The New Zealand Equine Research Foundation (NZERF) was established in 1977 to foster education of and research for the NZ Horse Industry. In 1976 a small group of visionary people conceived the idea of a national equine research foundation and worked vigorously to persuade all sectors of the Horse Industry to support their dream. Their ambition was to have an independent organisation that:

• “Promoted and expanded public knowledge regarding welfare, breeding, feeding, management, health and performance of horses of all types

• Encouraged the study and understanding of horses

• Fostered, promoted and undertook or assisted research and other scientific work in connection with horses and to make public the results thereof

• Identified, instigated or granted assistance in projects that related to the advancement of the horse.”

Over time the Foundation has continued to fulfill its aims and is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for its support of research efforts in New Zealand as we try to ensure our horses, in whatever area they perform, enjoy the best of health and welfare. So now, forty years later, we are the only independent equine research funding body serving all sectors of the New Zealand horse industry undertaking increasingly important work to better understand our horses. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is that this work continue.