The JRA Equine Research Institute (ERI) was founded in 1959 to conduct research on how to preserve good health and to prevent disorders for a racehorse. Thus, the primarily subject of research is on racehorses, making the institution that much more unique even under global standards.

ERI is engaged in various research activities including equine exercise physiology, veterinary clinical medicine, racetracks and its physical characteristics, rehabilitation methods for injured racehorses, and research on making diagnosis, providing treatment and preventing equine infectious diseases. Also, ERI conducts research on training methods for rearing periods, as well as on nutrition and reproduction.

The organization is comprised of the Sports Science Research Center (in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Pref.), Rehabilitation Research Center - Joban branch (in Iwaki City, Fukushima Pref.) and Epizootic Research Center - Tochigi branch (in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Pref.), and as an affiliated institution, the Hidaka Training and Research Center (former Hidaka Yearling Training Farm) . The Sports Science Research Center is comprised of 3 divisions and 1 section, including the Research Planning and Coordination Division, Sports Science Division, Clinical Science & Pathobiology Division and General Affairs Section. The Rehabilitation Research Center - Joban branch focuses on Rehabilitation Research. The Epizootic Research Center - Tochigi branch is made up of 3 divisions, such as Research Coordination Division, Microbiology Division and Molecular Biology Division. Lastly, the Hidaka Training and Research Center is comprised of one division and two sections, including the Equine Science Division.