Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division announced Dr. Tanja Molby as the winner of the second annual Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award.

The accolade goes to veterinary professionals who provide equitarian aid or exceptional care for horses in need. The $ 5,000 donation in Dr. Molby’s name – will go to the Michigan Equine Foundation located in Traverse City, Mich. This award was presented to Dr. Molby at the 57th Annual Convention of the American Association for Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in San Antonio, Texas.

Every year, an estimated 170,000 horses in the United States are subject to improper care, abuse or neglect. Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division asked horse owners and colleagues to nominate veterinary professionals whose commitment to equine care has been exceptional for the Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award. More than 500 nominations were received from August 1, 2011 through October 15, 2011, many of them detailing how vet professionals have responded to the problem of horse abandonment.

“The Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award was created to honor veterinary professionals that go above and beyond the call of duty, making selfless and heroic contributions to better equine health.” – Scott King DVM equine product manager Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division

“This award is part of Bayer’s commitment to developing and providing animal health solutions, which veterinarians like Dr. Tanja Molby are using in their daily care of horses.”

Dr. Molby selected Michigan Equine Foundation to receive the $ 5,000 donation to support its mission to promote equine health and wellness through education, awareness and collaboration, and to provide services for equines in need.

“It is such an honor to receive the Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award,” said Dr. Molby, who was recognized for her efforts in helping create the Michigan Equine Foundation, which assists horses and their owners with veterinary care and hay when facing economic hardship. “It is very meaningful that this is in recognition of something that is such a large part of my life.”

The company also recognized the following four finalists for their exemplary contributions to improving equine health:

    --  Dave Turoff, Placerville, Calif.
    --  Eric Davis, Davis, Calif.
    --  Dr. Vivan (Bibi) Freer, Tyron, N.C.
    --  Scott W. Hansen, Gresham, Ore.

In addition to the veterinary winners, horse owners that nominated their veterinarians for the award were automatically entered into a sweepstakes for an equine adventure of a lifetime.

As part of Bayer Animal Health’s longstanding commitment to equine health and wellness, it is also a proud sponsor of the American Horse Council and its support of the Unwanted Horse Coalition. The main goal of the Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education, and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care and disposition of these horses.