Horse Health Studies

Episode 46: No Horsing Around – Improving Horse Welfare Through Understanding Behavior

Researcher Dr. Kris Hiney discusses how owners, veterinarians and other horse caretakers can improve welfare through a better knowledge of horse behavior.

Learn more about our large animal studies

Our health study database, searchable by species or area of study, houses our funded research that is making a difference in the lives of animals across the globe.

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Some of Our Studies

From Tip to Tail

Veterinary Advances for Horses

Since 1959, we have invested over $21.5 million in more than 535 equine health studies. We’ve contributed to the development of genetic screening tests for multiple equine diseases, including combined immunodeficiency disease, equine type I polysaccharide storage myopathy, and lavender foal syndrome. We also provided timely funding which led to the discovery of the cause, and subsequent vaccine development for Potomac horse fever.

Since 800 BCE, when humans first started riding horses, these magnificent animals have held a special place in our hearts. Though largely working animals through most of their years of domestication, the horse also fills history and families with stories of heroism, stoicism, determination and companionship – from Sea Biscuit to therapy horses, working ponies to steadfast partners in the Old West – our equine companions deserve the healthiest lives we can give them.

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620+

Equine/Llama/Alpaca Studies Funded

7.35 million

Horses and camelids helped in the United States alone

Evaluating the Effect of Touch in Human-Horse Interactions

Researchers will investigate how therapy horses respond to touch by people to improve our awareness of the horse’s experience and inform best practice guidelines for therapy horses.

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Developing Online Equine Behavior Educational Tools for Owners

Researchers will develop online training tools to help horse owners better recognize and interpret horse behavior, emotions and body language that may be indicative of health or welfare issues in their animals.

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Horses

Exercising Young Horses Could Be Key to Preventing Leg Fractures Later in Life

July 28, 2022 – Leg fractures can be not only career ending but life threatening for horses. Learn more about a new study using exercise in foals to prevent fractures later in life.