The Gifford Foundation of CNY recently approved a $150,000 grant to the Morrisville College Foundation (MCF) for its planned Equine Rehabilitation and Physiology facility and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine has indicated both support for the initiative and a desire to collaborate on the state-of-the-art facility.

More than 3,000 horses leave thoroughbred racing each year, and more than 80,000 horses from top level competition in 52 other equestrian sports, underscore the need for further study of equine rehabilitation and physiology. As a response to these needs, Morrisville State College {MSC}, intends to expand the capacity of its 301-student/400-horse operation to better serve horse owners across New York State and in the Northeast.

Eventually, MSC will offer the nation's $102 billion horse industry an opportunity to employ students trained in a real-world laboratory setting who have graduated from the college's planned bachelor of science degree in equine physiology, the first of its kind in the United States. According to Kathy Goldfarb-Findling, executive director of The Gifford Foundation, "This grant represents The Gifford Foundation's continued commitment to worthwhile projects in Madison County, and we are especially pleased to support the innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education offered by MSC."

James Hastie, MCF executive director, said, "The first time I walked into The Gifford Foundation's board room and noticed the black and white picture of Rosamond Gifford with her horse, I admit I was optimistic. Now that one of the most well known philanthropic organizations in Central New York has made such a generous leadership gift to this project – I am truly grateful and hopeful that others supportive of economic development in Upstate New York will contribute to this campaign as well."

The college is in the process of raising funds to build the facility. To join The Gifford Foundation, Empire Racing, and so many others who have pledged close to two million dollars in support the MCF Equine Rehabilitation and Physiology campaign or for more information, visit www.morrisville.edu/mcf or call James Hastie, MCF executive director, at 315-684-6030.