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OVERVIEW

The Equestrian Aid Foundation provides emergency, lifesaving financial grants to horsemen and women coping with loss of income due to catastrophic injury, illness or other hardship. EAF invests in the future of its recipients, giving them the resources to recover and thrive in the face of adversity.

Based on a review of each applicant's personal, financial and medical circumstances, Equestrian Aid may provide support in the form of a one-time grant according to Foundation guidelines. Grant requests are reviewed several times per year by Equestrian Aid’s Applicant Review Committee, which is comprised of Board Members and medical advisors. Approved grants are reviewed periodically to determine recipients’ ongoing need for aid.

The Foundation’s mission is to assist equestrians in need of a helping hand during times of crisis, so typically it is not possible to cover all applicant expenses or to maintain a lifestyle.

 

GRANT CRITERIA

The Equestrian Aid Foundation welcomes applicants for aid from two groups:

Equine Professionals: These individuals directly make their living from horses and horse sports. Occupations include, but are not limited to riders, grooms, horse show staff, farriers, veterinarians, and braiders.

Anyone falling under this category can apply for a grant to compensate for loss of income due to a catastrophic injury, illness or occurrence. The amount of grants awarded will be determined by committee and given based upon a host of factors, including

      • Applicant’s health and disability insurance benefits
      • Other potential sources of income (including other grant-giving nonprofits and/or government assistance)
      • Extent of injury or illness and prognosis, as determined by a licensed medical professional
      • Personal and business assets and savings, including tax returns and real estate holdings
      • Ability to return to work once recovered, as determined by a licensed medical professional

 

Non-Professionals, Amateurs and Juniors: We will accept applications from equestrians who make their living in another field but ride or own horses as a hobby. This includes amateur and junior riders, volunteers and other equine enthusiasts who do not rely on the horse business for their income. We welcome applications from this category for acute, catastrophic injuries incurred solely on horseback or handling horses.

Anyone falling under this category can apply for a grant to help cover expenses directly related to his or her injury. The amount of grants awarded will be determined by committee and given based upon a host of factors, including

      • Applicant’s health and disability insurance benefits
      • Other potential sources of income (including other grant-giving nonprofits and/or government assistance)
      • Extent of injury and prognosis, as determined by a licensed medical professional

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: First Steps

Please complete this online questionnaire so we can better understand your circumstances and determine your eligibility to apply for a grant. Upon review of the initial questionairre, a foundation representative will contact you.

If you are not able to access the online questionnaire or have questions about the application process in general, please contact the Jamie Summerside, EAF's Program Manager, by emailing Jamie@EquestrianAid.org or by telephone: 800.792.6068.