The Foundation for The Horse

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The Foundation for The Horse

Our mission: transforming the lives of horses.
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We improve the welfare of the horse through education and scholarships, equine medical research, disaster relief, and support for working equids and horses in need.

08/21/2026

Some mentors don’t just teach the profession — they welcome you into it.

This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐢𝐦 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧, whose career has been defined by his dedication to equine reproduction, lifelong relationships, and mentoring that extended far beyond the clinic.

A graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Biermann began his career serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps before returning home to Louisiana to build a private equine practice. He later founded A&I Stallion Station in Covington, where he and his wife, Linda, developed a respected breeding operation serving clients across the country.

Known for his expertise in equine reproduction, Dr. Biermann built a community where students, young veterinarians, and aspiring horse doctors were welcomed in, challenged, and supported every step of the way. The community he built championed him back, and he was inducted into The Foundation for the Horse's My Mentor Honor Wall in 2021.

For many, learning from Dr. Biermann wasn’t just professional — it was personal.

“Like many others before me, Dr. Biermann welcomed me into his home and business just like I was part of the family. He fostered my curiosity and interest in equine reproduction from very early on in our relationship, and his approach to veterinary medicine was made so clear in everything that he did. I admired his exceptional dedication to his patients, his clients, and his family. Despite the long hours and rigors of the job, he always found time to take an extra second to explain something or encourage a positive behavior. His “can-do” attitude had tremendous influence on my style of practice and my willingness to push myself to boundaries within my career I did not think were possible.”—James Talbot, DVM, Carolina Equine Hospital

Dr. Biermann showed that mentorship isn’t just sharing knowledge — it’sopening doors, investing in people, and walking alongside them as they grow.

👉Read more about Dr. Biermann: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/james-biermann-dvm/

✨ Honor someone who shaped your journey: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/support/mentor-honor-program/

08/19/2026

The 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦, hosted by The Foundation for the Horse, will bring together researchers, clinicians and specialists from around the world March 9-11, 2027, in Ocala, Florida, to share the latest advancements in equine colic research.

📣 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧!

Submit your research for the opportunity to present your work and contribute to the conversations helping advance our understanding, prevention and treatment of equine colic.

📅𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Learn more about the symposium and abstract submission guidelines:
https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/equine-colic-research-symposium

08/18/2026

🐴 Advancing Equine Health Through Research & Collaboration!

Investing in equine research and sharing knowledge is one of the three foundational pillars of The Foundation for the Horse. In Lexington, Kentucky, this week, we have been proud to sponsor the 15th International Havemeyer Foundation Horse Genome Workshop! 🧬✨

Today, Dr. Carrie Finno—chair of The Foundation’s Research Working Group and head of the Finno Laboratory at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine—delivered an inspiring plenary session titled: Feeding the Future: Genetics, Nutrition, and Epigenetics.

Nearly 100 clinicians, researchers, residents, and graduate students from around the globe gathered to present and share groundbreaking genetic research aimed at improving the health and welfare of horses worldwide.

We remain committed to supporting the dedicated scientists and practitioners who are working hard every day—For the Horse!

👉 Learn more about our research initiatives and support future breakthroughs: foundationforthehorse.org

08/17/2026

The AAEP Annual Convention is where future equine veterinarians become part of the profession.

You'll learn from industry leaders, meet potential mentors, explore career opportunities, connect with students from veterinary schools across the country, and so much more.

The 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, courtesy of The Foundation for the Horse and Altano Group, exists to help more students experience these opportunities by reducing financial barriers.

If attending the AAEP Annual Convention is on your radar this year, reach out to your AAEP Student Chapter Advisor about being nominated!

📅 Early-decision nominations due by 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔.
🔗https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/student-convention-reimbursement-program/

08/14/2026

Progress often begins with those willing to ask why — and keep asking until they find a better answer.

This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞 “𝐌.𝐁.” 𝐓𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, whose career was defined by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to advancing equine veterinary medicine.

A graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Teigland began practicing in an era with limited tools and technology — relying on instinct, observation, and a relentless drive to understand the horse. That curiosity became the foundation of a successful equine practice in South Florida, where he helped advance orthopedic surgery and deepen understanding of emerging equine diseases.

As one of the earliest members and a past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, he played a key role in shaping the profession and encouraging others to stay engaged in organized veterinary medicine. In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into The Foundation for the Horse's My Mentor Honor Wall in 2020.

But perhaps his influence is best reflected in the veterinarians who worked alongside him — and the way they continue to carry his approach forward.

“He truly enjoyed practice and helping the young associates advance their knowledge. He would set aside an afternoon and join me going over the cases. It seemed like magic when he would quickly examine the cases and provide a diagnosis. Would I ever achieve that level of expertise? He was always challenging the young veterinarians to work hard and practice with class and a high moral character.”—Thomas D. Brokken, DVM, Teigland, Franklin & Brokken

Dr. Teigland passed away in 2019, but his legacy lives on through those who share his curiosity and seek to better understand the horse.

👉Read more about Dr. Teigland: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/melbourne-b-teigland-dvm/

✨ Honor someone who shaped your journey: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/support/mentor-honor-program/

08/12/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 recognize that supporting the future of equine research means supporting the people who make it possible.

If you're an eligible early-career equine researcher, don't miss this opportunity to receive financial support, complimentary registration to the AAEP Annual Convention and a travel stipend to help you continue growing your career.

Know someone who would be a great candidate? Please share this opportunity before applications close.

🗓️ Applications must be submitted by 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟓.

Learn more and apply: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/research-career-award/

08/10/2026

That's a wrap on the 2026 TEVA Summer CE Symposium! 💙

Whether you stopped by to learn more about our scholarships, research, disaster relief efforts or programs supporting horses at risk, we're grateful for every conversation and every new connection.

A huge thank you to the Texas Equine Veterinary Association for another wonderful event in beautiful Horseshoe Bay. We had such a great time connecting with equine veterinarians, veterinary students and industry partners while sharing the work of The Foundation for the Horse.

Thank you to everyone who made this year's symposium so memorable. We can't wait to see you all next year in Round Rock!

08/08/2026

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲!

A career in equine research is built on more than great ideas.
It's built through mentorship. Professional connections. Continuing education. Opportunities to collaborate with others who share your passion for advancing equine health.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 are designed to help emerging researchers access those opportunities through financial support, complimentary registration to the AAEP Annual Convention and a travel stipend.
If you're eligible — or know someone who is — we encourage you to apply and help us spread the word.

⏰ Applications close 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟓.

Learn more and apply: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/research-career-award/

08/07/2026

The strongest leaders don't create followers — they inspire more leaders.

This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 "𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞" 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐥, whose lifelong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and organized veterinary medicine has inspired generations of equine veterinarians to serve beyond themselves.

A graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Vail joined Littleton Large Animal Clinic in 1960, helping build what is now Littleton Equine Medical Center into one of the nation's most respected equine practices. Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than six decades, he has served as a trusted practitioner, founding partner, multi-association leader, racing veterinarian, and Colorado Racing Commissioner.

His influence extends far beyond clinical practice. A past president of the American American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. Vail devoted his career to strengthening organized veterinary medicine through leadership, continuing education, and service. He also authored the association's history, chronicling its second 25 years and was recognized as an AAEP Distinguished Life Member. In recognition of his extraordinary impact as a mentor, he was inducted into The Foundation for the Horse's My Mentor Honor Wall in 2021.

"Through his work as a founding partner of Littleton Equine, past president of both AAEP and the Western Veterinary Conference and positions within other arms of organized veterinary medicine, Charlie has always taken the “30,000-foot view,” promoting individuals and resources that advance the welfare of the horse, further veterinary medicine, support the industry and maintain the reputation of veterinary medicine as one of the most trusted and ethical professions in the world." — Ann E. Dwyer, DVM, Genesee Valley Equine Clinic, PLLC

Dr. Vail reminds us that our legacy isn't measured by the positions we hold, but by the leaders we encourage and the profession we leave stronger than we found it.

👉Read more about Dr. Vail: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/charles-d-vail-dvm/

✨ Honor someone who shaped your journey: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/support/mentor-honor-program/

08/05/2026

The journey to AAEP Annual Convention starts now!

The Foundation for the Horse's 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, supported by Altano Group, helps make one of the profession's premier educational experiences more accessible by providing:
✔ Complimentary AAEP Annual Convention student registration
✔ Complimentary Extended Student Program registration
✔ $500 travel reimbursement after AAEP Annual Convention

Student Chapter Advisors may nominate up to 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, plus 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, for consideration.

If you're a veterinary student interested in attending, now is the time to connect with your Student Chapter Advisor.

📅 Early-decision nominations close 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔.
🔗https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/student-convention-reimbursement-program/

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4033 Iron Works Pkwy
Lexington, KY
40511

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Website

http://FoundationForTheHorse.org/

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