“Horse Rescue’s Veterinarian, Dr. Rich Forfa,
wins “My Vet Matters Contest”

By Fred Glueckstein

The AAEP’s 50th Anniversary Committee has chosen Richard J. Forfa, of Beallsville, Md., as the My Vet Matters Contest honoree for the month of August. Dr. Forfa, who practices at Monocacy Equine Veterinary Associates of Beallsville, was nominated by Kathy Schwartz of Days End Farm Horse Rescue of Lisbon, Md.

In her winning nomination, Ms. Schwartz states that of all the individuals who contribute their resources to the organization, its senior veterinarian, Dr. Forfa, makes a particularly significant impact on the lives of the rescued horses. An emergency call five years ago involving a starved mare with a newborn exhibiting “dummy foal syndrome” brought out Dr. Forfa, and through his patience, thoroughness and exemplary care, the foal was saved and eventually became a healthy mare and an accomplished jumper.

Over the years, Dr. Forfa has treated hundreds of abused and neglected horses, many suffering from severe medical conditions. Although impounded horses arrive at all hours of the day and night, Dr. Forfa always responds immediately when called upon, rain or shine. With a dedication that is described as consistently “beyond the norm,” Dr. Forfa has traveled long distances at his own expense to testify at court hearings to support the impounding of abused animals, committed his duty to do what is necessary and right on behalf of a mistreated animal. He also encourages young people to purse career in veterinary medicine and donates proceeds from equine educational seminars that he conducts to various horse rescues.

Dr. Forfa graduated from Purdue University and has been an AAEP member since 1986. Both Dr. Forfa and Ms. Schwartz received a prize package of horse-health items provided by the AAEP’s Educational Partners. They are now eligible for the contest’s grand prize, which is a trip for veterinarian, owner and guests to the 2005 Kentucky Derby. The contest continues through October, with the grand prize winners selected in November. 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, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 8,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

 

 

For more information call:
301/854-5037 or 410/442-1564
E-Mail: info@defhr.org

Physical Address:
1372 Woodbine Road
Woodbine, MD 21797

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 309
Lisbon, Maryland 21765

directions

Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer based humane organization whose mission is Fostering compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education, and outreach.