The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and Markel Insurance Company have partnered to provide scholarships to a group of exceptional fourth-year students committed to careers in equine veterinary medicine.

Eight veterinary students who have dedicated their careers to equine health care will each be awarded with $2,500 scholarships from Markel Insurance Company and the AAEP Foundation. The annual scholarships are presented to fourth-year veterinary students who are proven leaders at their veterinary schools, advocates for equine welfare, and academic achievers. The 2011 award recipients will be announced during the AAEP’s 57th Annual Convention, Nov. 18-22, in San Antonio, Texas.

Since 1989, the AAEP Foundation has collaborated with American Live Stock Inc., now Markel Insurance Company, to offer this annual scholarship program. Over the past 22 years, the program has allocated nearly $320,000 to assist 154 veterinary students in their pursuit of a career in equine medicine.

"Markel Insurance Company has been a leader in equine insurance for many years," said AAEP Foundation Chairman Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVS. "We can’t thank Markel and its dedicated team enough for continuing its leadership by supporting this scholarship program