The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) salutes Dr. Beau Whitaker, a partner at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Salado, Texas, as recipient of the grand prize 2022 Good Works for Horses Award, sponsored by Zoetis.

Dr. Whitaker is honored for his decade of volunteer service with Horse Empowered Learning Programs, Inc. (HELP), which provides therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning opportunities to individuals in greater Austin, Texas, with physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. Dr. Whitaker was recognized Nov. 19 during the Opening Session at the AAEP’s 68th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. In conjunction, a $1,000 donation to HELP is being made in Dr. Whitaker’s name.

From June through August 2022, the Good Works for Horses campaign spotlighted selfless acts of service performed by AAEP members that are having a positive effect on the equine community. Horse owners and organizations were encouraged to nominate AAEP members for monthly recognition. Three veterinarians were recognized each month in a Win-Place-Show order, and each month’s overall winner remained eligible for the grand prize.

Until recently, Dr. Whitaker, the June honoree, oversaw health of the program’s horses for the past 10 years in addition to serving on the board of directors from 2012–2018 and on the Scholarship Committee since 2017. As herd veterinarian, he was responsible for treating and managing age-related and other medical conditions, securing grants from industry partners for free or deeply discounted medications and vaccines, and evaluating potential horse donations to ensure a suitable demeanor and manageable health issues before acceptance into the program’s herd.

His nominator, Stephanie Powell, director of HELP, extolled Dr. Whitaker’s legacy of service to the PATH International-certified non-profit. “Many horses donated to our programs come with a wide variety of health challenges which need to be balanced to be in a herd, serve our special clients and live in often compact facilities. Without the care, guidance and support of veterinarians like Dr. Whitaker, our program and the lives we reach would not be possible.”

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. 

About Zoetis

As the world's leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years of innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide, from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company's leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. 

The Zoetis Equine division is committed to providing horse care you can count on. Our team includes numerous equine veterinarians and other experts who are inspired daily by the opportunity and profound responsibility to support horses, the owners who love them and the equine veterinarians and other care team members who safeguard their well-being every day. Whether at the clinic or in the field, Zoetis is always by your side with a comprehensive, innovative portfolio of equine products and services at every step of a horse’s care and throughout the journey of a horse’s life. Visit zoetisequine.com to learn more.