Gabrielle Dewhurst, a third-year equine veterinary student at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Dr. William H. Sweeney Memorial Scholarship.
Dewhurst will be formally recognized and awarded this $5,000 scholarship during the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 71st Annual Convention in Denver on December 7, 2025.
Managed through The Foundation for the Horse, this endowed scholarship was established in 2023 in honor of its namesake to reward a veterinary student who demonstrates academic excellence, active participation in their Student AAEP Chapter, and dedicated efforts toward innovation in equine practice.
“Gabrielle embodies the spirit of dedication, common sense, and innovation that defined Dr. Sweeney’s incredible career,” said David Foley, AAEP and The Foundation for the Horse executive director. “As a third-year student, her commitment to the Student AAEP Chapter at the University of Georgia and her pursuit of novel diagnostic and treatment methods for equine athletes made her the standout choice for this inaugural award. We are excited to see the impact she will undoubtedly have on the future of horse health.”
Dewhurst’s career interests focus on equine practice in the Standardbred and harness racing industry, with plans to return to Vernon, New York, to serve this often underserved community. As president of UGA’s Student Chapter of the AAEP, she has led initiatives to expand mentorship and clinical opportunities for aspiring equine veterinarians through outreach and the development of an externship review platform.
The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Dr. William H. Sweeney, an innovative equine veterinarian, educator, and mentor who practiced for decades. Dr. Sweeney was respected by peers and clients alike for his dedication, knowledge, common sense, and professionalism.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, Dr. Sweeney received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1967. After practicing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, he co-founded the Bloomington Veterinary Hospital with his brother, Dr. Jim Sweeney, and later expanded to the Equine Medical Center in Lakeville in 1976. He and his practice served horses and the profession for decades across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, 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 American Association of Equine Practitioners (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.
