The Equine Veterinary Education Program (EVEP) at Lincoln Memorial University’s Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is the first program of its kind among U.S. veterinary schools. Developed to address the national shortage of equine practitioners, the program provides a targeted, immersive pathway for students committed to careers in equine medicine. EVEP integrates advanced, practice-focused training with the DVM curriculum to produce graduates who are clinically confident and prepared to contribute immediately to equine practices. The program was created in response to documented workforce trends indicating substantial attrition within equine practice during the first five years after graduation, underscoring the need for enhanced preparation and structured professional support.
Strategically located in Harrogate, Tennessee—between the Thoroughbred industry of Lexington, Kentucky and major sport horse regions of Virginia and North Carolina—the program leverages proximity to diverse equine populations and practice settings. Students complete a structured equine-focused curriculum that emphasizes real-world clinical experiences, industry engagement, and advanced skills development, culminating in a certificate awarded at graduation. By aligning rigorous academic preparation with extensive hands-on training, EVEP strengthens the pipeline of highly qualified equine veterinarians and supports the long-term sustainability of the U.S. horse industry