Amber Slaymaker, welfare manager for Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, accepted the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ 2017 Lavin Cup on behalf of the farm’s continued mission of providing a new life for rescued and retired horses.

Known as the AAEP’s equine welfare award, the Lavin Cup recognizes a non-veterinary organization or individual that has distinguished itself through service to improve the welfare of horses. Slaymaker received the award at the Nov. 20 President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 63^rd Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. 

Located in Pottstown, Pa., Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines is the oldest non-profit horse sanctuary in United States and provides a haven for horses of all breeds, sizes, and walks of life. The residents of the 300-acre farm are primarily retired horses—aged 20 or older—many with chronic health issues. Upon arrival, all veterinary care, farrier care, dental care, food, bedding, and shelter is provided for the rest of the horse’s life.

Ryerss’ legacy began in Philadelphia in 1888, established by Anne Waln-Ryerss who was a passionate advocate for the city’s abused and neglected horses. The first horse arrived on the farm in 1889 and Ryerss’ early residents were old hunters, ponies, workhorses, and retired horses that used to pull Philadelphia’s fire engines. Ryerss is open to the public daily and receives approximately 5,000 visitors each calendar year.

For more information about Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, visit https://ryerssfarm.org/.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

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