Rachel Pfeifle, a fourth-year student in Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was named one of three distinguished veterinary medicine students and received the national $75,000 Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation will present Pfeifle with the scholarship on Dec. 3 during the organization’s 64th annual convention in San Francisco, California.
Originally from Geneva, Florida, Pfeifle cannot remember a time when she did not want to be an equine veterinarian. She is looking for an equine internship and, potentially, a residency in sports medicine.
“By pursuing further education and learning from some of the brightest minds in equine medicine, I truly believe I’ll be better equipped to help our equine partners to the best of my ability,” Pfeifle said. “Ultimately, it’s about helping the horses and their people.”
After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, Pfeifle came to Auburn because of the Auburn Family atmosphere and the support from faculty and staff, she said.
“This is an extremely prestigious scholarship, and the selection process is very rigorous,” said Anne Wooldridge, associate professor of equine internal medicine in the department of clinical sciences.
Wooldridge is one of Pfeifle’s faculty mentors and has worked on a horse-related research project with her when she was a Merial Summer Scholar. Wooldridge believes Pfeifle is deserving of the honor.
Erin Groover, an associate professor of equine internal medicine and another faculty mentor for Pfeifle, wrote a letter of recommendation for Pfeifle. She added that Pfeifle exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and a devoted interest in equine practice.
“She is going to be an outstanding equine practitioner, and I’m so happy for her to have been presented this life-changing award,” Groover said. “She is truly deserving of the recognition."
Penelope Knight, a strong advocate for horse health, began the Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship in 2015. Ten American Association of Equine Practitioners, AAEP, members have benefited from a cumulative $750,000 in scholarships.
"With the help of the AAEP foundation, I am pleased to offer this great opportunity to benefit the next generation of veterinarians,” Knight said. “Helping future veterinarians is one way I am able to give back to the industry I hold dear to my heart, and I will continue my support for years to come.”
Coyote Rock Ranch, owned by Knight, is located in the high-desert area of Oregon. The ranch is a breeding center for high-end horses, and it has a good reputation in the industry.
The AAEP foundation is a non-profit organization that has a mission to improve the welfare of horses. Since its creation, the organization has dispersed over $4 million in its efforts.
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