitioners and received induction into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame in 2004 for his contributions to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses. Dr. Turner has presented frequently at AAEP continuing education meetings, and he has published numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles.

Dr. Turner is married to AAEP member and volunteer, Dr. Julie Wilson. They have two grown sons, Tarren and Tristan, and are expecting their first grandchild in January.

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.