Three exceptional equine veterinary students have each been named recipients of a $10,000 Anne and Richard Stirlen Scholarship, granted by The Foundation for the Horse. These scholarships will be formally awarded at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 71st Annual Convention in Denver on December 7, 2025.
The 2025 Anne and Richard Stirlen Scholarship winners are:
- Dylan Desosa, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Desosa aims to specialize in equine theriogenology, building on clinical experience at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, and leadership as vice president of the Texas A&M student chapter of the AAEP.
- Eden Manuel, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Manuel is pursuing a career in theriogenology, focusing on reproductive medicine, and leadership experience organizing multi-school educational programs, and serving as president of the OSU student chapter of the AAEP.
- Isabella Sabino, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Sabino aspires to become an equine surgeon, pairing interests in surgical and regenerative medicine with a record of organizing educational events, and leadership as incoming president of the CSU student chapter of the AAEP.
The scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Anne and Richard Stirlen of Connecticut, horse owners and advocates who have supported emerging equine veterinarians in managing educational debt. The Stirlens established the awards in honor of their equine veterinarians and friends: Laura Javsicas, VMD, DACVIM; Gus Abuja, DVM, DACVS; and Bradley Amery, DVM.
“Assisted by The Foundation for the Horse, I am delighted to support aspiring equine veterinarians,” Mrs. Stirlen said.
“We owe the Stirlens a tremendous amount of gratitude for this scholarship opportunity,” said Dr. Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, president of The Foundation for the Horse. “Having owners who exhibit profound concern for the well-being of horses through sustained dedication is truly remarkable. Their commitment underscores the significance of education for veterinary students, and the horses they will eventually care for.”
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.
