Four future horse doctors currently in their fourth year of outstanding veterinary school performance are the 2023 recipients of $75,000 Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarships. The Foundation for the Horse will present their awards Nov. 30 during the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 69th Annual Convention in San Diego, Calif.
Penelope Knight created the Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship in 2015. Since the award of the first scholarships in 2016, 28 AAEP student members have shared in cumulative proceeds of $2,175,000.
The scholarship recipients, selected from 47 distinguished applicants, are:
Anne Brien, Kansas State University
Brien has actively engaged with the equine veterinary community throughout her academic journey. As vice president of the Kansas State University Student Chapter for the AAEP (SCAAEP), she managed the social media, organized events, and fostered learning opportunities. Anne also forged connections with equine professionals nationwide and gained practical experience at the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event. Brien aspires to become an equine-focused practitioner, working towards expanding mixed animal hospitals’ equine capabilities, and actively contributing to the veterinary profession through AAEP and AVMA involvement. Additionally, she plans to be a role model for Native American students in animal health and promote animal welfare within Native American communities by addressing disparities in veterinary representation and underserved communities’ access to equine care.
Megan Elcombe, University of California, Davis
Elcombe’s post-graduation plans include joining a racetrack practice, specifically focusing on Thoroughbreds and equine sports medicine, while upholding ethical standards and advocating for horse welfare. She is committed to addressing the sustainability of equine practice and, in the next five years, aims to leverage her foundation in equine and racetrack medicine to promote positive development in the field. Her passion for equine sports medicine was solidified during her master’s project and a subsequent internship in Kentucky, focusing on lameness and integrative medicine.
Bailey Fritz, Kansas State University
Fritz’s veterinary journey began with active involvement in SCAAEP, where she expanded lab topics and organized an equine mentorship group as president. After receiving her veterinary degree, Fritz plans to complete an equine surgical residency and pursue a dual clinical and research position in academia, focusing on equine pain and soft tissue injuries. Her doctoral work in physiology will facilitate impactful research during her residency. After an equine internship, Bailey seeks to establish strong connections and collaborate on meaningful equine research. She also hopes to mentor aspiring equine veterinarians and make a lasting impact on the field.
Margaret (Meg) Lemons, University of Georgia
Lemons’ ambition is to become a board-certified large animal specialist and clinician-scientist, addressing ethical challenges and seeking a balanced approach in equine veterinary medicine. With a background in science and a deep commitment to equine athletes’ well-being, she intends to bridge the gap between clinicians and scientists through future PhD training. Ultimately, Meg envisions returning to a veterinary institution to merge mentorship, teaching, clinical practice, and research as an integrated part of her career.
“At Coyote Rock Ranch, quality equine veterinarian medicine lies at the heart of our program. In helping future veterinarians achieve success, we elevate the entire equine industry and ultimately the welfare of the horse,” said Mrs. Knight. “With my overall aim of supporting education, research and advancements in care for the horse, I am pleased to offer these scholarship opportunities to our next generation of equine veterinarians.”
For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit foundationforthehorse.org.
About Coyote Rock Ranch
Coyote Rock Ranch, owned by Penelope Knight and located in the beautiful high desert country of Central Oregon, is a breeding operation for high-end cutting horses. Committed to quality in everything they do, Coyote Rock Ranch has a reputation for breeding and raising well-bred American Quarter Horses with the pedigree and care to become tomorrow’s champions. To learn more, visit www.coyoterockranch.com.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and programs impacting Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation annually awards over $1 million annually in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit foundationforthehorse.org.
Contact: Allison Chick
(913) 238-8379
achick@foundationforthehorse.org
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