Innovation & Discovery Research Grants

Innovation & Discovery Research Grants is sponsored by The Foundation for the Horse. Supports established investigators conducting innovative equine research to advance horse health and welfare.

Innovation & Discovery Research Grants - The Foundation For The Horse Innovation & Discovery Research Grants Amity Wahl 2026-06-05T16:03:53-04:00 Innovation & Discovery Research Grants The goal of this program is to fund equine research by established investigators.

The Foundation for the Horse seeks discovery through innovative projects in areas of equine medicine that will advance the science needed to improve the health and welfare of the horse. Grants are available for up to $50,000 per year for up to two years. One-year grants are preferred; however, two-year grants will be considered.

We welcome research grant proposals that advance equine health, safety, and performance of the equine athletes, whether racehorse, sport horse, western performance horse, or other.

While applications on any topic are welcome, areas of particular interest include: Development of innovative diagnostic technology Gastrointestinal function Thoroughbred-Focused Priorities We prioritize projects that support the health and safety of the Thoroughbred athlete, particularly those that address: Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases or injuries affecting tissues and organs.

Monitoring and optimizing the consistency and safety of racing surfaces. Other areas with direct impact on racehorse safety and welfare Sport Horse-Focused Priorities For the sport horse population, we especially welcome proposals addressing: Optimal class load: How many competition classes can a horse safely and effectively compete.

Specifically, we welcome projects targeted at jumping and physiological concerns, but open to those addressing other sport horse disciplines. Muscle recovery: Understanding post-exercise recovery processes in sport horses. Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH): Investigating the roles of Vitamin E and heparinoid drugs into the pathophysiology.

Supplements: The safety and efficacy of nutraceuticals and vitamins in competing sport horses. Pharmacogenomics in Sport Horses: Investigate how genetic variation among horses affects drug metabolism (e.g., CYP450 pathways). Joints: The short- and long-term impact of frequent corticosteroid joint injections in jumping horses.

We encourage innovative, science-based proposals that contribute meaningfully to equine health and performance across all disciplines. Individuals with a background in equine research and a record of research publication are encouraged to submit a proposal. The project budget should be for a maximum of $50,000 annually.

The budget may include graduate student support, care of horses, consumable supplies, research service contracts and publication costs. Funding for equipment and faculty salary will not be allowed. Note: The Foundation will provide overhead of 10% of the grant to be included in the final $50,000 or less budget.

The following application components are included in the online application. Please reference the How-to Guide (PDF) for helpful tips on accessing the online application. Title Page – Completed online; includes basic contact information, lay summary, etc. Research Plan – Upload, following the Instructions for Research Grants (PDF) and resubmission explanation (if needed).

Budget Form (xlsx) –Complete and upload. Note the above-mentioned funding parameters. Contributors & Biographical Sketches (doc) – Complete and upload.

Animal Care & Use and Facility documentation – Upload your institution’s IACUC approvals and any additional information regarding your facility and equipment. Additional Documents – Optional upload Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026. The Foundation for the Horse Email: info@foundationforthehorse.

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