Horses

Behavior Clues to Better Equine Health

Three newly funded equine behavior studies can tell owners and handlers a lot about the health and welfare of their horses, ponies, mules and donkeys.

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 million in more than 525 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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525+

Equine/Llama/Alpaca Studies Funded

7.3 million

Horses and camelids helped in the United States alone

Finding Genetic Mutations Associated with Endocrine Disease

Researchers will identify potential disease-causing genetic mutations associated with equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as equine Cushing’s disease, a condition that can cause endocrine disease in horses, ponies and donkeys.

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Developing Health and Well-being Guidelines for Air-Transported Horses

Researchers will investigate how horses are managed when transported by air to optimize their welfare, identifying factors that increase or decrease the risk of health and behavioral problems.

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