USA Equestrian Trust opens first round of 2013 grants program for equine non-profits
Applications due Monday, May 6
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:
UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION 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.
Under the watchful eye of clinician Michael Page, rider Katelyn Brooks concentrates on an exercise in her session during a free training clinic provided by the Sacramento Area Hunter Jumper Association.
Riders Lauren Ianni, Roxy Cortez and Sara Friedmann are attentive to an exercise being performed by another rider at the SAHJA's free training clinic.
The American Morgan Horse Association's 2012 Youth of the Year participants. Photo by Howard Schatzberg.
The gold medal-winning Five-Gaited U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup team. Photo by Ross Millin.
The gold medal-winning Three-Gaited U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup team. Photo by Ross Millin.