The US Equestrian Equine Research Grants 2025 mark a new era of commitment to horse health and welfare. Through the Chromatic Fund, US Equestrian has announced its first two funded projects, aiming to address crucial questions in equine medicine and safety.
The Chromatic Fund was created in late 2024 through a partnership between the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), US Equestrian (USEF), Chromatic’s breeder KC Branscomb, and The Foundation for the Horse. Named in memory of Chromatic BF, a talented 13-year-old Oldenburg show jumper who passed away during the 2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals in Riyadh, the fund honors his legacy by advancing research that benefits competition horses worldwide.
Funded Projects Under the Chromatic Fund
The Chromatic Fund’s inaugural year will support two key studies, with total funding approaching $100,000.
1. Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation on Vitamin K Status in Healthy Horses
- Investigator: Dr. Carrie Finno, University of California, Davis
- Objective: Determine whether high-dose vitamin E supplementation increases the risk of bleeding in horses, especially those affected by Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH).
- Significance: The study seeks to guide veterinarians on safe supplementation practices for equine athletes.
2. Safety of Single High vs. Repeated Low-Dose Steroid Use
- Investigator: Dr. Lauren Schnabel, North Carolina State University
- Objective: Measure the effects of different steroid injection strategies on glucose, insulin, cortisol, and ACTH levels, as well as laminitis risk.
- Significance: Findings will help veterinarians establish evidence-based protocols for joint injections in performance horses.
A Strong Step Toward Equine Welfare
“These projects are just the beginning of USEF’s increased commitment to equine research in 2026,” said Bill Moroney, CEO of US Equestrian. “They address real concerns raised by veterinarians at our recent summit, and we’re eager to see actionable results.”
KC Branscomb, founder of the Chromatic Fund, added, “Our horses deserve best-in-class research to ensure the safe and effective use of supplements, medications, and therapies. This collaboration with AAEP and USEF will make competitive horses healthier and happier.”
How the Selection Process Works
US Equestrian collaborated with The Foundation for the Horse, leveraging its rigorous grant review system. Each project undergoes a multi-stage evaluation by a panel of 25 reviewers, chaired by Dr. Anthony Blikslager of North Carolina State University.
Projects are scored on scientific merit, feasibility, and impact, ensuring only the highest-quality proposals receive funding. A final review by industry stakeholders representing the Chromatic Fund determined the two winning projects based on relevance and budget.
Advisory board members included:
- Dr. Tracy Turner, President-Elect, AAEP & The Foundation for The Horse
- Bill Moroney, CEO, USEF
- Sonja Keating, COO & General Counsel, USEF
- Dr. John Madigan, Distinguished Professor, UC Davis
- Dr. Jack Snyder, FEI-certified veterinarian
- Norman Dello Joio, Olympic champion rider and trainer
- KC Branscomb, sport horse breeder
The Future of Equine Research
Each funded study will take approximately two to three years to complete, with findings expected to be published in peer-reviewed academic journals for global accessibility.
In 2025, The Foundation for the Horse received 64 applications and funded 15 projects across 11 institutions. However, limited resources remain a challenge, making initiatives like the Chromatic Fund essential to advancing equine science.
“Our members expect us to lead the way in promoting equine health,” said Moroney. “We plan to fund additional 2026 projects and continue building a safer, more informed future for horses in sport.”
