Small Project Grants
Applications are invited for small projects to start in the year from April 2026, supporting research projects that focus on specific issues of direct and immediate practical importance to the health and wellbeing of the Thoroughbred.
The grants are open to individuals based in veterinary schools and institutes, but are also intended to be accessible to veterinary practitioners and others working in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
Applications for Small Project Grants are now online. Apply using the following link: https://funding.hblb.org.uk/. Submission deadline is 15th September 2025.
Scope of awards
Projects must be completed in less than 1 year and should not generally exceed £10,000.
All proposed projects must be within the HBLB's Priorities and Scope 2025.
Examples of the type of research activity that is being sought include studies on:
• efficacy and safety of established or innovative therapies for conditions affecting Thoroughbreds;
• risk factors for specific injuries;
• tools that will help trainers and breeders to manage their horses more safely and effectively;
• effects of management, nutritional or handling strategies on Thoroughbred behaviour, health and performance;
• novel diagnostic interventions or imaging modalities for early detection and diagnosis of injury;
• biosecurity strategies and other preventative measures to reduce risk of infectious disease on stud farms and training yards.
This list is intended as a guide and is not exhaustive. Other research activities will be considered.
Proposals should be innovative, progressive and relevant. Robust study design is essential and specific proposals for dissemination of results to the scientific community and public in general are required.
Pilot studies are eligible but larger studies investigating either basic or applied science are unlikely to be achievable within the funding available, and are more suited to an application for an Equine Veterinary Research Project via the Equine Grants System (EGS).
1. Eligibility
1.1 Applications are open to individuals aged 18 and over and in permanent employment based in veterinary schools and institutes, but are also intended to be accessible to veterinary practitioners and others working in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
1.2 All proposed projects must be within the HBLB's Priorities and Scope 2025.
1.3 No project may exceed 1 year in duration and must report within 4 months of completion. Funding will not be awarded to complete an unfinished project that has previously been supported by HBLB, although new work that follows on from a previous project and that requires proof of concept or pilot data to make a new advance may be considered. Contact HBLB for advice if necessary.
1.4 Re-submissions of an application may be considered, unless directed otherwise by HBLB.
1.5 Funding will be forfeit if the awarded project is delayed for more than 9 months. If the project is subsequently proposed to resume, a new application for funding will be required.
2. Costs
2.1 Total project costs should not generally exceed £10,000. Applications in excess of this amount may be considered only in exceptional circumstances.
2.2 Project budgets must be realistic. Justification must be given for each cost requested.
2.3 Where applicable, claims for procedures are capped at 50% of the professional clinical fee.
2.4 Generally grants may not be used to fund personal computers / laptops, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Further details on eligible costs are included with the application pack.
2.5 Travel costs will only be considered for travel directly associated with the project work described in the application. Funds cannot be used to travel for research visits or meetings/talk tours.
3. Timetable
3.1 Funding decisions are expected in December 2025.
For further information, please contact the Equine Grants Team:
Email: equine.grants@hblb.org.uk
Tel: 020 7333 0043