The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation has approved 2016 funding of $459,198 for 27 equine organizations and special projects committed to improving the welfare of the horse.

The Foundation Advisory Council selected recipients from a group of applications and ongoing projects seeking continued foundation funding during its July meeting. The AAEP board of directors ratified those recommendations.

Among the initiatives receiving support are veterinary student scholarships and educational programs, equine research, Equitarian workshops, unwanted horse programs, and professional and youth development.

New initiatives receiving funding are veterinary student training in working equid medicine through the American Fondouk and Tufts University, the Louisiana State Animal Response Team’s Disaster Training Boot Camp, the 2016 Donkey Welfare Symposium at Cornell University, the U.S. Pony Club’s Equine Management Curriculum, and support-limb laminitis research projects at the University of Florida and University of Pennsylvania.

Recipients (by category) include:

Equine Advocacy/Unwanted Horses

  • American Veterinary Medical Association Foundation’s Congressional Science Fellowship
  • Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium
  • Unwanted Horse Coalition and its Operation Gelding Program

Equine Research

  • AAEP Past Presidents’ Research Fellow
  • EQUUS Foundation/AAEP Foundation Research Fellow
  • Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation—EIPH