News Release: Unbridled Sanctuary Receives National AAEP Welfare Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unbridled Sanctuary Receives AAEP’s A. Gary Lavin Equine Welfare Award

Greenville, NY — [December 11, 2025] — Unbridled Sanctuary, a noted nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary organization, has been honored with the 2025 A. Gary Lavin Equine Welfare Award from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) — the only non-veterinary award presented this year at the association’s 71st Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado.

The A. Gary Lavin Equine Welfare Award recognizes a non-veterinary organization or individual that has demonstrated exceptional compassion and developed and enforced rules and guidelines for the welfare of horses. The award is named in honor of the late A. Gary Lavin, VMD, a respected equine veterinarian and former AAEP president.
  
Unbridled Sanctuary founder and CEO, Susan Kayne, accepted the award during the President’s Luncheon on December 9 at the AAEP Convention, marking a historic moment for the mission of equine welfare and advocacy. AAEP

“Unbridled’s work embodies the spirit of this award — a genuine mission of compassion and care for horses whose lives are too often overlooked,” said nominator Dr. Stephen O’Grady. “On entering the barn there is always a sense of joy, harmony, dedication and mission… everyone working together for the health and welfare of the horse.” 

Founded in 2004 as the Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation, and in 2024, renamed Unbridled Sanctuary to open its doors to all equids including donkeys and mules, Unbridled has maintained a continuous commitment to equine welfare through rehabilitation, retraining, selective rehoming, and lifelong sanctuary care. Located in Greenville, NY, Unbridled typically cares for approximately 60 resident horses at any given time through the generous support of volunteers, donors, and equine professionals.   

Beyond its core sanctuary work, Unbridled Sanctuary leads advocacy, education, and legislative initiatives designed to improve standards of care and expand humane practices nationwide. The organization’s founder has also spearheaded legislative changes in New York to ensure broader protections for equids, presented at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and developed the “Stable Classroom” curriculum — an innovative program using real equine stories to cultivate empathy and compassion among students.  

“Receiving this award at the AAEP Convention is both humbling and affirming,” said Susan Kayne. “It reflects decades of sustained compassion, advocacy, and care for horses who needed a lifeline — from unwanted and neglected to those who simply outlived their economic utility. This honor belongs not just to Unbridled, but to every person who stands for the wellbeing of the horse.”

For more information about Unbridled Sanctuary, visit www.UnbridledSanctuary.org