(Lexington, Kentucky - December 21, 2010) - Texas A&M professor Dr. Bill Moyer took the reins as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners during the 56th Annual Convention, Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md. He received the symbol of the office, the president's pin, before an audience of his colleagues Dec. 7 during the President’s Luncheon.
 
An authority for advancements in equine lameness, shoeing and the treatment of foot disorders, Dr. Moyer is the head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. In addition, he serves as the associate director of the Center for Equine Business Studies at Texas A&M and the director of the Link Equine Research Endowment.
 
Dr. Moyer’s passion for horses stems from his lifelong admiration of the American cowboy and a desire to live in the “Old West.” He graduated from Colorado State University with a veterinary degree in 1970 and in 1973 completed a surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. After co-owning a private practice for several years, he returned to UPenn for a career in academia in 1980, ascending to section chief of equine sports medicine in 1990. He joined Texas A&M University in 1993.
 
A leading organizer of AAEP educational meetings throughout his career, Dr. Moyer served as a director-at-large from 2001 to 2004.  He has been a member of the Educational Programs, Equine Insurance and Public Policy committees. He’s acted as a liaison to the American Farrier’s Association on behalf of the AAEP and was the chair of an in-depth session on laminitis.
 
As president of the AAEP, Dr. Moyer acknowledges his utmost priorities will be faithfully representing his fellow AAEP members and staying true to objectives identified in the AAEP’s mission statement. Among his activities in 2011, Dr. Moyer anticipates addressing equine welfare issues, planning relevant continuing education opportunities and recruiting the next generation of equine practitioners.
 
Dr. Moyer considers his role as an educator and veterinary researcher of equine foot disorders and lameness his greatest contributions to the profession to date. He credits the AAEP for providing him with practical continuing education, invaluable friendships and access to the “world’s greatest minds and personalities” throughout his career.  
 
When he finds the time, Dr. Moyer enjoys riding and hiking the back country of Montana, fishing, and hunting. He says he’s still not made it as a cowboy, though he’s got a pair of boots and hat to fit the part.
 
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, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.