A weekend to highlight the positives in equine veterinary practice. 

By Crystal Lee, DVM, DACVS-LA 

Burwash Equine Services in Cochrane, Alberta hosted the second annual Spotlight: Equine Vet Practice in Canada event on January 11-12, 2025. Thirty veterinary technician students and thirty first- and second-year veterinary students from across Canada gathered for a weekend focused on highlighting the positives of a career in equine practice. Lectures showcased a day in the life of veterinarians and registered veterinary technologists across the spectrum of the equine industry. Veterinary students took part in practical labs on dentistry and ultrasound, and registered veterinary technology students participated in practical labs on anesthesia and radiography. The expenses, travel, and hotel costs of students from across Canada attending the conference were fully subsidized by sponsorship funds from 38 veterinary practices and 19 industry sponsors.  

There is a critical shortage of veterinarians in Canada, and that shortage is even more acute in the equine sector. This is an issue that is going to affect everyone involved in the horse industry sooner or later. The event had very positive feedback from the students attending, with 95% of students reporting that they were either more strongly considering equine veterinary medicine or had confirmed equine veterinary medicine as their career choice due to the event.  

Burwash Equine Services is looking forward to the third annual Spotlight on January 10-11, 2026, and welcome any new sponsors who would like to support our up-and-coming young equine vets and techs across the country.