FOUNDATION The Foundation awards over $250,000 for research discovery


The Foundation for the Horse has awarded Innovation and Discovery Research Grants totaling $253,048 to six established equine researchers investigating novel approaches to an array of conditions affecting equine health and welfare. Now in its second year, the Innovation and Discovery Research Grants program is supported in part by a generous gift from Mrs. Penelope Knight and her Coyote Rock Ranch. Since inception of the program, $443,431 has gone to support 10 projects by nine veteran equine investiga- tors. The supported projects for 2023 are:


A Novel Serological Test for Strangles Dr. Noah Cohen Texas A&M University This research targets a newly discovered protein of undefined function that was identified using a microarray of proteins from Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (SEE) generated using results of long-read sequencing of SEE


and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus by the researcher’s laboratory.


Genomic Epidemiology of Fungi Identified in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Asthmatic Horses in the United States Dr. Laurent L. Couëtil Purdue University


This research seeks to determine if fungi identified from bron-


choalveolar fluid (BALF) may cluster according to ecoregions that differ based on climate, geography, soil, flora, fauna, water and human factors, and if some clusters are associated with BALF cytology phenotypes. This knowledge would open future research opportunities into prevention and mitigation strategies.


Optimization of Equine Chorionic Girdle Organoids for Bioactive eCG Production Dr. Fiona Hollinshead Colorado State University eCG is an essential hormone for pregnancy in the mare and is utilized for many domestic and non-domestic animal breeding programs. The tradi-


tional in vivo method of producing eCG commercially has significant welfare ramifications for horses used in these programs. This research seeks to develop physiologically functional lab-produced eCG as an ethical alternative source.


Rehabilitation Monitoring with mRNA Expression Analysis


Dr. Allen Page University of Kentucky Through serial evaluation of messenger RNA in horses diagnosed with and receiving pro- fessional rehabilitation for suspensory ligament, tendon or stifle injuries, this research seeks


to define patterns that may ultimately improve understand- ing and maximize healing responses following injury. This would modernize current return to activity guidelines for common orthopedic and soft tissue injuries in horses.


Proteomics and A2M Reagents for Arthritis Dr. Heidi Reesink Cornell University


This research will help to expand diagnostic and therapeutic options for osteoarthritis in horses. The ability to quantitate Alpha-2- Macroglobulin (A2M) will allow


for the study of protein kinetics in OA and identify patients that may benefit the most from A2M therapy. Additionally, identification of protein changes across several joints will pinpoint markers that may act as broad diagnostic and therapeutic targets for OA.


Prevalence of Insulin Dysregulation and Laminitis


Dr. Lauren Schnabel, DVM North Carolina State University This study aims to test a large population of sport horses in the U.S. for insulin dysregulation using the oral sugar test and for subclinical laminitis using foot radiographs. Diagnosis of insulin dysregulation


and subclinical laminitis is critical for early intervention to reduce the risk of future clinical laminitis episodes.


Equine research is one of three pillars of impact—along with education and horses at risk—supported by The Foundation. The 2024 application window for this research grant program will open in early 2024. For more information, visit foundationforthehorse.org/grants.


AAEP News January 2024 IX


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