Tag Archives: Equestrian Aid Foundation

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

EAF Opens Disaster Relief Fund to Help Horsemen Affected by Hurricane Ian

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Wellington, Fla. – Sept. 30, 2022 – In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has opened its Disaster Relief Fund to help horsemen in the storm’s path with their most urgent needs as they work to regain stability.

“While the Equestrian Aid Foundation is fully operational after the storm, this one hit home for us because Florida is home,” said board member Robert Ross of the Wellington-based charity. “We were lucky, and now it’s time to get to work for those in our equestrian community who were not.”

Equestrians who are in immediate need of assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian are invited to apply for aid.

The emergency program will be funded through a $20,000 allocation from EAF’s Disaster Relief Fund. Created in 2018, the fund exists to assist equestrian communities in crisis due to unforeseen and dire circumstances. Disbursements are intended to help recipients with their most urgent and immediate needs. In recent years, EAF has activated Disaster Relief funds in response to hurricanes, wildfire, drought, flooding, and the 2020 industry shutdown precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more here.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Competitions, Equestrian Aid Found., Show Jumping

Aguilar Wins Tenth Annual EAF Grooms Class at BRCHS

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Jose Aguilar, Undeniable, and EAF board member and class sponsor Missy Luczak-Smith. Photo by Cathrin Cammett.

Blowing Rock, N.C. – August 3, 2022 – Jose Aguilar topped a field of 19 entries to win the $2,000 EAF Grooms Class at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show on Sunday. His victory with Ann Rice Ervin’s 2015 KWPN gelding Undeniable marks his return to the winner’s circle after previously winning the class in both 2016 and 2018.

Judge Scott Hofstetter had the difficult task of ranking the class’s entries. “It was hands down the hardest class at the show to judge because of the quality of the turnout and the effort that all the grooms put into horses and their setup,” he said.

In addition to prize money, class participants received supplies from Shapley’s Superior Grooming Products, along with gift certificates to BRCHS and Coffee by Design. Aguilar also received a custom silver belt buckle crafted by Kathy’s Show Equipment.

Amateur hunter rider and EAF board member Missy Luczak-Smith organizes and sponsors the annual EAF Grooms Class at Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. Now in its tenth year, the class has become a highlight for grooms and owners alike. “I remember our inaugural class in 2013 had 11 entries,” said Luczak-Smith. “In recent years, we’ve doubled that. These grooms hold themselves to such a high standard, and it’s wonderful that the BRCHS community commits to recognizing them each year.”

Luczak-Smith thanked Shapley’s for their continued commitment to both the Equestrian Aid Foundation and the industry’s working professionals. She also expressed thanks to Caroline Moran and Ellen Weaver for their generous support of the class.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Horse Care/Protection

Expanding Our Mission: Responding to Communities in Crisis

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Wellington, Fla. — Nov. 9, 2020 — In 25 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has helped over 500 equestrians through times of critical need. While many have faced personal medical crises, a growing number of horsemen are experiencing the devastation of catastrophic weather events. In 2019, EAF expanded its mission by creating a Disaster Relief Fund to assist equestrian communities in the aftermath of natural or other unforeseen disasters.

Community support for the fund was strong from the outset, due in large part to the Paddock Master Pruning. The brainchild of Pat Duncan, the event involved three beloved Winter Equestrian Festival paddock masters shaving their heads and beards to raise money and awareness for EAF’s Disaster Relief Fund. This moment of levity paved the way for serious work ahead.

Just weeks after the event, massive spring flooding devastated the Heartland, leaving many horse owners in the region with little except their animals. With community support and a portion of funds from the Pruning — and in partnership with the Fleet of Angels Emergency Horse Hay Program — EAF purchased a tractor trailer load of hay that was delivered to a community in dire need on the Iowa/Nebraska border.

Since the fund’s creation, relief has been delivered in response to wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, blizzards, and drought. “Due to the unpredictability of these events, we learn as we go,” said EAF board member Robert Ross. “It’s essential to find the boots-on-the-ground equestrian community leaders in disaster areas and rely on their expertise regarding what horsemen need and how best to get it to them.”

EAF’s Disaster Relief Fund was also instrumental in the foundation’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent industry shutdown in March 2020. Within a week of the shutdown, EAF implemented an emergency grant program for out-of-work industry professionals and service providers. The program delivered nearly $200,000 in grant money to equestrians in need.

Now, the Foundation is focused on next steps for its Disaster Relief Fund. “A recent estimate is that nearly one in three Americans experienced a weather disaster last summer. Our community needs to be both prepared for and ready to respond to these worst-case scenarios for horse owners,” said EAF board member Louise Riggio. “By continuing to fundraise and build productive partnerships throughout the community, we believe we can take a very active role in this essential work.”

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Horse Care/Protection

Join Us in Supporting the Emergency Hay Bank

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In response to the devastating wildfires currently burning across the western United States, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has made a grant to the Fleet of Angels’ HayThere! Emergency Horse Hay Micro-Grant Program.

Our partnership with this program helps horsemen in crisis to care for their animals in evacuation situations and in the aftermath of natural disaster – from fires to hurricanes and beyond.

Please join us in supporting the Emergency Horse Hay Micro-Grant Program.

Your tax-deductible donation today will help horse owners affected by natural disasters as they face the uncertainty of tomorrow.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Competitions, Equestrian Aid Found., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

First Time’s a Charm for Daniel Castillo in $4k EAF Grooms Class at Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

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Angela Pollack, Missy Luczak-Smith, and Daniel Castillo with As Ever. Photo by Cathrin Cammett.

Aug. 3, 2021 – Blowing Rock, NC – Professional groom Daniel Castillo is no stranger to horse shows, but last Sunday was the first time he attended one as a competitor. In his first venture into the show ring, Castillo topped a field of twenty entries to win the ninth annual Equestrian Aid Foundation Grooms Class at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show.

An employee of Spring Mill Farm in Memphis, Tenn., 21-year-old Castillo was encouraged to enter the class by his coworkers. Judge Bob Crandall had the difficult task of ranking the entries, but in the end, Castillo came out on top with As Ever, a 2008 grey Holsteiner gelding owned by Ella Trotz. “I’m very honored to get to show in this class with so many of my friends and fellow grooms,” said Castillo. “It’s incredible to be chosen as the winner and I thank everyone at Shapley’s, the Blowing Rock Horse Show, the sponsors, and the Equestrian Aid Foundation for this opportunity.”

Since its inception in 2013, the EAF Grooms Class at Blowing Rock has been organized and sponsored by Equestrian Aid Foundation board member Missy Luczak-Smith and her husband Doug Smith. “Every year, this class is incredibly competitive,” said Luczak-Smith. “It’s a real testament to the professionalism of our top grooms and the integral part they play in our sport.”

In addition to prize money, the class winner was awarded a custom belt buckle from Kathy’s Show Equipment, a family-run business that specializes in high quality, handmade horse show equipment and apparel. Top-placing grooms also received products from Shapley’s Superior Grooming Products.

Luczak-Smith recognized Shapley’s for their longstanding commitment to both the Equestrian Aid Foundation and the industry’s working professionals. She also expressed thanks to Caroline Moran and the Gibson family for their generous support of the class.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Duchossois’ Legacy Shines in ACHS’s Support of Equestrian Aid Foundation

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Duchossois at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com.

May 18, 2021 – Wellington, Fla. – The Equestrian Aid Foundation is honored to be a beneficiary of the 2021 Aiken Charity Horse Show, which culminated Sunday at Bruce’s Field. The two-week annual event is held in memory of Bruce Duchossois, a former EAF board member and champion of tradition, integrity, and excellence across the equestrian disciplines.

As the Equestrian Aid Foundation enters into its 25th year, the charitable donation from ACHS serves as a poignant reminder of Duchossois’ legacy. A member of EAF’s executive committee, Duchossois was an integral part of the foundation’s vision until his death in 2014. “When it comes to horsemen helping horsemen, Bruce walked the walk,” said EAF board member Scot Evans, who counted Duchossois among his closest friends. “His example has been a north star for the Equestrian Aid Foundation for 25 years, and we know he would be so proud of where we are today.”

For 25 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s impact has been far reaching, both geographically and throughout the equestrian disciplines. Incorporated in 1996 as a grassroots relief organization for horsemen and women with HIV/AIDS, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has since expanded its mission in response to the equestrian community’s most critical needs. While maintaining its commitment to those coping with catastrophic illness or injury, the foundation also operates a Disaster Relief Fund that assists communities in crisis due to natural or other unforeseen disasters. In 2020 alone, EAF helped nearly 300 industry professionals across the United States through its COVID emergency grant program.

In Duchossois’ honor, the donation from Aiken Charity Horse Show marks the launch of the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s 25-for-25 Anniversary Campaign. Follow EAF on social media or sign up for its mailing list as the foundation celebrates its first 25 years and carries its vision of horsemen helping horsemen into the future.

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

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 Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Clip-a-Thon to Benefit EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund for Industry Professionals

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Wellington, Fla. — Oct. 23, 2020 — Freelance groom Tim Gaskell and lifelong equestrian and marketing professional Kayla Wright are back in action for a second round of their wildly successful Clip-a-Thon, and this time, they’re bringing friends.

When the COVID-related industry shutdown wreaked financial havoc for many equestrian professionals last spring, the duo planned and executed a 24-hour, live-streamed clipping marathon to raise money for their struggling colleagues. The result of their effort was a $10,000 donation to EAF’s COVID Emergency Relief Fund for industry professionals.

With COVID cases appearing to be on the rise again, Gaskell is uneasy about what the coming months might hold for grooms, braiders, horse show staff, and other workers — many of who are just tenuously back on their feet after the initial shutdown. “I’m not confident about what’s going to happen this winter,” said Gaskell while driving a load of horses to Kentucky last month. “Let’s do a second Clip-a-Thon so there’s money for COVID relief in case people need it.”

That Clip-a-Thon begins on Monday, Oct. 26. Like the first event, it will be live-streamed on Facebook via The Clip-a-Thon’s event page. Gaskell will be joined by an enthusiastic lineup of guest clippers from all over the country, all of whom will be donating their proceeds to EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund. “I love to support EAF because their mission allows professionals of all types to survive all sorts of setbacks,” said trainer Katie Wild, who will be clipping from southeastern Pennsylvania on Monday. “Whether it is COVID, cancer, a bad fall — the little things like groceries and gas that can be taken for granted are a necessity for others!”

How to Get Involved

  • Visit the live feed between 8 a.m. on Monday and 8 p.m. Tuesday to show your support for Tim, Kayla, and the clippers — and most importantly, our industry’s workers. Learn more about the Clip-a-Thon’s prizes and drawings, and make a donation while you’re there!
  • Sponsor an hour of the Clip-a-Thon. Join a growing list of dedicated individuals and businesses like Shapley’s and On Course Consignment who are standing in solidarity with equestrian professionals during this difficult time. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Gaskell.
  • Donate a clip job to EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund! Do you have a hairy horse? Contact Kayla Wright if you’d like to clip on the live stream. Or just share a picture to the Clip-a-Thon’s Facebook page when you’ve finished clipping. Proceeds can be donated to the Clip-a-Thon or directly to the Equestrian Aid Foundation.
  • Make a donation in honor of your braider, groom, clipper, shipper — that dedicated worker (or workers) who makes your horse world go ’round. We’ll be sure they get special mention on the Clip-a-Thon’s live feed.

About EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund

In March of 2020, the Equestrian Aid Foundation opened its Disaster Relief Fund to assist equestrian professionals and industry service providers in unexpected financial crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund remains open to help workers who continue to struggle as a direct result of COVID-related cancellations and disruptions within the industry. To date, 274 grants have been issued.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

COVID Update: Do You Have a Little Hay to Spare?

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In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Fleet of Angels Emergency Hay Bank coordinators are working hard to meet the overwhelming needs of horse owners across the United States. For some, a little hay is the deciding factor between surrendering their horses and “rescuing in place” until the situation stabilizes.

If you’re in a position to help, you can do so by donating hay or making a monetary donation. Every donation — a few bales or a few dollars — helps!

If you need hay, learn more about the application process here.

For more information about Equestrian Aid Foundation, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Equestrian Aid Foundation Processes COVID-19 Relief Grants for Industry Professionals in Crisis

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Wellington, Florida — Apr. 16, 2020 — The Equestrian Aid Foundation is proud to announce the distribution of 160 relief checks to equestrians in financial crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative to support equestrian professionals and industry service providers has been funded through EAF’s Disaster Relief Fund.

“The essential shutdown of our industry has really thrown the community into crisis,” said EAF board member Scot Evans. “Many of the people we work among week in and week out have been left with no means of financial security and no way forward. It’s been devastating.”

Applications for emergency grants have come from all corners of the equestrian community, from jump crew to stewards to instructors whose lesson income has all but disappeared. Thanks to community support, private donations, and the Great Charity Challenge, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has been able to fund emergency grant payments of $500 to assist qualified applicants with basic living expenses. The Foundation is also honored to have financial support from a growing number of businesses.

“When we conceptualized our Disaster Relief Fund several years ago, we never imagined we’d be helping our community through a pandemic,” said EAF board member Louise Riggio. “But this fund is designed to help people overcome the unimaginable. We’re making great strides to help alleviate the financial impact of COVID-19, and as long as we have community support, we’ll continue to face it head-on. We are horsemen helping horsemen.”

All donations to the Disaster Relief Fund will be directed toward assistance for equestrian professionals and service providers who are in financial crisis as a direct result of COVID-19.

For more information about Equestrian Aid Foundation, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.