Delaware Valley University Receives the 2022 Samantha Calzone Memorial Award

The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022 recipient of the Samantha “Sam” Calzone Memorial Award is Delaware Valley University. Established in tribute to the life of Samantha Calzone and her everlasting passion for horses, the award recognizes an institution of higher learning offering equine studies and/or equine athletics programs that ensures that the quality of life of its equine partners is paramount. Preference is given to institutions of higher learning that offer both equine studies and collegiate athletic activities.

The recipient will receive a $2,500 grant from the EQUUS Foundation to be used to specifically underwrite horse care costs such as veterinary, dental, and farrier care, horse feed, supplements, bedding, horse gear, equipment, and supplies as well as alternative treatments and interventions or to assist in re-homing horses when they are no longer able to participate in the institution’s equine studies and/or intercollegiate athletic activities.

The Delaware Valley University (DelVal) Equine Program is committed to the development of educated, skilled, responsible, and compassionate graduates, well-prepared to make a positive impact on the equine industry. The robust curriculum combines traditional classroom instruction with a strong emphasis on authentic, hands-on learning.

Students have access to learning opportunities unique to DelVal, such as a faculty-led study abroad course fostering global perspectives on equine care and well-being and the Orsteen James Foundation Equine Welfare and Management Internship, where students work on projects to enhance the welfare of horses on campus. Students may also compete on Hunt Seat, Dressage, or Western Equestrian Teams, or participate as members of Equine Club, Vaulting Club, or Carriage Driving Club.

Integral to the success of the Equine Program is the herd of approximately 75 horses. The horses are located at the Delaware Valley University Equestrian Center and the Sydney J. Markowitz Equine Breeding Center, where students learn the principles of responsible breeding.

Horses are usually retired performance horses which are leased or owned by DelVal. All horses receive excellent veterinary, dental, and farrier care, and the equestrian facilities are independently assessed by the British Horse Society to ensure they meet high standards for safety and horse welfare. Additionally, factors such as student skill level and workload are monitored carefully to optimize equine physical and mental well-being. When a horse is retired from teaching, if leased, the horse is returned to the owner or DelVal will work with alumni and friends of the Equine Program to identify and verify an appropriate home.

For more information on DelVal’s Equine Program, visit the DelVal profile on the EQUUS Foundation Equine Education Network here.

Samantha Calzone (1996-2019)

On Sept. 16, 2019, Samantha Marie Pritchard Calzone passed away doing what she loved most in this life – riding horses.

Equipped with passion, the knowledge arising from her BS in equine studies from the University of Connecticut (UConn) and her Masters from Hartpury University in England, and the leadership skills she gained from serving as Captain of the UConn Equestrian Team, Samantha hoped to dedicate her life to improve the lives of horses.

“While the loss of Samantha will always be unimaginable to Samantha’s family and those who deeply loved her, we hope that Samantha’s legacy will be to inspire others to seek the knowledge that is needed to elevate the equine profession and to create a reality to ensure that safe solutions exist for both horses and people,” said Lynn Coakley, President, EQUUS Foundation.

Please consider making a donation to the
Samantha Calzone Memorial Fund here.