Bayer Animal Health honored Liz Bracken, DVM, of Atascadero, Calif., as the inaugural recipient of the "Legend of the Year" award, which recognizes veterinary professionals who provide equitarian aid, or exceptional care for unwanted or abandoned horses. The award-which includes a $5,000 donation to the equine rescue or welfare organization of the recipient's choice-was presented to Bracken at the 2010 Convention of the American Association for Equine Practitioners in Baltimore, Md.

Every year, an estimated 170,000 horses in the United States are subject to improper care, abuse, or neglect, according to the 2009 Unwanted Horses survey conducted by the Unwanted Horse Coalition. Bayer Animal Health asked horse owners and veterinary professionals to nominate veterinary professionals whose commitment to equine care has been exceptional for the "Legend of the Year" award. Hundreds of nominations were received many of them detailing how vet professionals have responded to the problem of horse abandonment, which has increased during the economic recession.

"As part of our commitment to provide animal health solutions that support veterinarians, Bayer Animal Health understands the unwavering care these veterinary professionals provide," said Scott King, DVM, equine products manager at Bayer Animal Health, who presented the award during the keynote speech at the meeting. "In honoring veterinary professionals with our 'Legend of the Year' award, we honor their often selfless and uncompensated efforts to provide exceptional care for abused or neglected horses. It is the least that we can do to recognize the efforts of these exceptional veterinary professionals."

Bracken selected Miller's Equestrian Center and Sanctuary to receive the $5,000 donation to support its mission to benefit children in the community through the rescue of horses