AAEP PAST PRESIDENTS & EQUUS FOUNDATION RESEARCH CAREER AWARDS

The Foundation for the Horse, with support from American Association of Equine Practitioners Past Presidents and the EQUUS Foundation, recognizes the need to support research training of equine veterinary researchers. Supplementing support for individuals in postgraduate and residency research training programs benefits this goal. This award is intended to encourage AAEP members in 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
  • 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)

  • A DVM (or equivalent) and a trainee in a graduate program (master’s or doctoral), residency training program / research fellowship program, or a student in a dual DVM + Ph.D. training program.
  • Current AAEP member with membership paid through the award year: June 30, 2026.
  • Mentored by a veterinary faculty researcher 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. Tenure-track or career-track faculty 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
  • Academic performance
  • Professional accomplishments before and after graduation


APPLICATION

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

  • Letter of Intent – Upload a one-page cover letter outlining your long-term equine research intent.
  • Scientific Abstract – Upload a PDF, please follow the Instructions for Scientific Abstract.
  • Curriculum Vitae – Upload a PDF, not to exceed two pages.
  • 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 the deadline: October 15, 2025.  If you have questions, please email eyoung@foundationforthehorse.org.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 15, 2025, by 11:59 pm EST