MEDIA ALERT: DENVER/May 29, 2024 – Morris Animal Foundation announced its selection of two new grants dedicated to improving the lives of horses through an enhanced understanding of behavioral health and welfare.
"We are thrilled to support these research proposals aimed at advancing equid behavioral health," said Dr. Lara Croft, Veterinary Scientist at Morris Animal Foundation. "By investing in studies that delve into the complexities of equine behavior and welfare, we are contributing to the well-being of horses and fostering a deeper understanding of their needs. These initiatives represent a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to improving the health and welfare of equine companions worldwide."
The equine behavior initiative was made possible by a generous donation from Dr. Wendy Koch, a veterinarian who has supported the Foundation for 33 years. Dr. Koch, who began her career in animal welfare with the federal government in 1990 and became board-certified in animal welfare in 2016, has long advocated for equine behavior and welfare research.
Dr. Koch and the Foundation selected the grants after a rigorous screening process and expert review.
The grant recipients are:
- Lorna Cameron, Hartpury University, United Kingdom: Researchers will assess whether encouraging social interactions between adult horses in a stabled environment improves learning performance and trainability.
- Dr. Silvia Mazzola, University of Milan, Italy: Researchers will investigate the effect of management and stabling conditions common in indoor competition settings and determine the optimal conditions to enhance the well-being of sports horses.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $160 million in more than 3,000 critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Kelly Diehl
