Mary Belford’s love of animals is one she can trace back to her childhood. For her, it was almost an instinct. 

“I think like a lot of other girls, I grew up loving horses before I could walk. My father joked the biggest mistake he made was getting me a rocking horse,” she recalls with a chuckle. 

Belford has carried that passion for animals and the lessons they have taught her throughout her life. While caring for her own animals, she learned critical problem-solving skills and developed a sense of independence and deep respect for animals. When she had children of her own, she watched her children, and now grandchildren, those same lessons from their cats, dogs, and horses.    

The wellbeing of animals and their positive impact on people also drive a passion for giving back. Since the 1990s, Belford has made an annual gift to equine programs at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). It was then she first visited the campus equine hospital to seek help with a thoroughbred that was experiencing breathing problems. 

Over the years, she has watched equine and education advance at CVM alongside growing needs for new technology and equipment to keep equine care on the cutting-edge. Currently, the equine hospital, research, and outreach programs at CVM help more than 1,000 horses each year. 

“I appreciate everything they provide for the equine community because you see animals coming in from all over,” Belford says. 

When Belford makes her gift each year, it doesn’t come with a designation. She believes the staff know their operation best and will use the funds where they will meet the biggest need and have the greatest impact. 

Over the years, her gifts have supported a variety of initiatives and paid for life-saving medical equipment. Her latest donation will provide for new dental equipment that will elevate the level of care equine clinicians can provide to patients. 

“Mary’s love and compassion for the horse are so important in being able to continue to provide comprehensive care, education, and research for not only the equine program but the broader horse community,” CVM development officer Mindy Means says. “Because of donors like Mary, the health and well-being of horses is possible and not just a dream. We are appreciative and humbled by her generosity.”

These days, Belford resides in Arizona with her two Gordon Setters and her cat. She sees each gift she and others give to CVM—no matter the size—as working toward a common goal of bettering the lives of horses and the people that care for them.

“I think it's important because we’re keeping these animals healthy and pain-free,” Belford says. “The little things we do for all animals make a difference in not only their lives but also the world as a whole.” 

Want to join Mary in making a difference? Visit our Giving to the Equine Center page to learn about opportunities to help.