The Foundation for The Horse

06/18/2026

Today is , and we're celebrating the veterinarians who show up for horses every day.

Their dedication extends far beyond the barn aisle—advancing research, educating horse owners, mentoring future veterinarians, and providing care when horses need it most.

Thank you for your expertise, compassion, and being there 💙🐎

06/17/2026

The horse you love may never meet the researcher whose work improves their life.

But every breakthrough in equine care starts somewhere.

Since 2019, The Foundation for the Horse has awarded 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 $𝟐.𝟏 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟔𝟗 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 advancing horse health and welfare.

🧑‍🔬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬: Applications for 2026 funding are now open. Apply today at the link below!
❤️ 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Your generosity helps turn promising ideas into real-world impact. Contact us at [email protected] to start your impact journey!

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞: foundationforthehorse.org/grants

06/12/2026

Some mentors don’t just guide — they pave the way.

This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡, a trailblazing equine surgeon, educator, and mentor whose career helped lead the way for women in veterinary medicine.

As one of the first women to complete a surgical residency at Penn Vet New Bolton Center and become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Leitch set a new standard in equine sports medicine. From her work with the US Equestrian Team — including the Olympic Games — to decades of teaching, lecturing, and practicing in a clinic, she brought a rare combination of skill, horsemanship, and perspective to everything she did.

But perhaps her greatest impact was on the people she mentored.

“She was a ‘lead by example’ human being… an equal mix of talent, horsemanship and knowledge designed to bring out the best in horses, riders, grooms, colleagues and students.” —Carolyn M. Weinberg, DVM, Spruce Hill Equine

Dr. Leitch showed that mentorship was not just about teaching — it was about setting a standard, challenging others to rise to it, and encouraging them to carry that standard of excellence forward.

Though she has passed, her impact lives on — through the paths she helped forge and the people who continue the important work of caring .

👉Read more about Dr. Leitch: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/midge-leitch-vmd/

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

06/10/2026

Every advancement in equine medicine starts with a question.

The Foundation for the Horse is now accepting applications for its 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬, supporting innovative research that improves equine health, safety and performance.

🔬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬: Up to $50,000 annually for established investigators
🔬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬: Up to $20,000 for early-career researchers

Applications are due 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

🧑‍🔬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬: Apply today at the link below!
❤️ 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Contact us at [email protected] and help fuel the discoveries of tomorrow!

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞: foundationforthehorse.org/grants

06/09/2026

When it comes to protecting horses, staying informed matters.

We're sharing this important update from AAEP regarding New World Screwworm (NWS), including educational resources, current outbreak information and guidance from veterinary experts.

Whether you're a horse owner, veterinarian or equine advocate, we encourage you to take a look and share these resources with your network. Together, we can help safeguard horse health through awareness, preparedness and collaboration.

Please reference the following resources for additional information regarding New World Screwworm (NWS):

1. Equine Disease Communication Center Factsheet: https://equinediseasecc.org/handler/managedfilehandler.ashx?id=103&ext=pdf

2. USDA Map of Current Outbreak: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status?page=1

3. USDA Myth Buster Sheet:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nws-myth-busters.pdf

4. USDA New World Screwworm Webinar for Animal Industry: https://youtu.be/0ZdBU0mBXKE?si=Vi7_Aqe8V-3Jy72X

5. AAEP Alert to Equine Practitioners: New World Screwworm Enters the United States:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alert-to-Equine-Practitioners-FINAL.pdf

06/08/2026

What an incredible week at the Upperville C**t & Horse Show!

While we may not have captured every moment on camera, we spent the week doing what matters most: connecting with the people who make a difference for horses every day. From welcoming American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) members and their guests to sharing conversations about the future of equine health, welfare, education and research, every interaction was a reminder of the strength of our equine community .

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared a story, asked a question or simply spent a few moments with us. We were honored to be part of a tradition that has brought horse people together for more than 170 years.

Until we meet again under the oaks!🌳🐴

06/05/2026

Great mentors don’t just build careers — they build leaders.

This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦 “𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥” 𝐌𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐫, whose career has been defined by education, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing equine veterinary medicine.

From his work at Penn Vet New Bolton Center to decades of leadership at Texas A&M University, Dr. Moyer has shaped the profession through his expertise in equine lameness, his leadership in advancing equine research through initiatives like the Link Equine Research Endowment, and his dedication to developing the next generation of veterinarians. He also played a key role in founding the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team, helping deliver critical veterinary care in times of disaster, and has continued that commitment through his work with The Foundation for the Horse, supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts that protect horses when they need it most.

But perhaps his greatest impact is found in the countless individuals he’s mentored along the way.

“As he did for every member of the faculty of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Dr. Moyer gave his utmost support and guidance for my professional and personal development. As Department Head, he selflessly and exhaustively gave his time and energy to promote the careers of those under his supervision. Always a giver, never a taker. Kinder to everyone than he needed to be. I have not met anyone who has committed so much to helping others, and no one has done more for me than Dr. Moyer. I am so grateful to him for always being available to listen, guide, encourage, and inspire.”– Noah Cohen, VMD, MPH, Ph.D., DAVIM, DAVES, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Moyer has done more than teach — he has opened doors, created opportunities, and championed others at every stage of their careers.

His impact carries forward — through the leaders he’s developed and every horse they go on to serve.

👉Read more about Dr. Moyer: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/william-a-bill-moyer-dvm/

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

06/04/2026

This week, The Foundation for the Horse is connecting with horse lovers, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) members, and supporters of The Foundation for the Horse at the historic Upperville C**t & Horse Show in Upperville, Virginia. This venue provides an opportunity for us to share how philanthropy helps advance equine health, welfare, education, and research .

The oldest horse show in the United States, Upperville has welcomed generations of horsemen, horsewomen and horse lovers since 1853. Held beneath the show's iconic oak trees, the week brings together top-ranked hunters and jumpers, future equestrians, veterinarians, horse owners and industry leaders who share a passion for the horse.

If you're attending Upperville, we'd love to connect with you!

📍 Upperville, Virginia
📅 June 1-7, 2026

06/03/2026

Behind every vaccine is a horse who now has a better chance at a healthier tomorrow. 💙

We, along with supporters like Merck Animal Health, are proud to support organizations like this through our 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬, helping protect horses in rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary care. Thank you for being part of the mission to transform the lives of horses.

Ready to join the impact for equine health worldwide? Get started here >> https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/impact/

05/29/2026

Great mentors don’t just share knowledge — they inspire a lifelong pursuit of it.

This week, we honor 𝐃𝐫. 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐙𝐞𝐧𝐭, whose decades of dedication to equine reproduction and veterinary practice have shaped both the profession and the people within it.

From his early work studying infectious disease and pathology to a long-standing career at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Dr. Zent built a legacy rooted in clinical excellence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to advancing equine care. A respected leader within organizations like the Society for Theriogenology, the Hagyard Bluegrass Equine Symposium, the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, his contributions to education and research reached veterinarians across the country and around the world.

But his greatest impact was in the countless individuals he mentored along the way.

“Not only did I gain an incredible knowledge base in broodmare practice, but I learned an entire approach to daily veterinary practice to the benefit of both the patient and the client. Along with that experience, I learned the value of collaborative thinking in assisting other colleagues that I witnessed from Dr. Zent on many occasions—a personal attribute of this early mentor of mine that I have reflected on throughout my career in giving back to others.”—Stuart E. Brown, II, DVM, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Dr. Zent showed that great veterinary medicine isn’t just about expertise — it’s about curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to invest in others.

Although he passed away, his legacy continues in every veterinarian he influenced and every horse cared for through the knowledge he shared.

👉Read more about Dr. Zent: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/walter-w-zent-dvm/
✨ Honor someone who shaped your journey: https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/support/mentor-honor-program/