Dr. Byrnne Rothwell Memorial Scholarship

 This award is to be presented in the memory of Dr. Byrnne Rothwell in recognition of the contributions he made to the equine industry within the province of Saskatchewan. 

Dr. Byrnne Rothwell was born in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, and was involved with animals and in volunteerism from an early age. He started as a 4-H member and for 65 years he was either a member, leader, mentor or a part of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council.

Graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1964, he practiced in Mission, BC, Wakaw and Birch Hills, SK, before settling in Shellbrook, SK in 1970. During this time he also served on the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association committee, including the Council, and was President in 1976-1977. In 1987 he sold his private practice and joined the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, working in locations that included Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. Dr. Rothwell’s incredible career included many accolades and awards, and he was highly sought after for advice from governments and non-profit organizations alike.  He was a lifetime member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Rothwell was a long-serving member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation Board of Directors and following his retirement from the CFIA, continued serving the Federation by assisting with preparation of the organization’s disease alerts and health recommendations. He was also a valued volunteer on the Equine Canada Health and Welfare Committee. In 2000 Dr. Rothwell was named Saskatchewan Veterinarian of the Year. In 2011 he was awarded the Equine Welfare Leadership Award of Distinction from The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Horse Federation, for integrating animal welfare into his core business strategy and setting the bar higher for expectations regarding animal welfare.

In January of 2014 Dr. Byrnne Rothwell passed away, and in 2015 he was posthumously inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame in recognition of the contributions he made to the equine industry in the province of Saskatchewan.

$2000 Scholarship Available to SHF Members

Application Criteria:

• Must be a Saskatchewan resident
• Must be entering second year of schooling at a post-secondary institution (in Fall of application year)
• Must demonstrate passion for equine industry
• Must have been an SHF member of good standing for two consecutive years, including year of application
• Link to application criteria

Submission Requirements:

1. Proof of residence (Driver's License or Health Card)
2. Resume or short biography AND a cover letter outlining career goals
3. 500 word essay on "Health and Welfare Issues in the Equine Industry" (12 pt font, Times New Roman, double spaced)
4. Proof of enrolment for Fall/Winter studies
5. Two (2) letters of reference, signed and dated.
6. SHF number
7. Email to SHF office on or before May 30, 2024 - more information in link above

Applications Due May 30

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