The American Standardbred Adoption Program (ASAP), was named grand-prize winner in the Zoetis Equine Charity Sweepstakes. The equine charity in De Soto, Wisconsin, received a $5,000 donation from Zoetis on behalf of Taylor Rietveld, a third-year veterinary medical student at Purdue University.
An American Standardbred horse
The American Standardbred Adoption Program received a $5,000 donation from Zoetis following nomination by Taylor Rietveld, veterinary student from Purdue University.
© 2018 by Izzypie
Rietveld nominated ASAP while attending the 2017 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Convention.
“This was my first time attending the AAEP Annual Convention, and it was certainly memorable! I knew instantly that I would nominate those working to find new beginnings for Standardbred horses following their racing careers,” said Rietveld.
“I grew up in the Midwest raising and racing Standardbreds, so I know firsthand how great this breed is. I’m extremely excited to be able to give back to the horses that helped spark my passion for veterinary medicine.”
Founded in 1994, the ASAP works to find new beginnings for approximately 100 former Standardbred racing horses per year. The program intakes donated horses, matches them with adoptive homes and provides horses with health and nutritional support until adoption.
Once placed, the ASAP continues to track the horse’s health and wellbeing for the duration of its life through required annual veterinary wellness appointments.
In addition to placing horses for new careers, the ASAP also works to expose and connect youth to horses by working with local schools and youth organizations. Youth programs sponsored by ASAP focus on youths at risk and with disabilities, offering their facilities for community service or schooling involving horsemanship, riding or driving.
“We take great pride in helping these horses and showcasing the Standardbred’s versatility. It’s entirely a volunteer effort, so to be nominated and receive this financial support is very gratifying,” said Susan Wellman, director, ASAP. “We are so appreciative of the support Zoetis has provided and will use these funds to help more horses find new beginnings.”
“Zoetis is committed to working together with veterinarians, horse owners and equine professionals to help improve health and wellness for all horses,” said Sally Amtmann, senior equine marketing manager, Zoetis. “We are pleased to extend our support to provide resources for the American Standardbred Adoption Program to assist in managing the horses in their care.”
Building on a six-decade history and a singular focus in animal health, Zoetis is a proud educational partner of the AAEP, the American Horse Council and the American Quarter Horse Association; and a supporter of Time to Ride, The Right Horse Initiative and many other equine community activities. For more information on how Zoetis supports the equine industry and works to help horses live long, healthy lives, visit www.zoetisUS.com.
The Zoetis Equine Charity Sweepstakes was held at the 2017 AAEP Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, from Nov. 18-21, 2017. Convention attendees nominated the equine 501(c)(3) charity of their choice at the Zoetis booth, and one grand prizewinner was drawn at random following the show.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services.
Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2016, the company generated annual revenue of $4.9 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetisUS.com.