Each year through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign, Merck donates core and risk-based vaccines to qualifying equine facilities in need with the support of the AAEP veterinarian membership and staff. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse

Ten years ago this month, Merck Animal Health and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) established the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC) to help protect the health of horses in rescues and make them more adoptable.

Each year, Merck Animal Health donates thousands of doses of core and risk-based vaccines to qualifying equine facilities in need with the support of the AAEP veterinarian membership and staff. At the 2018 AAEP Convention, held Dec. 2-5 in San Francisco, California, a special recognition ceremony was held commemorating the anniversary and acknowledging the member veterinarians and rescues who have impacted the lives of thousands of rescue horses.

“While the need may seem unending, every contribution—great or small—makes a difference for these horses,” said Ron McDaniel, Merck Animal Health director of equine sales and UHVRC co-founder. “It is humbling to witness the impact these rescue and retirement facilities are making, along with the sponsoring AAEP-member veterinarians who have dedicated their time and resources to help them. Today is about recognizing their tireless efforts and we’re honored to have played a small part in supporting them over the last decade