The Foundation for the Horse, the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), has announced the first recipients of the Tennessee Equine Hospital Scholarship: Hannah Morton at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine and John Wofford at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. Both students in their third year of veterinary school and pursuing equine practice careers will receive $5,000 scholarships and be honored during the AAEP’s 71st Annual Convention in Denver on December 7, 2025. 

Hannah Morton

Morton aims to advance equine veterinary medicine through mentorship, community outreach, and improving access to affordable horse care. She plans to complete an internship and practice as an ambulatory general practitioner with interests in sports medicine, ultrasound, and emergency care. Morton’s leadership includes more than a decade of teaching adaptive horseback riding, serving as head instructor at Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, and mentoring peers as Equine‑Interested Liaison for the UC Davis Equine Medicine Club. 

 

 

John Wofford

Wofford aspires to a residency in equine surgery following a yearlong internship in equine surgery and sports medicine. Despite financial challenges, Wofford has organized a student colic surgery wet lab and advanced his specialized equine skills. As president of his Student American Veterinary Medical Association chapter, he updated governing bylaws and established Personal Development Travel Grants. Wofford plans to remain active in organized veterinary medicine with the goal of future AAEP leadership. 

Funded by the Tennessee Equine Hospital Endowment, established by practice partners and clients, the scholarship honors outstanding third-year veterinary students pursuing general equine practice. The endowment supports three key Foundation mission areas: student scholarships, care for horses at risk, and investment in equine research. 

“Tennessee Equine Hospital’s commitment to advancing student education, equine research, and the welfare of horses at risk is extraordinary,” said David Foley, executive director of AAEP and The Foundation for the Horse. “Their investment exemplifies how veterinary professionals and their clients together strengthen the future of equine care.” 

Founded in 1991 as an ambulatory practice in Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Equine Hospital now employs more than 20 veterinarians and operates in four locations serving horses in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The practice moved to its current referral facility in Thompson’s Station in 1998. 

For more information about this program and other scholarships, visit foundationforthehorse.org/impact/student-education. 

About The Foundation for the Horse 

Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization transforming the lives of horses through equine veterinary education and scholarships, equine medical research, natural disaster relief, and support for working equids and horses in need around the world. As the charitable arm of the AAEP, The Foundation is governed and stewarded by leading equine veterinarians and industry stakeholders. The Foundation awards more than $1 million annually in scholarships, grants, and program support to help horses worldwide. To learn more, visit foundationforthehorse.org.