Category: AAEP Foundation

AAEP Foundation Equine Disaster Relief Fund Now Accepting Monetary Donations to Aid Hurricane Florence Victims

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As Hurricane Florence makes landfall in the eastern Carolinas, the AAEP Foundation is accepting charitable contributions from individuals and industry organizations in support of its Equine Disaster Relief Fund.

Just as was done in 2017 during hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Foundation will work with agencies and veterinarians in the region to identify the needs of the equine community. Supplies are not being accepted until specific needs are identified.

Authorities indicate that many horses are being relocated inland, putting a heavy strain on facilities and caregivers, while other horses may become stranded in flooded eastern flatlands. The predicted flood waters will make extended care for displaced animals an ongoing need.

“Once we receive an assessment of need and distribution protocols from the agencies and veterinary members in the area, the Foundation will work to meet their needs,” said AAEP’s director of industry relations Keith Kleine.  “While we know people like to donate supplies, monetary support to a trusted charitable organization is always the best response everyone can provide immediately.”

Should Hurricane Florence’s impact be less than anticipated, any unused contributions will be maintained in the Disaster Relief Fund for use in future disasters.

To support the impending needs of these equine victims, please give online at https://foundation.aaep. org/disasterrelief

Developed in 2005 during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the AAEP Foundation Equine Disaster Relief Fund was formed to help ensure the safety and care of horses affected by natural disasters. Since its inception, over $500,000 has been donated through supplies, shipping, and monetary support to aid horses of all breeds in disaster-related situations. Disaster preparedness training and education for horse owners, veterinarians and first responders also receive Fund support.  All money donated is strictly used to benefit horses in need.

Gifts by mail can be sent to: Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4033 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky 40511; (800) 443-0177 (U.S. only) or (859) 233-0147.

About the AAEP Foundation

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of horses. Since its inception, the Foundation has disbursed more than $5.4 million to fulfill its vital mission.

 

Aug.1 Deadline to Apply for AAEP Research Fellow Scholarships

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Applications currently being accepted for the 2018 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation Past Presidents’ and EQUUS Foundation Research Fellows scholarships. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1.

These annual scholarships are awarded to AAEP-member veterinarians who are beginning careers in equine research in graduate school. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship during the AAEP’s 64th Annual Convention in San Francisco, Calif. Dec. 1-5, 2018.

The AAEP Foundation Past Presidents’ Research Fellow and the EQUUS Foundation Research Fellow, established in 2006 and 2011, respectively, emphasize the importance of equine research while rewarding researchers for their personal contributions.

The Foundation created the research fellows to acknowledge the increasing need to train future equine veterinary researchers.

“Companion animals – dogs, cats, and horses – play a central role in our quality of life. Horses thrill us as athletes, grace our lives as companions, instill confidence and teamwork in equestrians of all ages and perform miracles for people with special needs. The impact of horses on our well-being is significant. It is crucial now – more than ever before – that we continue to improve their health and welfare,” said Jenny W. Belknap, Chair, EQUUS Foundation.

These scholarships are made possible through the monetary contributions of AAEP past presidents and The EQUUS Foundation.

“Although it is common for veterinary graduates with an equine interest to pursue residency training in a clinical specialty, it is difficult to get them to the next level of pursuing a career in research and teaching mainly due to economic constraints,” said Richard Mitchell, DVM, MRCVS, DACVSMR, chairman of the AAEP Foundation Advisory Council. “If our knowledge of horse health is going to continue to advance, we must encourage more veterinarians to become researchers. We can’t thank the EQUUS Foundation and AAEP’s past presidents enough for supporting those pursuing careers in equine research.”

Ideal candidates for the research fellows are graduates of an AVMA-accredited school/college of veterinary medicine who have experience conducting equine research and are nearing completion of a residency or doctoral program. Applicants who are seeking funding for their research project or have secured funding from other organizations are eligible to apply, as the scholarships focus on supporting the researcher, not the project.

The scholarship descriptions and applications are accessible on the AAEP Foundation’s website.

 

About AAEP Foundation

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of the horse. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated more than $4 million to support its mission.

 

About EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States dedicated solely to horse welfare and the horse-human bond. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc.: Tele: (203) 259-1550; E-mail: mail@equusfoundation.org; or Website: www.equusfoundation.org.