Role of the Veterinarian and Scientist in Breed Associations

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This will be the 29th year that I have attended the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Convention. Because the Convention is essentially an annual business meeting, one wonders about the role of the veterinarian and scientist during this gathering. Over the years, veterinarians have given valuable input regarding decisions made by the AQHA.

AQHA committees that have required input from veterinarians and scientists include the Studbook and Registration Committee and the Research Committee. The Studbook and Registration Committee deals with all matters relating to registration of foals, particularly those concerning acceptance of new technologies. This committee has dealt with technologies such as cooled semen, frozen semen, embryo transfer, cooled and frozen embryos, and cryptorchidism and in the future may have to deal with the possibility of registration of cloned foals. Veterinarians, such as Dr. Glen Blodgett, and scientists, such as myself, have provided valuable information. Other topics that have incorporated the use of veterinarians and scientists include medication of horses during showing and racing and genetic diseases. Honorary Vice President Dr. Marvin Beeman has provided educational material regarding how anatomy affects the function of the horse. In addition, Dr. Jim Heird has been a resource for developing criteria for evaluation of the horse for the Judging Committee. Veterinarians and scientists to the largest extent is the Research Committee. Currently, approximately $500,000 in research funds are provided each year by AQHA. Veterinarians and scientists serve on this committee to evaluate proposals and recommend research projects that are of the highest priority.

I congratulate AQHA for their incorporation of veterinarians and scientists into their organization.