As part of its ongoing commitment to equine health, US Equestrian (USEF) has announced funding for the first two research projects supported by the newly established Chromatic Fund.
Created in late 2024, the Chromatic Fund is a collaborative initiative involving the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), USEF, Chromatic’s breeder KC Branscomb, and The Foundation for the Horse. Named in honor of Chromatic BF, a 13-year-old Oldenburg show jumper who died tragically at the 2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the fund aims to support research that improves the health and welfare of competition horses.
The inaugural projects selected for funding are:
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Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation on Vitamin K Status in Healthy Horses
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Investigator: Dr. Carrie Finno, University of California, Davis
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Significance: The study will examine whether high-dose vitamin E could increase the risk of bleeding, a potential concern for horses suffering from Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH).
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Safety of Single High-Dose vs. Repeated Low-Dose Steroid Use
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Investigator: Dr. Lauren Schnabel, North Carolina State University
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Significance: Researchers will evaluate the impact of different steroid administration protocols on blood glucose, insulin, cortisol, and ACTH levels, as well as the potential development of laminitis, providing veterinarians with evidence-based guidance on safer joint injection practices.
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Combined funding for the two projects is just under $100,000. “These projects mark the beginning of USEF’s expanded commitment to equine research in 2026,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney. “They address concerns raised by veterinarians at our recent veterinary summit, and we look forward to seeing the results.”
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KC Branscomb, breeder of Chromatic BF, added, “Our horses and the people who care for them deserve best-in-class information about the safe and effective use of medications, supplements, and therapies. This partnership between AAEP and USEF will help horses continue to compete while living healthier, safer lives.”
The Chromatic Fund benefits from the Foundation for the Horse’s established grant review process. Applications are initially evaluated by AAEP staff and veterinarians for eligibility and focus, then reviewed by a panel chaired by Dr. Anthony Blikslager of North Carolina State University. Reviewers score projects based on scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact. A two-day meeting allows 25 reviewers to discuss project strengths and weaknesses before final rankings are submitted.
An advisory board representing the Chromatic Fund—including USEF and AAEP leadership, veterinarians, trainers, and breeders—selected the two funded projects based on their potential impact for competition horses and available budget. Members included: Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR; Bill Moroney, CEO of USEF; Sonja Keating, COO and General Counsel of USEF; John Madigan, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACAW; Jack Snyder, DVM, Ph.D., DACVS; Norman Dello Joio, Olympic and World Champion rider; and KC Branscomb.
“Working through the Foundation’s review process ensures the research we support is robust and actionable,” Moroney said.
This year, the Foundation received 64 grant applications and funded 15 projects at 11 institutions. Many worthy studies go unfunded due to limited resources, making initiatives like the Chromatic Fund crucial for advancing equine health research.
The funded studies are expected to take two to three years from initiation to published results. Preference has been given to projects likely to produce findings suitable for peer-reviewed journals.
“Our members consistently emphasize the importance of supporting equine health, and we share that commitment,” Moroney said. “We are reviewing additional projects for 2026 funding and anticipate more announcements in the coming weeks.”
