The Foundation for the Horse today announced that its “Taking the Lead – The Campaign for the Horse” concluded Dec. 31 after three years and $12,034,260 in support. This marks a record three-year giving cycle for The Foundation and a successful first-ever campaign for the 28-year-old charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Chaired by Dr. Monty McInturff, founding partner and president of Tennessee Equine Hospital in Thompson’s Station, Tenn., the campaign launched quietly in January 2020 and announced a $10 million goal publicly in December 2021 with $6.8 million committed at that time.
“This is our way of giving back to the horse,” said Dr. McInturff. “It’s horse doctors, horse owners and industry organizations going above and beyond for the welfare of horses. I am exceptionally gratified by what we have achieved together, and I am especially proud of the 1,051 first-time donors to The Foundation who rallied to the cause with a campaign gift.”
The ambitious three-year timeline reflected the urgency of its priorities to increase grant and scholarship support for equine medical research; veterinary students; and programs for horses at risk of abandonment, neglect, infectious disease, or in need of urgent medical care.
“This is what we’re all about—providing resources so that students become first-rate equine veterinarians, researchers improve the practice of equine medicine, and programs help horses in times of urgent need,” said Foundation Chair Dr. Rick Mitchell, co-founder and partner-owner of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. “It is our duty to serve the medical needs of the horse, and no other organization does what we do.”
To learn more about The Foundation’s impact on the welfare of horses around the world or to make a gift to The Foundation, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
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 help for Horses at Risk. It is governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders. In 2022, and for the second consecutive year, The Foundation awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
Contact: Keith Kleine
Director of Industry Relations
kkleine@aaep.org or (859) 327-8750