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promotes safe and effective therapeutic riding for those with special needs.
Equine research is another cause in need of funds. Universities and veterinary schools are on the front lines of investigation into all aspects of equine health, from disease prevention and eradication to soundness issues. In addition, the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation works for
the improvement of horse welfare. Every area of the country has a
regional vet school that could use holiday donations. Just two major facilities are the Oklahoma State University Gaylord Center for Excellence in Equine Health and the University of California at Davis Center for Equine Health.
Colleges and universities not only prepare future veterinarians, they train people for careers in the racing industry. The University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program is one such avenue. Its graduates have gone on to work in racetrack management, the pari-mutuel
industry, as trainers, and in
many other jobs.
Scholarships are a major beneficiary of the American Quarter Horse Foundation, which awarded more than $300,000 to 144 students for the 2015-16 academic year. The foundation
also supports equine research and equine- assisted therapies, as well as working to preserve the history of the Quarter Horse breed.
People and horses— they are the lifeblood
of Quarter Horse racing. These organizations see to it that resources are available, no matter what the need. Contributions to any of them would
be well worth consideration.
Where to Donate
Below are just some of the organizations devoted to
helping the people and horses involved in the Quarter Horse racing industry. When planning your holiday giving, keep these types of groups in mind, whether on the national level or in your own community. (Veterinary schools listed are only a few of those available nationwide.)
American Association of
Equine Practitioners Foundation
Works to improve the welfare of horses Website: foundation.aaep.org
American Quarter Horse Foundation
Supports equine research, industry scholarships, equine-assisted therapies, and the preservation of the Quarter Horse’s history
Website: aqha.com/foundation
Oklahoma Equine Disaster Relief Fund
Financially aids victims of tornado, fire, flooding, storms, and other natural and man-made disasters for equine-related costs not covered by insurance Website: oqhra.com
Oklahoma State University Gaylord Center
for Excellence in Equine Health
Supports equine critical care and performance Website: cvhs.okstate.edu/giving
Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund
Provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries Website: pdjf.org
Professional Association of
Therapeutic Horsemanship International
Promotes safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with special needs
Website: pathintl.org
Race Track Chaplaincy of America
Ministers spiritually and serves those involved in the horse racing industry
Website: rtcanational.org
University of Arizona Race Track Industry
Program
Prepares university students for careers in
racetrack management, regulation, pari-mutuel racing organizations, and working with racehorses
Website: ua-rtip.org
University of California at Davis Center for
Equine Health
Advances health, welfare, performance,
and veterinary care of horses through research and education Website: vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh
Unwanted Horse Coalition
Works to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare
Website: unwantedhorsecoalition.org
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