National Equine Veterinarian Week Kicks Off Sept. 18

SmartPak, Henry Schein Animal Health and the Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners (NEAEP) have partnered to launch National Equine Veterinarian Week™. This special week of recognition will be held Sept. 18-24 to show appreciation for the hard-working “horse docs” who keep our horses happy and healthy.

“The equine veterinarian is the cornerstone of every horse’s health care program,” said Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s staff veterinarian and medical director. “These veterinarians work tirelessly, sometimes day and night, to make sure the horses under their care thrive, and we think it’s time to give these devoted professionals the recognition they’ve earned.”

The relationship between the equine veterinarian, client and patient is of paramount importance. It takes a team coming together to manage any horse, whether it is a top-level competitor or a well-loved trail partner. Veterinarians play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of horses in a variety of ways through their daily duties.

Veterinarians are responsible for helping to keep horses healthy through wellness services, and they respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. They also serve as the medical authority on the health and welfare of the horse and are the most reputable source of health information. Not only do veterinarians protect the health of the individual horse, but they also play a key part in protecting the entire horse community from reportable disease such as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, or EHV-1.

“For so many us, horses are family, and so we trust their care to the health care professionals who have dedicated their lives to these incredible animals,” said Henry Schein Animal Health, North America President Fran Dirksmeier. “Henry Schein Animal Health is pleased to support National Equine Veterinarian Week in recognition of the expert care that equine veterinarians provide to ensure that our horses live long, healthy and happy lives.”

National Equine Veterinarian Week is a time to celebrate the dedication of equine veterinarians and to raise awareness of their role in keeping horses healthy and happy. This “national observance” will be recognized for the first time at the upcoming annual NEAEP symposium in Niagara Falls, New York.

“We are excited to team up with SmartPak and Henry Schein Animal Health to bring National Equine Veterinarian Week to life,” said Dr. Hollie Stillwell, President of the NEAEP. “I’m a firm believer that this is the right blend of organizations to bring a long overdue recognition to such a deserving group.”

Horse owners, barn managers, trainers and others can thank the equine veterinarians who have made a difference in their horses’ lives by submitting stories and photos on www.SmartPak.com/NEVW by Sept. 18, and by posting videos, stories, and photos on social media using the hashtag #EquineVetWeek. SmartPak will be showcasing some of the favorite submissions so everyone can appreciate what a compassionate and dedicated group of professionals’ veterinarians are.

About SmartPak: From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness. With the success of this simple and convenient feeding system, SmartPak has continued to expand its offering of quality products, including its own line of more than 55 supplement formulas called SmartSupplements, and a wide variety of tack, equipment, and supplies.

About the NEAEP: The mission of the NEAEP is to improve the health and welfare of horses by providing state-of-the-art professional education and supporting the economic security of the equine industry by complementing established local associations and giving equine veterinarians, farriers, technicians, veterinary students and horse owners a unified voice at the state and regional levels.