The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)bestowedits inauguralOlive Kendrick Britt Rising Star AwarduponJamie Clark, DVM,a Montana-based equine ambulatory relief veterinarianwho is prioritizingretention efforts in equine veterinary medicine.The Olive Kendrick Britt Rising Star Awardhonors an AAEP member within the first decade of their career for leadership or engagement withinthe AAEP and/or profession or for design and delivery of research that advances horse health or veterinarian wellbeing.Clark accepted her awardDec. 9 during the Presidents Luncheon at the AAEPs 71stAnnual Convention in Denver, Colorado.After receiving her veterinary degree from Washington State University in 2019, Clark completed an equine field service internshipat Colorado State University before joining Montana EquineMedical and Surgical Centerin 2020as an associate in its Helena division.Sheembarkedon equine ambulatory relief workin 2025and will be launching 360 Equine Performance in spring 2026. The equine ambulatory servicewill focus onperformancehorse care and be based primarily in Helena, Montana, with winters in Ocala, Florida.Beyond her daily practice,Clark hasembraced and activelycontributedto AAEPsequine veterinarysustainability efforts. Shehas been integral tothegrowth andsuccess of the AAEPs Foundational Skills in Equine Practice continuing education event,designedto equip early career practitioners withessentialsskills for long-term success.Clarkserved on theplanning committeeto organize lectures and wet labs for 60 participantsfor theinitialevent in February 2022. Shestepped intoa leadership role byservingas program co-chairfor the second edition of the meeting in October 2023andcontinued with theevent seriesas an instructorforthe third renewal in August 2025.Reinforcing her commitment toprofessionalsustainability,Clarkservedas co-moderator of a Table Topiconmodernparenting in equine practiceat the 2024 AAEP Annual Convention;and she is an original member of the AAEPs Early Career Committee, established inlate2024to engage with recent graduates as well as develop resources andnetworking opportunities.Dr. Clarkis passionate about the horse, her family, and helping others reach their goals, said nominator Luke Bass, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP. Not only has Dr. Clark found her calling in life to be an equine veterinarian, but she also isdedicated and passionate about AAEP and its educational mission.Award namesakeDr. Olive Kendrick Brittwas the first female large animal intern/resident attheUniversity of Pennsylvania who also practiced as the first woman equine veterinarian in Virginia.