In order to raise awareness about the vital role of animal research in advancing the health of horses, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and the Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) announced on Dec. 6 a new educational program entitled Horse Facts.

At a media briefing held during the annual AAEP convention in Seattle, Wash., member of both organizations, as well as AAEP veterinarians and representatives from the industry, discussed the problems that had been solved and the horses that had been saved as a result of equine animal research.

“No mater what type of horse you have, practically every present-day medical protocol owes its basis to bio-medical research,” said Dr. Rick DeBowes, chairman of veterinary clinical sciences at Washington State University at the launch of the program. “Humans and animals share problems, such as inflammatory disease of joints, ulcers, arthritis, pituitary dysfunction, and diseases caused by encephalitides.”

Frankie Trull is a Thoroughbred breeder and owner and founder and president of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, one of the nation’s oldest and largest organizations dedicated to advancing human and veterinary health by promoting public understanding and respect for humane and responsible animal research. Trull said there will be 30-second television public service announcements narrated by cowboy poet and veterinarian Baxter Black, who donated his time and talents to the project. There also will be trading cards, bookmarks, and a barn poster