Category Archives: Equestrian Assistance

Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

EAF Announces COVID Recovery Grant for Palm Beach County Equestrian Industry Workers

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Lenir Perez, Ana Sofia Perez, and Juan Andres Rodriguez competed for EAF in the 2021 Great Charity Challenge. Photo by Lois Spatz.

Mar. 22, 2021 — Wellington, Fla. — The Equestrian Aid Foundation is proud to announce the creation of its Equestrian Recovery Grant Opportunity (ERGO) program. The program — a one-time grant opportunity for qualifying equestrian professionals and industry service providers — has been made possible through the Great Charity Challenge. In the 2021 event, EAF won $40,000 to apply to COVID relief and recovery efforts in Palm Beach County.

Within the horse world, COVID-19 has had a disproportionately detrimental impact on equestrian professionals and industry service providers. As small business owners and independent contractors who occupy a unique niche in the workforce, many members of the equestrian community have been overlooked for SBA and PPP loans or critically underserved by unemployment. The ERGO program is designed to identify local equestrians who fall into these categories and help them regain stability.

“Last March, we opened our first COVID Emergency Grant program within a week of the industry shutdown to quickly help workers in crisis as they figured out their next steps,” said EAF board member Louise Riggio. “The applicant data from this ongoing program demonstrates just how hard hit our equestrian community has been.”

To date, the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s initial COVID Emergency Grant program has delivered over $130,000 in aid to 281 equestrian professionals and industry service providers across the United States. “It’s been inspiring to hear that many of these individuals are back to work and doing well, but we know many others are still struggling,” said EAF board member Robert Ross of Wellington, Fla. “While we can’t mitigate every situation, thanks to the Great Charity Challenge, we will be able to make a considerable impact locally.”

Pursuant to Great Charity Challenge guidelines, the $40,000 ERGO fund will be available to qualified workers who claim Palm Beach County as their full-time residence. More information about the grant program can be found here.

The ERGO program application window will open on Monday, Apr. 4, 2021, at 8 a.m. and will close in early May. The application will be accessible in an online format or as a PDF on the Equestrian Aid Foundation website.

Benefits, Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance, EQUUS Foundation

Georgina Bloomberg and Beth Behrs to Host Shopping with Ruchi NY to Benefit EQUUS Foundation

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Georgina Bloomberg.

March 7-11: Virtual Shopping with EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar Beth Behrs
March 15: In Person Shopping in Palm Beach with EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar Georgina Bloomberg

The EQUUS Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Ruchi New York for a charity shopping event featuring the elegant and timeless jewelry designed by New York designer Ruchi Kotahwala.

Hosted by EQUUStar and renown world class equestrian, Georgina Bloomberg, and co-hosted virtually from California by newest EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar and horse welfare advocate, actress Beth Behrs, this event will give horse lovers and lovers of fine jewelry a chance to shop both in person and virtually.

For those in the Palm Beach area, the event will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021, from 2pm to 7pm at the White Elephant Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Please RSVP in advance at https://ruchinewyork.com/pages/ruchi-equus.

Beth’s fans and all horse welfare advocates across the country who are not able to join us for the Palm Beach event are welcome to shop from March 7 through March 11 24/7 using this special code, EQUUS15, here, which will offer not only a 15% discount on lovely and timeless jewelry, but also ensure that 10% of all proceeds go to the EQUUS Foundation to offer a lifeline to America’s at-risk horses.

“We are proud to partner with the EQUUS Foundation and support the extraordinary work they do to protect these incredible animals,” said Ruchi. Ruchi’s passion for gemstones and jewelry began as a young girl growing up in Mumbai, India where colorful and lively jewels are part of everyday life and celebrations. She transformed her passion into a business with her husband, a fifth-generation gemstone authority from Jaipur. Ruchi’s access to some of the world’s most remarkable and exotic stones laid the foundation for the Ruchi New York collection launched in 2018.

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance, EQUUS Foundation

Harsh Realities & Boundless Opportunities: EQUUS Foundation 2020 in Review

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Without a doubt, we can all agree that 2020 was by far the most challenging year in our history. We are hopeful that you are staying heathy and that there will be a return to some normality this year. Despite event cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are persevering and continuing to make a lasting difference in the lives of America’s at-risk and transitioning horses and in the lives of individuals who benefit from their magic and power.

During our fiscal year ending in August 2020, we were able to help provide care for nearly 5,000 horses at 160 charities nationwide. We’d like to double that number and provide a lifeline to 10,000 horses in 2021. We awarded over $500,000 in grants, including awards of new and gently used riding apparel, valued at $240,000, to 547 individuals through The Rider’s Closet program.

We believe that for horses to remain an important part of American life and have a viable future, we need to embrace a fundamental shift in our attitude towards horses – from the horse as a commodity to the horse as an athlete, companion, teacher, and healer.

We focus our efforts on raising awareness of the issues impacting the future of horses and inspiring horse lovers to be horse protectors. However, at the heart of our mission is our effort to empower and invest in the very best equine charities that are finding homes for at-risk horses and horses in transition, providing a safe haven for aged horses, and increasing opportunities for all people to engage and partner with horses in new and innovative ways. Informed giving has never been more important.

View our 2020 Annual Report here.

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

*Featured/Spotlights, Equestrian Assistance, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

WEF Season Success for OMA Students

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Taylor Landstrom and Inferno (Photo courtesy of Jen Wood Media)

Wellington, FL (February 10, 2021) – Open Minds Academy is a popular winter season academic hub for ambitious young riders, and with the Winter Equestrian Festival well underway, OMA is celebrating excellence not only in the show ring, but also in the classroom! Their individualized tutoring makes it easy for equestrians and equestrian families to execute a seamless transition from the barn to the classroom, or even to bring the classroom to the barn. OMA’s custom learning programs include virtual options, in-person 3-1 groups at their COVID-protocol optimized Wellington center, weekly status updates, extracurricular classes, and monitoring for seasonal students to ensure they keep up with their home school. Wellington’s seasonal equestrians are one of the main groups utilizing OMA to excel both in school and the show ring.

Sophia Ercolano finished WEF 3 with numerous top placings in the Low Children’s Hunters. As a 12-year-old student currently in the 6th grade, Sophia attends OMA’s virtual schooling sessions, maximizing her time with their certified teachers and time for training at the farm. She is based out of Flemington, New Jersey most of the year where she trains with Linda Sheridan and returns each season to Wellington for the winter horse show.

Taylor Landstrom is another OMA student with blue ribbons in hand for 2021. She and Inferno were the top rider in the EMO Insurance Group USHJA 3’3″ Jumper Seat Medal Section A during WEF 4. Taylor’s schedule at OMA is centered around her morning training, meaning she spends the afternoon as an in-person student at OMA’s Wellington learning center, which is located behind the Kick Back Tavern (formerly Backstreets). She enjoys the learning environment and seeing her seasonal friends each year at OMA, where Language Arts is her favorite subject.

“During season many of our equestrian clients are thrilled with the flexible scheduling and full service offered by Open Minds Academy,” said co-founder Sara Frost. “Whether they’re children of equestrians here to show or showing themselves, we work to make sure they can focus on learning and making the most of their schedule. If there’s a big show week 6, we adjust the curriculum to be lighter that week and distribute the work over less busy weeks to make sure they stay on course in school and at the horse show.”

Open Minds Academy was founded by Tyler Shernoff and Sara Frost in 2014 to meet the growing demand for individualized tutoring and teaching. Their student list has grown to include many seasonal equestrians and Wellington residents as well as students from across south Florida. Their full range of tutoring, personalized teaching, and virtual learning includes classes ranging from Pre-K through the 12th grade, while the equestrian programs generally focus on Pre-K through the 8th grade. From the beginning, their deliberately small class sizes have ensured optimal learning, and now they are the most ideally situated for COVID friendly teaching protocols as well as virtual schooling. Open Minds Academy is a one stop resource for parents and students to achieve their academic goals, boost enrichment activities, and maximize their Wellington learning program.

For additional information on Open Minds Academy, visit www.OpenMindsAcademy.org.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Awards, EQUUS Foundation

Brooke USA Recognized as the 2020 Humanitarian Award Recipient

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The EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) came together in 2009 to establish the Humanitarian Award to recognize the accomplishments of an individual or group of individuals in improving the health and welfare of the horse and promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse role of horses.

Brooke USA received the EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award at the virtual USEF Pegasus and Horse of the Year Awards Celebration on Saturday evening, January 17, 2021. Brooke USA, the sister organization to Brooke and a leading funder of its work in the developing world, is best known for improving and advocating for the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and the Caribbean by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. Less widely known is Brooke USA’s commitment to America’s horses.

The Work of Brooke USA Worldwide

Over 100 million working horses, donkeys, and mules provide invaluable support to daily life for an estimated 600 million people (eight percent of the world’s population) in some of the poorest places in the world through haulage, transportation, and production.

Healthy working horses, donkeys, and mules help to put food on their tables, send their children to school, and build better futures for themselves and their families.

Brooke USA strategically invests in solution-oriented, community-based partner organizations that address the root causes of problems affecting vulnerable communities around the globe.

Working directly with animals, owners, health services agencies, and governments, Brooke USA supports growths in infrastructure, education, veterinary care, and funding for projects and causes positively benefitting and sustaining working humans and animals in the developing world.

The Work of Brooke USA in the US

Sadly, in the United States, many of America’s horses who empower and heal us face an uncertain future. Tens of thousands become at-risk for abuse and neglect each year. Over 65,000 were shipped across our borders to be slaughtered in 2019.

Since 2016, Brooke USA has stepped up to fund US-based organizations during natural disasters and other emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic was no exception. Brooke USA came to the rescue in the United States by supporting the relief efforts of national equine welfare organizations, including the EQUUS Foundation, the Foundation for the Horse, the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and the Humane Society of the United States. Brooke USA also supported the disaster relief efforts of the United States Equestrian Foundation and the Equestrian Aid Foundation as well as other regionally based organizations.

“Brooke USA is thrilled to be recognized for our work in the United States. We have been building up our support of US-based organizations over the past few years, and COVID-19 made our national emergency our very own priority. To date, we have delivered micro-grants 24 fellow nonprofits. It has been about supporting day-to-day operations, providing feed, ensuring vet care, and helping owners. We thank the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation for the honor of serving as the 2020 the EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award recipient,” said John Nicholson, Immediate Past Chair of Brooke USA.

“During this time of extreme hardship, one thing is certain. We are grateful to our first responders and to the individuals and organizations that rise above their own priorities to work for the common good. Brooke USA is one such organization and is most deserving to be recognized as the recipient of the Humanitarian Award,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Auctions, Awards, EQUUS Foundation, Fundraisers

Robb Report’s Horsepower Gala to Honor Champions of Equine Protection

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Honoring Kevin Babington, Mayisha Akbar, Nacho Figueras, Peder Fredricson, Margie Goldstein Engle, Danny Robertshaw, and Ron Danta in a Virtual Award Show

Robb Report, the leading voice in global luxury, is hosting its second annual Horsepower Gala. Frank and Monica McCourt will co-host the virtual celebration on Thursday, February 18, along with Robb Report‘s editor in chief, Paul Croughton. The virtual attendees will participate in a live auction and award show featuring a special musical performance by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Gloria Gaynor. Auction proceeds will benefit the EQUUS Foundation, America’s foremost equine-welfare organization. The Horsepower Gala raises funds for, and increases awareness of, the issues of horse abuse, neglect, and slaughter.

“Robb Report established the Horsepower Gala in 2019 to benefit the EQUUS Foundation, and we are delighted to continue that partnership in 2021. Despite the challenges of the last year, I’m looking forward to our new virtual format to highlight exceptional and inspiring figures within the equestrian community,” said Croughton.

For information about the 2021 event, or to attend, visit RR1.COM/HORSEPOWER-GALA. Press Contact: Brooke Jaffe at Bjaffe@pmc.com.

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Community/Charity, EQUUS Foundation

Actress Beth Behrs Joins EQUUS Foundation as an EQUUStar

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Beth Behrs and her rescue horse, Belle.

The EQUUS Foundation is excited to announce that actress Beth Behrs will be joining its esteemed roster of EQUUStars, who are popular and iconic horse lovers that assist the Foundation in raising awareness and support for horse welfare across the country.

Fans of the current hit CBS sitcom, The Neighborhood, and those who tuned in to the enormously popular sitcom, 2 Broke Girls, created by Michael Patrick King and Whitney Cummings, will know actress Beth Behrs — especially in her role as Caroline Channing with her horse, Chestnut!

In addition to being one of Hollywood’s most exciting actors working today, Beth is a huge animal lover and horse welfare advocate and owner of rescued horse, Belle, who has inspired her to get more involved in horse protection and equine therapy programs for survivors of sexual assault. She is also the host of her very own podcast called HARMONICS which explores themes of creativity, healing, and wellness and has released a health and wellness book titled The Total Me-Tox published in the summer of 2017.

“There is nothing I feel more passionate about than protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between horses and people. When I rescued my horse, Belle, I didn’t realize that she was actually going to be the one rescuing me.” — Beth Behrs        

“Horses force us to live in the present moment with a zen-like tranquility,” said Behrs. “They are the greatest healers, and we must treat them with the respect and love they deserve. I am so excited to inspire and educate the public on the value of horses in our lives.

“The EQUUS Foundation is the only national charity in the United States 100% dedicated to ensuring the welfare of America’s horses and fostering the horse-human bond. I am beyond honored to be named an EQUUStar and cannot wait to better the lives of both humans and horses through the incredible work of the EQUUS Foundation.”

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Beth as our newest EQUUStar,” said Valerie Angeli, VP Engagement for the EQUUS Foundation. “Beth walks the walk in promoting the welfare of all animals, but especially horses, and her social media is filled with inspiring messages and information on how to make the world better for the horses we love. With her large following of fans, we know Beth and her beautiful, rescued paint horse, Belle, will significantly help further our message of compassion, action and responsibility for horses across the country and engage more horse lovers to #HorseProtector!”

Beth will be joining current EQUUS Foundation EQUUStars Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal-Marteau, Clementine Goutal, Paige Johnson, and Jessica Springsteen. Look for Beth in the future on EQUUS Foundation social media as well as in EQUUS Foundation virtual events — and even live events — For the Love of Horses!

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Community/Charity, EQUUS Foundation, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Catherine Tyree Joins EQUUS Foundation’s Movement to Protect Horses across America

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Catherine Tyree and BEC Lorenzo. Photo by Mackenzie Clark.

Wellington, Fla. – Dec. 14, 2020 – American show jumping athlete Catherine Tyree has been announced as the newest EQUUS Foundation Athlete, a program that brings together professional equestrians that are dedicated to providing their equine partners with the highest quality of life possible and sharing the charitable message of the EQUUS Foundation. Tyree is thrilled at the opportunity to join in this movement and is eager to begin helping horses across the United States by joining the EQUUS Foundation’s empowering, inspiring, and educating initiatives.

Throughout Tyree’s professional career she has supported several charitable efforts within the equestrian industry, including the Winter Equestrian Festival’s Annual Great Charity Challenge, the Hampton Classic Horse Show’s Jump for Charity, and various other events and competitions that benefit philanthropic efforts across the country. With the welfare of horses at the forefront of her mind, Tyree is dedicated to building an alliance with the EQUUS Foundation by being involved with their initiatives and sharing the programs that directly impact the lives of horses looking for a second chance.

“I am so honored to be a part of the EQUUS Foundation. I have admired this organization for many years and followed their story and different programs closely,” shared Tyree. “I am excited to begin this journey and I am hopeful that I can help bring more awareness to the EQUUS Foundation, the horses that need our help and the ways that people can contribute to the greater good of equines across the country.”

As the only national charity in the United States that is solely dedicated to ensuring the welfare of America’s equines and creating long lasting horse-human bonds, the EQUUS Foundation connects individuals and organizations in the equine community that are committed to the welfare of horses. Through its programs and educational initiatives, the EQUUS Foundation ultimately aims to build a support base of equine advocates and affect change.

The EQUUS Foundation is deeply grateful to their Athletes for lending their names and joining its #HorseProtector campaign to help promote the charitable efforts of the EQUUS Foundation. Currently, EQUUS Foundation Athletes represent the hunter and jumper disciplines with the goal going forward to embrace all disciplines that wish to participate and honor their outstanding athletes. To learn more about EQUUS Foundation Athletes, click here.

“We are thrilled to welcome Catherine Tyree as our newest EQUUS Foundation Athlete. It is so important to have inspirational role models in the world of equestrian sport that exemplify passion for horse welfare as well as for the sport itself,” said Lynn Coakley, President of EQUUS Foundation. “The horses should always come first — and what happens to them after their sport careers are over is just as important. We are excited to have Cat join us along with our other influential athletes to help us raise important awareness on behalf of the horses we all love.”

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Community/Charity, EQUUS Foundation

2020 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Nominations Open

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The Horse Stars Hall of Fame was established by the EQUUS Foundation and US Equestrian in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and the magical bond between horses and people.

The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses that have had a life-changing impact in public service or on the public’s perception of horses, have excelled or are excelling in the area of equine assisted activities and therapies, and/or have excelled or are excelling in their competitive or public service career after overcoming significant hardship. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) inducts its “Horses of Honor” selected by USEF annually.

Nomination Deadline – December 31, 2020
Click here to submit a nomination.

Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

Learn more about the US Equestrian at www.usequestrian.org.

Community/Charity, Equine Assisted Therapy, Hunter/Equitation

Gleneayre Equestrian Program Reflects on 2020

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Lumberton, New Jersey – Nov. 16, 2020 – Since the late 1990s, the Gleneayre Equestrian Program’s (GEP) mission has centered around “bringing horses and people together for the betterment of each other’s lives.” As with many other non-profits, 2020 has been a difficult year to not only continue their mission but also to connect with their current donors and participants. Based out of Lumberton, New Jersey, founders Bob and Ellen Healey have dedicated their lives to growing the program into the success that it has become today. With the GEP now in its 31st year, the Healeys were determined to continue the program’s growth despite of the many challenges that the community has faced.

The GEP is centered on three main programs – the Working Student program, the Equine Facilitated Learning program, and the Mental Health program. The GEP serves a wide range of individuals, including veterans, juvenile first-offenders, and those who are in need of additional support. All of the horses within the GEP are donated, including many former show horses, that have years of purpose left to give.

Due to social distancing regulations and the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, GEP made the decision to cancel the Gleneayre Horse Show and Hunter Derby in the best interest of their staff and exhibitors. The annual event is the program’s largest fundraiser and an excellent opportunity for GEP to interact with friends and the community.

“Although we were saddened to have to cancel our 2020 Horse Show and Hunter Derby, ultimately we know that it was the right thing to do for the greater good,” remarked Ellen Healey. “We are looking forward to having our event again with renewed energy in 2021!”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Equine Facilitated Learning Program has been put on hold. Fortunately, the Working Student Program is running and currently has openings for qualified children ages 10 to 18. This special program pairs children with their own horses, allowing students to gain knowledge in horsemanship, responsibility, self-confidence, and more.

“The Gleneayre Equestrian Program has a positive impact on its students by providing a place of structure, consistency, and normality during these uncertain times,” said Alison Johnson, Managing Director and Trainer. Jeannie Mattioni, Program Assistant and Trainer, echoed her thoughts by stating, “The Gleneayre Equestrian Program has given our kids a safe sanctuary where they can relieve stress and be outdoors. I think, especially now, we can all understand and appreciate the power that a little bit of normality can have in bringing a smile to our face.”

GEP takes great pride in the fact that all horses entering their programs have a forever home and are able to live out the remainder of their lives with comfort and love. Despite cancellations and program suspensions that were caused by 2020 events, the Gleneayre horses still need care. The programs encourage friends and supporters to consider sponsoring one of their special horses in order to support the unique connection between horses and humans. A charitable contribution $750 will sponsor a horse for 6 months; $1,500 will sponsor a horse for 1 year.

“All horses that enter our programs have a forever home at Gleneayre,” said Executive Director Bill Rube. “Since the cancellation of the 2020 Hunter Derby, we rolled out a Sponsor a Horse Program to help supplement the cost of care for our program horses. If you feel a special connection with one of our horses, consider sponsoring them to show your support! Your generous donation will make a difference in our horses’ lives.”

For more information regarding this opportunity, please click here.

To learn more about GEP’s important mission and current happenings, click here.