Dear fellow FAEP members,
The equine veterinary profession in Florida has always been more than a career — it is a calling. We care for the animals who not only drive a multibillion-dollar industry in our state but also represent our equestrian history and serve as a vital part of Florida’s agricultural identity. The sustainability of our work depends on how we educate, mentor and inspire those who will step into our boots in the years ahead.
While the need for equine practitioners is strong, the number of practitioners entering — and staying in — this field is shrinking. Long hours, challenging caseloads, student debt and lifestyle demands have created a shortage that is felt in every corner of our profession.
This is why FAEP is committed to tangible, accessible educational efforts to sustain the future of equine medicine. We believe that mentorship, continuing education and direct engagement with students are essential.
This past August, we celebrated our biannual FAEP & UFCVM Student Appreciation Day. This event is my personal favorite. More than a skills workshop — it’s a bridge between the classroom and the realities of practice. Students gain hands-on experience with essential techniques, guided by practitioners who have walked the path before them.
Our Promoting Equine Symposium (PES) 2025 was another opportunity for growth for every equine practitioner, regardless of age. Last week, we met at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa for this signature event to deliver not just the latest in equine medical knowledge, but the kind of peer-to-peer connections that energize your practice long after the conference ends. This meeting was amazing – thanks to all our fantastic speaker and attendees alike.
Our Ocala Equine Conference is scheduled for February 13-15, 2026 at the Riding Academy at the World Equestrian Center, where you’ll:
• Engage with top-tier speakers on cutting-edge topics in equine medicine.
• Participate in a hands-on wet lab that translates directly into better patient care.
• Network with peers from across the state and beyond, sharing strategies, stories and solutions.
If you have younger veterinarians, interns or students in your circle, encourage them to attend. These early career practitioners will gain practical insights, meet potential mentors and begin to see themselves as part of a larger professional community — one that will support them for decades to come. Keep your eyes open for further information and registration instructions.
Finally, on the topic of support, FAEP takes its role as the voice for equine professionals across the state very seriously, especially in terms of informing our members of updates regarding medical rules and regulations within the profession.
As some of you may remember, in April the Board of Pharmacy amended rule 64B16-27.700. Because of this, veterinarians are now required to sign a written agreement with their compounding pharmacy stating they will only administer “for office use” compounded medications in-house and will not dispense them to a patient or any other person or entity. FAEP realizes this will have an impact on our members and is working with the FVMA and seeking counsel to approach the Board of Pharmacy to protect its members.
On behalf of FAEP, I thank you for the work you do every day and for your commitment to strengthening the future of equine veterinary medicine. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Ocala in February!