Young Investigators

Program Purpose

The goal of this program is to support equine veterinarians who are in programs that will advance their research skills with a goal of continuing an academic or research career path that will improve the health and welfare of the horse.

Grants are available for up to $20,000 for one year.

Research Projects

Pilot studies or preliminary studies which are part of a major study or which will lead to a major project are of particular interest. Small stand-alone projects will also be considered.

Based on a recent American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) survey, areas of research interest include:

  • Colic
  • Development of innovative diagnostic technology
  • Endocrine disease
  • Gastrointestinal function
  • Lameness
  • Laminitis
  • Musculoskeletal health
  • Respiratory conditions

Thoroughbred-Focused Priorities
We prioritize projects that support the health and safety of the Thoroughbred athlete, particularly those that address:

      • Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases or injuries affecting tissues and organs.
      • Monitoring and optimizing the consistency and safety of racing surfaces.
      • Other areas with direct impact on racehorse safety and welfare

Sport Horse-Focused Priorities
For the sport horse population, we especially welcome proposals addressing:

      • Optimal class load
      • Muscle recovery
      • Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH)
      • Supplements & Pharmacogenomics in Sport Horses
      • Joints: the short- and long-term impact of frequent corticosteroid joint injections in jumping horses.

However, research applications on any topic will be considered for funding, and all investigators are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility
  • A DVM (or equivalent) enrolled in a formal research training program (residency, graduate degree program, or fellowship); other formal training programs may be considered with appropriate justification by the applicant.

– or – 

  • A dual DVM/ Ph.D. training program

Applicants must also be:

  • Current AAEP member with membership paid through June 30, 2027
  • Mentored by a veterinary researcher on the faculty at a university or in private practice.

Note: The candidate must be enrolled in the program or otherwise supported by the mentor/institution for the life of the award. Preference may be given to those applying from AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges.

Funding Amount

Amount/Budget Funding requests should not exceed $20,000. Budgetary items may include graduate student tuition, lease and care of horses, consumable supplies, research service contracts and publication costs. Expenses or salaries for mentors are not allowed. No overhead is available for these trainee grants.

Note: If an institution requires overhead to be included, the application will need to include overhead within its $20,000 budget limit. Upon request The Foundation will provide a letter informing an institution that no overhead is available for these grants.

How to Apply

The following application components are included in the online application. Please reference the How-to Guide (PDF) for helpful tips on accessing the online application.

  • Title Page – Completed online; includes basic contact information, lay summary, etc.
  • Research Plan – Upload, following the Instructions for Research Grants (PDF) and resubmission explanation (if needed).
  • Budget Form (xlsx) –Complete and upload. Note the above-mentioned funding parameters.
  • Contributors & Biographical Sketches (docx) – Complete and upload.
  • Animal Care & Use and Facility documentation – Upload your institution’s IACUC approvals and any additional information regarding your facility and equipment.
  • Additional Documents – Optional upload

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026.