The Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research

In conjunction with Gretchen Jackson's recent appointment to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Safety and Integrity Alliance's Subcommittee on Aftercare, comes the announcement that the Jacksons and the NTRA have established the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research.

This new charity actually replaces the NTRA Charities Barbaro Memorial Fund and, according to Bloodhorse, will "become the primary fund raising arm of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance for equine health and safety research." In other words, the NTRA is going to continue to channel efforts into funding research for equine safety, but is now doing it under the umbrella of their safety initiative, thus broadening the scope of the mission.

"As a fundamental building block of scientific advancement, research will always be a pillar of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance," said Mike Ziegler, executive director of the Alliance. "The Barbaro Fund for Equine health and Safety Research will provide critical support on countless fronts affecting the Thoroughbred athlete."

Since its inception in 2007, the NTRA Charities--Barbaro Memorial Fund has contributed more that $400,000 to scientific research and conferences on laminitis. This new initiative will continue to fund laminitis research as well as research into other aspects of equine health and safety.

As I have mentioned many times before, there is no NIH for animal research so true angels, like the Jacksons, are both desperately needed and greatly appreciated by those who work in equine health. Bravo to them for continuing to associate Barbaro's name with health and safety for all horses.