Morris Animal Foundation, the world’s largest private funding source for companion animal and wildlife health studies, gathered some of the nation’s top authorities in equine research to pinpoint equine health priorities and address the possibility of new consortium grants that will fund large-scale programs to advance equine health. Panelists that met in Colorado on May 25-26 included leading equine scientists, representatives from pharmaceutical and food industries, legal practitioners, government, livestock insurers, and business and trade associations, among others. 

The equine industry plays a major role in the U.S. economy. However, when it comes to the allocation of resources for the health and well-being of horses, there is a lack of focus and funding for studies. This ongoing need has been impacted by a changing landscape of the research community with many scientists selecting to redirect their efforts toward human medicine and other initiatives where the funding potential is more favorable.

“We gathered the top authorities to address this critical need and to encourage collaboration to address significant equine issues,” Dr. Patricia Olson, Morris Animal Foundation president and CEO, says. “With such grants in place, we could promote animal health and/or well-being to make huge differences in the lives of these magnificent animals.”

The panelists determined the greatest need is to promote focused, collaborative research and funding for horses. The unified consortium group is working toward the goal to advance equine health and welfare through coordinating marketing efforts, increasing equine funding, disseminating information to all relevant parties and educating new researchers. A full report of will be available on Morris Animal Foundation’s web site (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) later this summer