Harry W. Werner, VMD
In practice, his cases focused on lameness, prepurchase examinations, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, case consultations, wellness care, and welfare concerns. Werner Equine merged with Grand Prix Equine in 2020, and Werner served as a consultant there through 2021. Retired from active practice, he continues to perform case consultations and to speak and publish articles on lameness, prepurchase examination, equine welfare, veterinary ethics, farrier-veterinarian relationships, and Lyme disease.
Serving the AAEP in various positions for more than 43 years, Werner was the AAEP President in 2009. A member of the Past Presidents’ Advisory Council, and the Practice Culture Subcommittee of AAEP’s Equine Veterinary Sustainability Initiative, Werner helped create the International Forum for Working Equids with then British Equine Veterinary Association President Chris House, and participated in Project Samana, a Dominican Republic equitarian program. He served the World Equine Veterinary Association as a Director and Treasurer.
Elected to the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame in 2013, Werner also received AAEP’s Distinguished Service Award that year. In 2015, his colleagues chose Werner as Connecticut Veterinarian of the Year.
In 2016, the Seth and Lucy Holcombe estate gift established the Dr. Harry Werner Professorship in Equine Medicine at New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine – a position dedicated to teaching, research, and clinical outreach in equine welfare and well-being. AAEP presented the 2017 Distinguished Life Member Award to Werner to recognize his outstanding contributions to AAEP throughout his career.
The American Veterinary Medical Association awarded Werner its 2020 Animal Welfare Award recognizing achievement in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy.
Mentee Comments
Harry Werner is and always has been one of the most involved leaders in AAEP’s history. I suspect that there are very few individuals who have served, and continue to do so, on as many varied committees and task forces. His involvement and efforts include work in his state of Connecticut and AVMA. Harry is without a doubt one of the friendly “givers” I have ever experienced!
– William A. Moyer, DVM
Dr. Harry Werner is the epitome of what it means to be an equine practitioner. The high quality of his lifelong equine practice, his adherence to strict ethical guidelines and his unrelenting desire to advance equine health care should serve as a role model for all horse doctors. Harry has promoted quality equine veterinary medicine through his involvement with equine associations, both on an international, national, and local level, he has championed equine welfare worldwide and he has mentored all practitioner with his vast contributions to continuing education. In fact, the standard for performing a prepurchase examination, as we know it today, was set by Dr. Werner. Harry has the inherent ability to look at a problem or situation, analyze it, think it through and then provide a logical, practical solution. This trait has been invaluable to me over the years with both my practice and my personal life, especially with regards to my daughter.
Harry, this award is so overdue and so well-deserved – congratulations! I am humbled to share a place on this ‘mentor honor wall’ with you and I, like countless others, are honored and privileged to call you a personal friend. Well done!
– Stephen E. O’Grady, DVM, MRCVS
My Mentor: Dr. Werner is one of the wisest and kindest veterinarians that I have had the honor to work with. He has also been an invaluable mentor to me and many others in the Connecticut area. I am pleased to call him a friend.
– Mark R. Baus, DVM
Dr. Werner has inspired the entire team at Grand Prix Equine. Over the decades, the service he provided to the horses and their owners has been truly appreciated. Thank you, Harry, for all you have done!
– Team Grand Prix Equine, LLC
This is in support of Harry Werner VMD and his place on the Mentor Wall. Harry has been a guiding light in equitarian work throughout his career. In the early days of the equitarian initiative, Harry volunteered his time and considerable professional expertise to travel with us on projects in developing countries like the Dominican Republic where he attended to the needs of working equids. He saw the need, and then with his considerable influence he spread the word throughout the world. He used his influence and professional connections to greatly further equitarian ideals and goals throughout the world. He is a mentor’s mentor. I am proud to be a friend and colleague. It is a greatly deserved honor.
– Jay G. Merriam, DVM, MS
A great mentor and trusted colleague. Harry is most deserving of recognition. He belongs on the My Mentor Honor Wall.
– Richard D. Mitchell, DVM, MRCVS, DACVSMR
It has been my honor to know Harry, to learn from him, and to watch his gentle, expert care of my horses, and sometimes me. Cheers.
– Elizabeth Drolet
Harry- There are not enough words to thank you for changing the trajectory of my career. Your wisdom, humor, and humility are a rare combination in this profession and something I strive to channel each and every day.
– Caitlin Rothacker, DVM
Harry, you are an inspiring, ever-caring, and loving friend. I feel very thankful to know you and to share friendship, joy, and especially the love for the horse and the care for it! People like you make a difference.
– Jan-Hein Swagemakers, DVM
Thanks for the mentorship and great memories. God Bless!
– Michael F. Martin, DVM
A truly gifted veterinarian and dear, wonderful friend.
– Susan Petit
You have supported and mentored so many. Well-deserved, my friend!
– Ed Boldt, Jr., DVM
It is a pleasure to honor Harry, a great mentor as my first boss in equine practice so many years ago – and also an all-around great person. Harry taught me how important it is to never lose your sense of humor. Forever grateful.
– Ellen R. Singer, DVM, DVSc., DACVS/ECVS, FRCVS
In honor of an East Coast equine practitioner characterized by generosity, handsomeness + expertise. Dr. Werner is appreciated by all who are lucky enough to interact with him!
– Carolyn M. Weinberg, DVM
Harry, you are the best! Thank you for your undying commitment to the horse and for mentoring so many equine colleagues- such as me!
– Kenton Morgan, DVM
A selfless servant and mentor to us all.
– Brian S. Carroll, DVM
Always one of the good guys. He sees the best in our profession.
– Suzane J. Smith, VMD
You are my Hero!
– Peter A. Kazakevicius, DVM
Humble exceptionalism.
– Rocky W. Bigbie, DVM
If I could make Harry an Honorary Texas Aggie, I would… that’s how much I think of you as a professional, mentor and friend!! Maybe this honor will substitute. You are so very deserving! Gig ’em!!
– Mike T. Martin, DVM