April 18, 2013 — Lexington, KY — There is still time to submit proposals for the first round of USA Equestrian Trust grants in 2013. IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations are invited to apply by filling out the online grant application at http://www.trusthorses.org. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 6.

In 2012, the Trust awarded nearly $335,000 to more than a dozen organizations. Past recipients include those doing equine health research, land conservation and educational programs. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects. If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail grants@trusthorses.org.

Funding available for grants includes $51,500 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for grants available from this specific reserve.

The May 6 deadline marks the conclusion of the first of two grant periods in 2013, as USA Equestrian Trust’s board expanded the program last year. The second grant application period ends October 7.

February 13, 2013 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations will have two opportunities to apply for funding in 2013 as part of the foundation’s grants program. The Trust’s board expanded the grants program to two periods in 2012 and awarded nearly $335,000 in grants, an increase of almost 70 percent compared to 2011.

To apply for funding, visit the Trust’s newly revamped website at trusthorses.org. The site includes an extensive guide of frequently asked questions to assist applicants, as well as profiles of the work being done by selected past recipients.

“The Trust is pleased to make our simple online application process even easier,” said USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch. “The Trust’s leadership continues to be impressed by the many worthy projects seeking to further the rich legacy of horses and equestrian sport.”

The 2013 application deadlines are May 6 and October 7. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects. If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail grants@trusthorses.org.

The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for projects that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. Among the past projects that have received Trust funding are:

USEF U.S. SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION WORLD CUP TEAM: $25,000 was awarded in 2011 to help reduce the fees required of the riders. Both the Three-Gaited and Five-Gaited teams won gold medals in the competition, which was held late last year in South Africa.

“Of course, the team couldn’t have had such success without the support they received from individuals and groups such as USA Equestrian Trust,” noted Lori Nelson, Assistant Executive Director, USEF National Affiliates. “The funding from the Trust was instrumental in supporting the travel for the team and freed up funds for things such as the team-building practice, which solidified cohesion as a team.”

AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION: $27,235 was awarded in May 2012 to support AMHA’s youth Equitation medal classes and “Youth of the Year” programs.

“AMHA was honored to receive the support of USA Equestrian Trust in 2012 to extend the reach of our Equitation medal program and Youth of the Year,” remarked Julie Broadway, Executive Director. “Both of these programs expanded the minds, skills and horizons of the youth involved and help build equestrian leaders of tomorrow.”

Ellery Walker, the 2012 Youth of the Year winner, added, “There are so many great versatile youth in the breed, and I love that the Youth of the Year contest is a way to show off their talents and reward them for their dedication.”

AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE ASSOCIATION: $27,000 was awarded in May 2012 to assist ASHA in redesigning its database of registered Saddlebreds, members, competitions and show results, as well as upgrade its website.

“The USA Equestrian Trust grant enabled us to kick off our major technology upgrade project,” said Executive Director Karen Winn, adding the funding “will allow ASHA to retire outdated technology and move forward with better reporting of pedigrees, breeding statistics and show results, as well as provide interactive customer service on a new website.”

VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER FOUNDATION: $20,000 was awarded in October 2012 to assist in replacing the aging lighting system in the organization’s Anderson Coliseum. The upgrade will provide a safer facility for the 500,000 exhibitors who compete there annually.

“With this grant, we move closer to our goal to ‘Turn up the Lights!’ in our largest arena,” said Katherine Truitt, Executive Director. “Equestrian events covering all disciplines use the all-weather arena. This new lighting system will provide three times as much illumination, easy access for maintenance and cut energy use by nearly 75 percent.”

SACRAMENTO AREA HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION: $5,000 was awarded in both 2011 and May 2012 to provide members, who are entry-level exhibitors and low-budget owners, with free training clinics by noted equestrian Michael Page.

“In each of the last two years, our clinics have been at capacity and the enthusiasm of our membership has been over the top,” commented President Jen Hannink. “Without the assistance of USA Equestrian Trust, these events would have never been possible.”

Funding for the SAHJA was awarded from a reserve for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants seeking funding from this $51,500 reserve should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.

Since 2004, Trust Has Awarded More Than $1.25 Million in Grants to Equine Non-Profits

December 13 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust has awarded $95,000 in grants to help fund four more equine projects as part of a historic year of grant-giving for the foundation. The awards come on top of nearly $240,000 awarded in May to 11 equine non-profits.

The Trust’s volunteer leadership approved an expansion of the program earlier this year, offering a second grant application period for the first time in the foundation’s history. The organization saw even greater need from interested non-profits as the number of applications received in 2012 more than doubled compared to the year before. The Trust’s volunteer leadership responded by granting more than it ever has before.

“In this time of continued economic instability, the board of USA Equestrian Trust dedicated itself to helping, as best we can, the many worthy equine non-profits in need of assistance,” commented USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch.

Since the inception of the Trust’s grants program, the organization has awarded more than $1.25 million in grants to equine non-profits.

The four projects funded as part of the grants period ending in October were:

• „$32,500 to USA Reining, Inc., to assist in start-up expenses for the newly recognized FEI sport affiliate. The organization seeks to support the sport at the grassroots level and grow its presence nationally.
• $30,000 to the Arabian Horse Association to completely revamp its website to help the organization market and promote the breed.
• $20,000 to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation to assist in replacing the aging lighting system in the organization’s Anderson Coliseum, which hosts equestrian events of all disciplines. The upgrade will provide a safer facility for the 500,000 competitors who compete there annually.
• $12,500 to establish a need-based travel grants program for riders in California and Nevada seeking training as part of the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athletes Program.

June 19 — Lexington, KY — In its largest round of grant funding to date, USA Equestrian Trust has awarded nearly $240,000 to 11 equine non-profits that applied by the first of the foundation’s two 2012 application deadlines. The $239,780 in grants is an increase of 21 percent compared to 2011. That mirrored the continued dramatic jump in interest in the Trust’s grants program, which saw applications rise 38 percent.

The Trust’s leadership approved an expansion of the program earlier this year, offering a second grant application period for the first time in the foundation’s history. Equine non-profits have until October 8 to submit applications for consideration using the Trust’s easy online application form available at www.trusthorses.org.

Those projects awarded grants were as follows:

• AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EQUINE PRACTITIONERS FOUNDATION, INC. ($10,000) was awarded funding for its Laminitis Research Project that unites veterinarians and horse owners in a collaborative effort to uncover new information about causes, prevention and treatment of the crippling disease.
• AMERICAN DRIVING SOCIETY, INC. ($45,000) was awarded funding to assist in an effort to upgrade an equine facility in Illinois that has been donated to a local governmental body. The goal is to restore and preserve the more than 600 acres and allow it to again play host to events including local, national and international eventing, dressage and combined driving.
• AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ($27,235) was awarded funding for its youth equitation medal classes and “Youth of the Year” programs.
• AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE ASSOCIATION ($27,000) was awarded funding to help redesign its database of registered Saddlebreds, members, competitions and show results, as well as upgrade its website.
• CANTER OF PENNSYLVANIA ($1,500) was awarded funding to offer three $500 educational scholarships for United States Pony Club riders who are residents of Pennsylvania and compete with retired Thoroughbreds. The organization’s goal is to further develop the skills of riders and their off-track Thoroughbreds through the assistance of professional trainers and other educational opportunities.
• CONSERVATION TRUST FOR FLORIDA, INC. ($8,000) applied for funding to host a one-day workshop for attorneys, appraisers and accountants on land conservation options and conservation easements. The organization’s goal is protecting horse farms and the horse farm lifestyle for future generations by educating landowners about conservation methods and by assisting them in protecting their land.
• MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION ($10,000) was awarded funding for research into equine herpesvirus, a devastating disease that can cause abortions and severe neurological diseases.
• NEW YORK HORSE PARK, INC. ($50,000) sought funds to develop a master plan to build the expansive New York Horse Park in Saratoga Springs.
• SACRAMENTO HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION ($5,000) was awarded funding to offer a free training clinic to its members, who are entry-level exhibitors and low-budget owners.
• UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION’S EQUINE HEALTH RESEARCH FUND ($46,190) was awarded funding for research into orthopedic diseases and recurrent airway obstruction.
• UNITED STATES PONY CLUB, INC. ($9,855) has proposed creating a traveling display that will serve as an interactive, educational experience for children. The goal is to generate interest in horses and ponies and to drive more visitors to the Kentucky Horse Park and its Kids Barn.

Equine Non-Profits Must File Requests by May 7

April 20, 2012—Lexington, KY—There’s still time to submit proposals for the first round of USA Equestrian Trust grants in 2012. IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations are invited to apply by going to the web site at http://www.trusthorses.org/grant/request.html to fill out the online grant application. The deadline is May 7 at 5 PM EST.

In 2011, the Trust granted nearly $200,000 to help fund 10 projects. Past recipients of grants include those doing equine health research, land conservation, and educational programs. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.

Funding available for grants includes approximately $70,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for grants available from this specific reserve.

The May 7 deadline marks the conclusion of the first of two grant periods in 2012, as USA Equestrian Trust’s board expanded the program this year. The second grant application period ends October 8.

“The board of USA Equestrian Trust felt it was crucial during this continued time of economic instability to expand our grants program to assist the many worthy equine non-profits in need of assistance. And while no charity can make grants to every deserving group, the Trust has significantly increased its giving since 2009 and hopes to continue to do so,” commented USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch.

The Trust has an easy online application process, which includes a review page on which non-profits can both proof and edit their applications before submitting. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects as word processing documents. Applications cannot be submitted without one. If you have any questions about applying, please email grants@trusthorses.org.

For the first round of grants this year all grant applications MUST be submitted online or postmarked no later than May 7. No late applications will be considered. To learn more about USA Equestrian Trust and/or its grant program for equine non-profits, visit the web site at http://www.trusthorses.org.

Applications Due Monday, May 7, for First Round of 2012 Grants

February 14, 2012—Lexington, KY—The USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce that IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations now have two opportunities to submit grants. Plan ahead now to submit your applications for financial grants to be funded in 2012. To fill out a grant application, go to http://www.trusthorses.org/grant/request.html.

The deadlines are May 7 and October 8 at 5 PM ET. The targeted date for notifying grant recipients is within 60 days of due date.

In 2011, the Trust’s board was pleased to grant nearly $200,000 to ten applicants. Past recipients of grants include those doing equine health research, land conservation, and educational programs. The Trust welcomes applications for needbased and means-tested worthy equine projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.

Funding available for grants includes approximately $70,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.

Among the Trust’s 2011 grant recipients was the Morris Animal Foundation, which received a grant of $10,000 for researchers at the University of Massachusetts who are focusing on ways to treat equine laminitis. The grant was used to help develop more targeted therapeutic drugs that could slow and/or prevent laminar tissue damage in horses. Morris Animal Foundation CEO/President Dr. David Haworth had this to say after receiving a Trust grant. “Morris Animal Foundation is thankful for the continued support from USA Equestrian Trust. It’s partnerships like this that help us work to give horses longer, healthier lives.” Old Field Farm, Ltd., in Suffolk County, N.Y., received a grant of $22,000. With prudent spending and the assistance of numerous volunteers, the organization is using the funding to help preserve the Smythe Main Barn, an historic landmark used to enhance educational and cultural activities. “We are deeply grateful for this award and recognition as we expand and grow our programs while we preserve this historic equestrian Old Field Farm County Parkland,” commented Sally A. Lynch, Ph.D., President of Old Field Farm, Ltd.

For the past two years, the United States Equestrian Federation has been granted $5,000 for its Youth Career Workshop held during the organization’s annual convention. The workshop brings together youth from various breeds and gives them exposure to committees, governance and career opportunities. “These grants have been a tremendous aid in
funding a positive program for the youth who are the future of this sport,” commented Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF’s Director of National Affiliates. USA Equestrian Trust Expands Grant Program cont. It is grants like these that are the heart and soul of what the USA Equestrian Trust is all about, and it is the vision of the organization to continue to give to as many worthy projects as possible. ”The board of USA Equestrian Trust felt it was crucial during this continued time of economic instability to expand our grants program to assist the many worthy equine non-profits in need of assistance. And while no charity can make grants to every deserving group, the Trust has significantly increased its giving since 2009 and hopes to continue to do so,” commented USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch.

The Trust has an easy online application process, which includes a review page on which non-profits can both proof and edit their applications before submitting. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects as word processing documents. Applications cannot be submitted without one. If you have any questions about applying, please email grants@trusthorses.org.

All grant applications MUST be submitted online or postmarked no later than May 7 and October 8. No late applications
will be considered.

More Than Half of Grants Given to USEF To Support Equine Health Research and Youth

Lexington, Kentucky - Every year USA Equestrian Trust provides grants to equine non-profits. This year a total of $198,822 was awarded to 10 projects. More than 61 percent of 2011 grant funds went to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with the bulk of that going to its Equine Health Research Fund, which coordinates research to benefit all equine breeds and disciplines. Other monies went to programs of merit to help people with disabilities, create or expand educational opportunities for both people and horses, and preserve historical landmarks or the land used by our horses.

All of the USEF grant proposals that USAET received were funded. Of special note is the money given to support the U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup team proposal. Monies given will help reduce the amount participants will have to pay thus expanding the number of talented Saddle Seat Equitation riders who can now afford to try out to be a member of the U.S. team.

Those projects awarded grants were as follows:

CAMP HORSEABILITY ($15,200) is a program that offers riders with special needs competitive show opportunities similar to those available to typical riders. This grant will help defray the expenses needed to cover the costs for a team of fifteen riders with disabilities who compete in the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD). Riders compete in a series of eight shows culminating with the finals at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

EQUINE LAND CONSERVATION RESOURCE ($10,000) is an organization whose mission is “to advance the conservation of land for horse-related activity.” Research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has shown that over 6,000 acres of farm and open lands are lost every day. The money will be used to help underwrite the cost of three regional forums (in Hartford, Los Angeles and Baltimore) designed to educate and unify the horse community to act regionally on the issue of equine land and trail conservation.

MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION ($10,000) requested a grant for researchers at the University of Massachusetts who are focusing on ways to treat equine laminitis. These researchers will then use this information to develop more targeted therapeutic drugs that could slow and/or prevent laminar tissue damage in horses.

OLD FIELD FARM RESTORATION OF HISTORIC BARN’S ROOF ($22,000) will help restore an equestrian landmark to enhance its educational and cultural activities. The organization, a historic equestrian parkland built in 1931, requested funding to restore and improve the roof of the Smythe main barn where most of the activities take place. They are working with Suffolk County Department of Parks to oversee the renovation of the building, which hosts clinics, lectures and other learning activities for equine enthusiasts.

Lexington, Kentucky - The USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for financial grants to non-profit equine organizations to be funded in 2011. Go to our Grant request page and fill out a grant application for the USA Equestrian Trust Grant Program. The deadline is May 2nd at 5 PM EST.

Despite the continued economic struggles, the Trust’s board was pleased to grant nearly $135,000 to seven applicants in 2010. Past recipients of grants include those doing equine health research, equestrian land conservation, and educational programs. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based and means-tested worthy equestrian projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.

Funds available for grants include $77,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper not-for-profit purposes or programs in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.

“While no public charity can make grants to every deserving group, USA Equestrian Trust encourages any non profit in the equestrian community who needs assistance to consider completing the grant application,” commented Alan F. Balch, USAET President.

The Trust has made several improvements to the online application process this year. The revamped form includes a review page on which applicants can both proof and edit their applications before submitting. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their project as a word processing document. Applications cannot be submitted without one. If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail grants@trusthorses.org.

All grant applications MUST be submitted no later than May 2nd. Mailed applications MUST be POSTMARKED by May 2nd. No late applications will be considered. To learn more about USA Equestrian Trust and/or its grant program, visit the web site.

About the USA Equestrian Trust

USA Equestrian Trust is a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation whose mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America.

Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports, and the corporation is a 501 (c)(3) organization pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.”

The Trust is a Sustaining Affiliate of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States.