The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation has awarded the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) a grant of $10,000 to support its Operation Gelding program.

Operation Gelding provides funds and materials to help groups nationwide organize low-and no-cost clinics for owners who might not otherwise be able to afford to have their stallions castrated by a certified veterinarian. In 2017, the UHC introduced a funding increase from $50 to $100 per horse, and a voucher program was put in place to help owners and rescue organizations that might have trouble attending a clinic due to transportation or other issues.

“The AAEP Foundation is proud to continue its support of this important program,” said Richard Mitchell, DVM, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVSMR, AAEP Foundation Advisory Council chairman. “This program not only helps address a need but also helps to educate veterinary students, veterinary technicians, and equine caretakers while assisting with the unwanted horse population.”

Doug Corey, DVM, UHC chairman, said, “The increase in funding the UHC is able to provide was in large part aided by the generous grant from the AAEP Foundation. By gelding a stallion, the UHC aims to prevent unintentional and overbreeding, thereby reducing the number of unwanted foals. This grant from the Foundation will allow the UHC to continue to grow and expand the Operation Gelding program, and reduce the number of unwanted horses nationwide.”

Added UCH Director Ashley Furst, “Funding for Operation Gelding comes solely from donations and grants like this one from the AAEP Foundation. The Foundation has been actively involved in and a supporter of the Operation Gelding program since its inception in 2010, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued contribution.”

Since 2010, Operation Gelding has supported 172 clinics in 33 states and has seen 1,982 stallions castrated.

Interested individuals can support Operation Gelding by hosting a clinic or sending a tax-deductible contribution to the American Horse Council Foundation. Contact Furst at afurst@horsecouncil.org or visit unwantedhorsecoalition.org to learn more.