The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' (AAEP) policy on Veterinary Service for Horse Shows as stated in the "Guide to Veterinary Services at Horseshows," published by AAEP in November 1999. The AVMA further endorses that publication, which defines areas of veterinary responsibility and provides guidelines for the conduct of horse show veterinarians.

The AVMA 1) encourages its members who serve as show horse veterinarians to become familiar with United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF) rules that govern conduct of horse show participants and with applicable state or federal laws relating to Horse Shows, 2) encourages the scheduling of pertinent educational subjects at veterinary meetings and conventions, 3) encourages the publication and dissemination of educational material to veterinarians who are interested in show horse medicine, 4) encourages its members who are interested in show horse veterinary practice to become members of the USEF.

With the consent of the AAEP, the AAEP policy referred to in the first paragraph is quoted below for the benefit of all members. The USEF Rules are available from the USEF at: United States Equestrian Federation, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511; Tel: 859-258-2472; or at the USEF Website.

A. AAEP Policy on Official Show Veterinary Service
The "Role and Responsibility of Official Veterinarians for Horse Shows and Other Equestrian Events," long established as official policy by the American Association of Equine Practitioners is a crucial basic guide. Following is the policy statement:

"The Official Veterinarian shall serve as a professional consultant on veterinary matters to the show management, the stewards, and the judges".

"He or she shall, in his or her professional role, advise the management and cooperating persons and agencies concerning the care and welfare of the animals present at the show or event and shall administer to the horses present as the need arises".

"He or she shall endeavor to do everything possible within the scope of his or her professional training to aid the sport in general and the event in particular. Conversely, he or she shall not in his or her role as official veterinarian assume nor be expected to assume the role, the responsibilities, or the prerogatives of the management, the judges, the stewards, other officials, or regulatory agents or agencies."

"He or she shall not at any time assume, nor be expected to assume, a dual role in conjunction with his or her role as official veterinarian."

B. Areas of Veterinary Responsibility
There are always two and may be as many as five areas of veterinary responsibility at a horse show: (1) The Official Horse Show Veterinarian's responsibility to Show Management; (2) the Attending Veterinarian's responsibility for providing professional services for exhibitors; (3) enforcement of U.S. Department of Agriculture (APHIS) requirements generated by the Horse Protection Act of 1970; (4) collection of samples for drug and medication testing by various sanctioning organizations; and (5) enforcement of regulatory requirements of the state where the show is held.