Twice a year, a group of students from the college’s American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) makes an unforgettable trip to Kentucky, a place known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” This annual excursion, led by Dr. Bryan Waldridge, an associate clinical professor and equine veterinarian in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, lands them at Old Friends Farm in Lexington, where they spend two days vaccinating and deworming over 150 retired racehorses. Each trip offers different experiences, but students are always able to immerse themselves in equine medicine while connecting with industry leaders and remarkable horses. One particularly memorable part of the trip gives students the chance to meet Silver Charm, the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner. The encounter inspires students and sparks discussions about horse racing and its impact on veterinary medicine. Those on the most recent trip also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Robert Copelan, a legendary figure in the equine world and one of the founders of the AAEP, who famously provided care to Secretariat before the 1973 Derby. Waldridge noted the warm hospitality the group always receives, highlighting experiences such as visits to Keeneland, where Dr. Stuart Brown explains equine safety measures, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, where students tour the test barn and starting gate. Students have also gained insights from experts at Kentucky Equine Research and Lane’s End Farm, as well as about interesting equine dentistry cases at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
Additionally, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has provided remote access to their practice rounds, further enhancing students’ learning opportunities. The trip has even allowed students to be guests on the Horse Tales with Ercel Ellis radio show. Depending on the season, the culmination of the trip includes attending either the Spring Keeneland meet or the September sale, exposing students to two distinct aspects of equine practice. Barrett Barksdale, a third-year student shared that the trip is by far one of her favorite experiences at MSU CVM. “As someone aiming to work in the racing industry post-graduation, the knowledge, experience, and connections I gained were invaluable,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful to the college for providing opportunities like this to help set the foundation for my future career.” The shortage of equine practitioners is no longer a pending problem; it has arrived. Scarcity and unavailability have become the harsh reality of equine medicine in parts of the country. This semi-annual trip is one-way MSU CVM is striving to help address that problem. Third-year student Miranda Clapp said because she had only ever worked in small animal clinics, this experience broadened her horizons. “I did not grow up around horses and had never really been close to one until this trip. It didn't just help me conquer my slight fear of horses; it helped me learn how to interact with them from a medical standpoint,” she said. “I had so much fun and learned very valuable
