Horse Illustrated Magazine

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) applauds New Jersey practitioners Dr. Mary Beth Hamorski and Dr. Christina Wilson, the recipients of the 2011 Good Works for Horses Award.

Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson of Califon Animal Hospital in Lebanon, N.J., have been recognized for their long-term commitment to serving the veterinary needs of horses at Mylestone Equine Rescue. They were honored Nov. 21 during the 15th Annual AAEP Foundation Celebration during the association’s recent convention. Mylestone Equine Rescue will receive a $1,000 donation in the names of Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson, courtesy of the AAEP, and $1,000 worth of equine health care products, courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health.

The two veterinarians provide low-cost veterinary care for Mylestone Equine Rescue, a sanctuary for 34 abused, neglected and relinquished horses in Warren County, N.J. For the past 17 years, Dr. Hamorski has acted as the veterinary backbone of the rescue, treating horses recovering from complicated medical conditions, including starvation, lameness, founder and the lingering effects of brutality. Dr. Wilson joined Dr. Hamorski’s efforts when she was hired at the practice a few years ago and now serves as the primary veterinarian for the rescue.

Nominator Susan Kelly Thompson, the director of Mylestone, says Dr. Hamorski came to her aid when she founded the rescue out-of-pocket in the early 1990s. She said Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson have never charged for a routine veterinary visit. In addition, the veterinarians actively support the rescue by participating in annual fundraising events, hosting public education events about unwanted horses and promoting the rescue’s mission to their clients. In lieu of wedding favors, Dr. Wilson dedicated each table at her wedding reception to a horse at Mylestone and provided those horses with a donation. For more information about Mylestone Equine Rescue or to sponsor a horse, visit www.mylestone.org.

Throughout 2011, the Good Works for Horses Campaign has highlighted selfless acts of service by AAEP members. Equine organizations, rescue facilities and horse owners nominated their veterinarians throughout the year for monthly recognition. Nine veterinarians were selected for monthly honors and their stories were featured on the AAEP’s website, monthly newsletter, bi-monthly e-newsletter and Facebook page.

The Good Works Campaign was sponsored in part by AAEP Educational Partner Pfizer Animal Health. Pfizer Animal Health strives to improve horse health by helping to build strong relationships between veterinarians and horse owners and providing a range of products backed by the highest standards of scientific research.

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 nearly 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.