33 equine veterinary students win scholarships

Lexington, Ky.

-- Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 were awarded through the Winner's Circle Scholarship Program during June to 33 students who study equine veterinary medicine in 28 states, four Canadian provinces and at one school in the West Indies.

The program is funded through a partnership among the Race for Education, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and Platinum Performance, which began in 2007.

The scholarships provide financial assistance to fourth-year veterinary students who demonstrate leadership and participation in student chapters of the AAEP.

"When we help future equine veterinarians reach their goals, we are helping to protect the health and welfare of the horse for decades to come," said Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, AAEP Foundation chairman in announcing the awards.

The Winner's Circle program is offered annually and is promoted at the Opportunities in Equine Practice Seminar at Lexington's Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and at the AAEP convention in December.

The scholarships are among several offered by the Race for Education, which has awarded $2.5 million in grants over the last seven years. Aside from the Winner's Circle program, it supports undergrad students with family members connected to the equine industry or who want to pursue careers involving horses.

For more information about all three Winner's Circle partner organizations, visit their Web sites: www.raceforeducation.org, www.aaepfoundation.organd www.platinumperformance.com.