Morris Animal Foundation has set a tremendous goal for 2006–with input from industry leaders they will determine one priority area of equine health where research should be conducted, seek the most gifted researchers to tell them what specific science needs to be done to learn more about that area, then contribute up to $500,000 a year for the next five years to make those research priorities a reality. The topic of research has not been determined, but it could be colic, respiratory disease, lameness, the gene mapping project, or any of a number of other areas where ample funding for focused research will make a difference to our horses. This type of funding also will encourage researchers and institutions around the world to collaborate on projects, avoiding duplication and more quickly advancing our knowledge. Our hats are off to Morris and the other groups working with them to commit that much money in such a fashion that in just five years, the way we prevent, diagnose, or treat a problem will change forever.

This collaborative approach is not a new idea, but it is one that is gaining ground from funding institutions. There will always be the need for independent researchers working to solve intricate problems related to horse health or disease–one man or woman taking a very small piece of the puzzle and making it clearer. The need to verify research from one lab or researcher to another will also need to be continued.

But the scientific community has come to realize the positive ramifications of collaboration in order to reach an end goal more quickly.

For our part, horse owners need to make sure we are donating to the funding institutions to allow them to continue focusing those collective funds on areas where the greatest good can be gained