The Foundation for the Horse has approved $638,922 in grants for 31 programs and projects committed to its mission of improving the wellbeing of horses.
The advisory council for the Foundation, which was incorporated in 1994 by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), recently announced it had selected recipients from a group at its summer meeting.
The disbursement includes support for five working equid welfare projects administered by “Equitarian” veterinarians and others throughout Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and the United States. Scholarship support to help students and recent graduates offset the financial strain of veterinary school includes the inaugural Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship, an endowed scholarship established by friends, colleagues and clients of the retired Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital co-founder.
Funds also were earmarked for disaster preparedness programs in Kentucky and West Africa; and continued support of veterinary first responders in areas prone to floods and wildfires.
Other projects receiving funds include essential skills workshops and convention programming for students as well as seven equine research projects spearheaded by graduate students and/or residents.
“In a year where we’ve seen a greater need than ever before we are so grateful to our donors that have joined in supporting our mission,” said Richard Mitchell, DVM, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVSMR, chair of The Foundation for the Horse Advisory Council. “The Foundation’s investment in equine veterinary education, research, and support for horses at risk will truly improve the welfare for many horses and working equids.”
Following is a list of grants by focus area:
Education:
Scholarships:
- AAEP Past Presidents’ Research Fellowship
- Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship
- Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarships (3)
- EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowship
- Merck Animal Health Scholarships (5)
- The Foundation for the Horse Research Fellowship
- Zoetis Scholarships (5)
Educational Programs:
- AAEP Programs: Student Essential Skills Workshops, Student Convention Programs, Veterinary Leadership Development Workshop, New Practitioners Symposium
- World Equine Veterinary Association Congress.
Research:
- 7 research projects investigated by emerging equine scientists
Horses at Risk:
Disaster Preparedness/Relief:
- Brook USA Foundation – Disaster Preparedness in West Africa Farming Communities
- Disaster Relief Support for Trusted Partners in California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas
- Equitarian Initiative – Haiti Earthquake Relief
- Kentucky Horse Council – Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training
Working Equid Welfare:
- Cart Horse Protection Association – Horse Health Project
- Equitarian Initiative – Distance Education Online Learning Platform
- Equitarian Initiative – Equitarian Programs for South Dakota American Indian Reservations
- Equitarian Initiative – Young Leadership Development Scholarships
- Namibian Animal Welfare Association – Project Donkey Harness
Horses at Risk and in Transition:
- Equine Disease Communication Center
- Equine Welfare Data Collective
- EQUUS Foundation – Safe Landings Program
- Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium
- United Horse Coalition
- Vet Direct Safety Net
For more information about The Foundation, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
