The Foundation Advisory Council at its summer meeting selected recipients from a group of applications and ongoing projects seeking continued Foundation support. These recommendations were ratified by The Foundation board of directors. 

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.

Allocated funds are also 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 and its impact on horse welfare, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org. 

About The Foundation for the Horse 
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and Benevolence. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation awards over $600,000 annually in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org. 

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Press release by Keith Kleine - Director of Industry Relations