Equine Research Projects Debut on AQHA Web Site

Amarillo, Texas -- During the 1960 American Quarter Horse Association Convention held in Amarillo, Texas, a presentation was made to the Members that described several disease problems that were a serious threat to the horse industry. The tone of the message - there is a grave need to fund research - research that will benefit all horses.

And so it began, AQHA's Research Committee was formed and a $20,000 budget was established. That first year, Texas A&M was given the lion's share of a $10,000 grant to study equine parasites, which ultimately lead to today's medications that control parasites in horses.

Since then, more than 200 projects have been funded at more than two dozen schools across the country. Additionally, AQHA was instrumental in helping establish Morris Animal Foundation's Equine Division. During the 1960s, MAF was involved only in small animal research but today funds some 15 projects each year and has awarded more than $3.2 million in equine research funds.

Now, anyone can view those projects by logging onto AQHA's Web site (www.aqha.com). The research projects are divided by year and by school, and soon AQHA will sort them by topic (laminitis, colic, reproductive studies, etc.).

"The research funds AQHA has provided to investigators over the past 20 years have been either partially or, in some cases, fully responsible for notable discoveries that have significantly improved the health and welfare of all horses," said Bill Brewer AQHA Executive Vice President. "In order for that research to continue to benefit horses and people, we need to make the studies easily available. By simply going to AQHA's Web site, anyone can view the funded projects since 1960."

Among the notable discoveries or advancements achieved through AQHA research funding are:
o The role of progesterone in equine pregnancy
o Discovery of the cause of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), development of a specific DNA test for HYPP and recommendations for management of horses afflicted with HYPP
o Studies of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses
o The effects of strenuous exercise on navicular bones of young horses
o Anatomical and functional consequences of tail alterations
o Validated the diagnosis of equine infectious anemia (EIA)
o Established the feasibility of using DNA markers for routine parentage verification
o Use of cloned gene products in diagnosis and vaccination of "Potomac Horse Fever"
o Development of a model to study uterine infections
o Development of a diet to manage tying up
o Pulmonary and respiratory studies
o Immunizations of horses
o Advancements in controlling and treating laminitis

Equine Research is one of the project areas of the American Quarter Horse Foundation. To make a donation to support equine or to obtain more information, visit AQHA's Web site, or call the American Quarter Horse Foundation at 888-209-8322