Alexandra Grobman, an exemplary fourth-year veterinary student at North Carolina State University, is the first recipient of the Dr. Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship. Managed through The Foundation for the Horse, the endowed scholarship was established by friends, colleagues and clients of the retired co-founder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.

Grobman, who has special interest in equine sports medicine and podiatry, accepted her $5,000 award Dec. 6 prior to the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

The Dr. Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship rewards a veterinary student at a college of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Europe for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and AAEP student chapter, and their long-term goals in equine practice. Applicants must also have the support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.

“We are delighted to be able to have this endowment secured, and we thank all who participated in making this special honor for Dr. Rood remain in perpetuity,” said Dr. Rick Mitchell, Foundation Advisory Council chairperson. “Dr. Rood’s legacy of leadership for the profession will continue through this scholarship award, starting with the excellent selection of Ms. Grobman.”

Dr. Rood received his DVM degree from the University of California, Davis in 1972 and his JD degree from the University of Kentucky in 1975. He started an ambulatory equine practice in Lexington while in law school. In 1982, he partnered with Dr. Tom Riddle to form what is now Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, which has grown to encompass the original hospital and a veterinary pharmacy in Lexington as well as satellite hospitals in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Wellington, Fla.

For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit foundationforthehorse.org.

About The Foundation for the Horse

Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation in 2021 awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.