The Arabian Horse Foundation has announced $11,500 in equine research funding for support of projects studying health conditions impacting Arabian horses.

An award of $5,000 will go to continuing the cerebellar abiotrophy research being conducted by Cecilia Penedo, PhD, at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), School of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Another $6,500 will go to support two projects headed by Samantha Brooks, PhD, of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: One project researching equine metabolic syndrome and Cushing's disease in the Arabian horse, and another to expand studies of heritable disease in the Arabian horse and study the genetic basis for juvenile idiopathic epilepsy.

"This is the foundation's sixth year for funding equine veterinary related research projects and it is very fulfilling to see the ongoing interest and progress that has been made during this time, particularly in the area of studying genetic disorders affecting the Arabian horse," said Beth Minnich, who chairs the foundation's Equine Research Advisory Panel. "This has only been possible with the support of our donors and their dedication to helping the Arabian horse community have a voice in equine research."

In addition to Minnich, the Equine Research Advisory Panel is made up of Ray Cerniga, DVM, PAS; Tim Fleck, DVM; and Cory Soltau, DVM