G. Marvin Beeman

Dr. G. Marvin Beeman should not be mistaken as a mere scientist, he is a horseman who does it all for the horses.

For more than 40 years, the Littleton, Colorado, veterinarian has advocated the well-being of the horse. After he graduated from Colorado State University’s veterinary school in 1957, he vowed that he would contribute to the welfare of the horse whenever possible. Along with his partners, Beeman established Littleton Large Animal Clinic as one of the premier surgical and performance-horse practices in the United States. 

Throughout the years, AQHA has tapped into Beeman’s expertise in for his opinion on everything from altered tail function to therapeutic medication rules. Serving on a multitude of task forces and as the American Association of Equine Practitioners liaison with AQHA for 24 years, he has been instrumental in developing rules that protect Quarter Horses. 

Beeman often lectured on the importance of form. His lectures at AQHA judges seminars emphasized the idea that what works best should be the prettiest, as well as the judges’ role in directing the industry. His presentations on form have been reprinted countless times in the “Conformation” booklet distributed by AQHA.

Beeman’s longtime service to the industry includes a six-year stint on the AAEP executive board, serving as president in 1975. He chaired the AQHA Equine Research Committee from 1981-85, and in 2000 dedicated his 24th year to reading research proposals and allocating money for equine studies.

His advice has been sought by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on animal welfare issues and has earned him a spot on the board of trustees of the American Horse Council, where he headed the health and regulatory committee. 

AQHA named Beeman an Honorary Vice President in 1985, a title reserved for those who make outstanding contributions to the industry. In 2000, he was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. 

Biography updated as of March 2000.