Equine News from 2006

Equine Program Receives Heroes for Horses Award

BATON ROUGE — The faculty, staff and students of the Equine Health Studies Program (EHSP) of the Louisiana State University-School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU-SVM) were recently nationally recognized for their efforts in assisting horses and horse owners during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) awarded the inaugural Heroes for Horses Award to both the EHSP of LSU-SVM and the Blue Devils Horse Platoon for their volunteer efforts in the rescue and care of horses affected by these two powerful hurricanes in Louisiana and Mississippi, respectively.

Dr. Rustin Moore, director of the EHSP, represented LSU at the annual meeting of the USEF in Cincinnati, Ohio. “It is an incredible honor to receive this award on behalf of our team at LSU,” said Moore. “Our efforts during this unprecedented season of hurricanes was basically an extension of what we strive to do everyday,” Moore continued. “We simply work to provide the most complete care possible for the equine population and public service to horse owners, breeders, trainers, caretakers and others involved in the equine industry in Louisiana and the surrounding region. It was our absolute privilege to serve in this role.”

Moore went on to say, “Although the LSU-EHSP was instrumental in coordinating much of the rescue, we could not have accomplished what we did without the numerous dedicated volunteers, including private equine veterinarians, technicians, horsemen and women and the many other people and companies who contributed time and effort as well as donated hay, feed, supplies and monetary support toward this enormous, complex and unprecedented rescue effort. We are indebted to everyone who assisted us with the rescuing, sheltering, feeding and caring for the horses affected by theses hurricanes and helping to re-unite them with their owners.”

USEF President and former Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor presented the award, stating, “Our primary mission as athletes, as competitors, as members of the USEF, and as true horsemen and women, is the welfare of the horse. The Heroes for Horses award is one we’ve been in need of for a long time and will be given to those who demonstrate extreme commitment in protecting and supporting the welfare of the horse."

“It can be said,” continued O’Connor, “that the true measure of a friend can be seen in one who stands by your side not only during the sunshine, but also during the rain. While some use this as a figurative analogy, it can be applied literally for tonight’s honorees. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, devastating horses and horses for miles around, these folks didn’t have a second thought for themselves or their own safety. They thought instead of their helpless equine friends who were trapped in these harrowing conditions, some confined and unable to escape, others running free and terrified of their surroundings. Many were hungry, many injured, hundreds were homeless and all were heartbroken. It is with full hearts, and absolute gratitude that we award the inaugural Heroes For Horses Awards to the Louisiana State University Equine Health Studies Program and the Blue Devils Horse Platoon, representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the U.S. Army National Guard.”

Dr. Moore was accompanied to the stage to receive the award by Commission Warrant Officer (CW4) Richard Dyk who led the efforts of the BDHP, and he was joined by other members of the armed forces who were honored. These individuals were brought to the stage after a touching and heart-wrenching video was unveiled showing the devastation faced by the horses and their owners.

The Blue Devils Horse Platoon is a volunteer element of the U.S. Army, under the guidance of the Army Ambassador comprised of members of the Army Reserve and the Michigan National Guard. Their mission is to represent the United States Army, United States Army National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve as a mounted ceremonial and equestrian sport unit.

The USEF was instrumental in providing assistance to the equine communities of Louisiana and Mississippi following hurricanes Katrina and Rita through the establishment of a hotline for Mississippi horse owners and through their efforts in raising significant funds for numerous agencies working directly with the equine victims and refugees from hurricanes. The USEF hurricane fund is used to support efforts to deliver food, veterinary services, and shelter for horses and ponies in stricken areas. The USEF through their generous donors made substantial monetary contributions toward the equine rescue and recovery efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi.

As the National Governing Body of Equestrian sport in the United States, the mission of the USEF is to inspire, encourage interest in, and regulate equestrian competition by ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, regardless of value or competitive level; ensure the enforcement of fair and equitable rules and procedures up to and including the preparation for the Olympic Games; and endeavor to advance the level of horsemanship in the United States.

Media Contact:
Ky Mortensen
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
225.578.9590
kmortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu

The mission of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is to provide superior education in veterinary medicine and related fields, to offer a wide range of superior services to the general public and the veterinary medical community, and to maintain a relevant, high-quality research program in basic and applied fields.