LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky announced a $1 million private gift Tuesday to launch Pathfinder, a new initiative designed to address the critical shortage of equine veterinarians by expanding training and support for students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will use the MGCAFE Pathfinder: Equine Pre-Veterinary Support Fund to enhance recruitment, outreach and educational opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students preparing for veterinary school.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 500 counties across 46 states face large-animal veterinary shortages, including 86 of Kentucky's 120 counties. The shortage is particularly acute for equine veterinarians, with only about 5.8% of veterinary school graduates pursuing equine practice, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

"Pathfinder reflects our land-grant mission — bringing people together to address real challenges facing our communities and industries," said Laura Stephenson, Ph.D., vice president for land-grant engagement and Martin-Gatton CAFE dean. "We are deeply grateful for this gift, which strengthens the pathway from early interest through veterinary school."

The program will utilize a three-pronged approach: building early interest among K-12 students through 4-H and FFA collaborations, expanding access to enhanced horse-handling instruction and supporting student retention through career-focused experiences. It will work alongside UK's newly improved research and teaching facilities and a history of high veterinary school acceptance rates.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, one of the world's oldest and largest private equine veterinary practices based in Lexington, is supporting the initiative. "The equine veterinary shortage isn't just a statistic," said Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber, a veterinarian with Hagyard and member of the UK Ag Equine Programs Advisory Board. "Fueling pre-veterinary education is one of our most powerful tools."

The investment will provide critical resources for teaching personnel, management and a population of horses at UK facilities. Stakeholders interested in supporting the Pathfinder program should contact Caitlin DiBiasie, Martin-Gatton CAFE director of equine philanthropy, at 502-724-8502 or caitlin.dibiasie@uky.edu.