AAEP Past Presidents’ & EQUUS Foundation Research Career Awards

Research Career Awards (RCA) Program

The Foundation for the Horse recognizes the need to support research training of equine veterinary researchers. Supplementing financial support for individuals in postgraduate and residency research training programs benefits this goal. This award is intended to encourage American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) members in equine research training programs to continue in equine research during their careers.

The Foundation makes these awards annually when funds and qualified candidates are available through the AAEP Past President Endowment and the EQUUS Foundation.

Ideal candidates are graduates of a school/college of veterinary medicine who have experience conducting equine research and are nearing completion of a residency or doctorate degree. Candidates may also have recently completed a residency or doctoral program.

Award

• $5,000 financial award paid directly to the recipient
• Complimentary AAEP Convention registration
• $1,500 travel stipend for attending the AAEP Annual Convention

This award may be used in collaboration with other funding. Applicants who are seeking funding for their research project or have secured funding from other organizations are eligible to apply as this award focuses on supporting the researcher, not the project.

Eligibility (All below are required)

• Applicants shall be one of the following:
  • A DVM (or equivalent) AND in one of the following trainee programs:
    • Graduate student
    • Research residency
    • Research fellowship
    • Postdoctoral program

– OR – 

• • A dual DVM/PhD student in the research phase of their program
• Current AAEP member with membership paid through the award year: June 30, 2027.
• Mentored by an equine-focused researcher on faculty at a university or in private practice.

Note: The training program must have a substantial equine research component. Preference may be given to those applying from AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges. Individuals with a >50% faculty appointment are not eligible for this award.

Selection Criteria

• Potential for the applicant’s research to contribute to equine veterinary medicine
• Sincere intent for a long-term career in equine veterinary research
• Experience within horse industry, equine veterinary medicine, and equine research
• Professional accomplishments

Application

Please note that the following application components are included in the online application. Please follow the Application Instructions

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae
• Scientific Abstract
• Mentor Evaluation & Recommendation – completed online by research mentor or advisor. Please share the Mentor Form with your mentor.

Failure to comply with all requirements may result in a negative impact on candidacy.

Instructions for Research Mentors

Please complete the Mentor Form and submit your Letter of Recommendation before August 15, 2026.

If you have questions, please email eyoung@foundationforthehorse.org.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2026