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Grants Awarded:
2005,
2006,
2007,
2009,
2010
Illinois Equine Promotion Board Awards More Than $83,000 in Grants Springfield, IL – More than $83,000 in grants by the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board (EPB) have been awarded, according to Karen Freese, chair. Grants are funded by the Illinois equine checkoff program, which provides for the voluntary assessment of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed sold at retail. The awards went to 11 projects in communities from deep in southern Illinois north to Cook County. The grants were presented at the 2010 Illinois Horse Fair. Southern Illinois University’s Equine Science Program, directed by Sheryl S. King, Ph.D., PAS, received $15,740 toward its rebuilding program. In May 2009, a historic inland hurricane swept through southern Illinois. The SIU campus in Carbondale, including facilities at the University Farms, was in the direct path of the storm, which damaged much of the infrastructure supporting operations of the Equine Science Program, the only such four-year program in the state. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates rebuilding costs for fencing alone at more than $200,000 and nearly $63,000 to repair the breeding/farrier barn. "FEMA has committed to providing 75 percent of rebuilding costs for the destroyed barn and 10 percent of the fencing costs," according to Dr. King. "In order of priority, our animals come first," she said. "Reduced access to pasturage (no fencing) has created an immediate shortfall in forage access for our animals, she explained." Dr. King notes that although SIU’s chancellor has made a verbal commitment to assist with funding critical repairs, the campus is currently under extreme financial hardship – the State of Illinois is in arrears in payment of well over $100 million in operations costs for SIU…all but the most critical purchases and expenses are being deferred indefinitely. "In reality, the onus for rebuilding at the Horse Center is ours," King says. Kendall County Horse Show Association (KCHSA), Yorkville, received $3,900 for improvements to the announcer stand at its arena in the Harris Forest Preserve just west of Yorkville. The 25-year-old wooden structure is rotting and its roof leaks, according to Kathy Harper, association president. Adding steel siding and fixing the roof would keep volunteers and their supplies from getting wet (and keep the mice and bugs out), Harper says. In addition to KCHSA shows, all of the Kendall County 4-H clubs use the facility. Macoupin County Wild Riders, Gillespie, received $7,920 for improvements to its show grounds. The 150-member club hosts its shows and those of county 4-H groups. To address safety and growth issues, the club will use volunteer labor to achieve improvements, employing licensed tradesmen where necessary. Among projects are creating a potable water system, adding interior concessions and rest rooms (no more porta potties) with handicap facilities, adding lighting along with fencing, road and ring repairs to the 40-year-old site. "In addition to bringing us into compliance with health and safety recommendations, these improvements will make our grounds more appealing for future events," said Lisa Reid, the group’s project director. To fund a "First Steps" initiative as part of a 10-year program for a new Big Creek Riding Center, the Decatur Park District received $9,000 to purchase materials for an under-drain system in the outdoor arena to serve boarders and horse show participants. The District will provide labor and equipment this spring to trench the area, install the tiles, and backfill with pea gravel. The District also will reshape the soil in the arena to improve surface drainage. Additional plans call for improvements to the indoor arena, boarding facilities for 52 horses and event housing for additional horses. Big Creek has more than five miles of wooded and natural prairie trails. "Someday the center will include onsite campgrounds with water, electrical and waste disposal and modern showers, a multi-functional banquet and clubhouse, including a museum, media resource center and classroom space," said Jim Kiefer, project director. Pekin Riding Club received $2,000 toward improving lighting and spectator seating at its club grounds south of Pekin on Route 29. "Light poles around the arena are rotting, creating a safety issue," said Nicole Storer, club president. "This grant will partially fund purchase of new poles, which our volunteers will install," she said. Pekin Riding Club offers low-cost, open fun shows to Central Illinois and serves a membership of 187 individuals. "Some weeknight shows boast over 200 class entries," Nicole said, "so you can understand our need for lighting and safety." Country Club Hills received a $1,500 planning grant for developing an urban park into an equestrian center. The city has owned a five-acre farm property within its boundary, and recently was offered six horses. "Intent upon preserving this beautiful parcel of land while simultaneously revitalizing it, we recognize that we need to consult with experts," said City Manager Henrietta Turner. "A riding academy in our area would be the first of its kind, and as such, would open a whole new world of recreation and unique benefits not only to our city, but to the whole region," Turner said. Francis Field Foundation, New Lenox, received $16,300 toward stabilizing and rehabilitating its 50-year-old barn. The foundation is on 18 landmark acres dedicated to promoting family and youth activities for residents of Will County. Its equestrian activities include horse clinics and shows, 4-H meetings and fairs, and tack sales. The majority of work at the facility is donated, and will include installation of horse stalls. "Many horse breed clubs have expressed interest in hosting horse shows if the barn is improved and stalls added," said Joe Messina, Francis Field Foundation president. East Fork Arena and Trails, Claremont, received $10,000 toward construction of an arena on land provided by the City of Olney. In 2008, the City designated 40 acres for development of a horse arena, indoor meeting space, riding trails and camp/trailer sites to host equestrian activities under direction of the White Squirrel Saddle Club. Site preparation is now complete through City work and many hours of volunteer labor. The saddle club has purchased arena panels, chutes, pens and timing devices. Plans for this spring include arena lights, announcers stand, bleachers, electric and water access for campsites and wash racks. Shower and bathroom construction is scheduled for 2011. "Construction of the East Fork Arena will provide unlimited possibilities to aid in developing an appreciation and respect of horses while enjoying their companionship and developing a mastery of horsemanship skills," said Alan Zellmer, project director. King City Saddle Club, Mt. Vernon, received $10,000 to help construct a facility with stalls on its site where presently no stalling capability exists. "Show and practice participants now must either tie their horses to their trailers or put up high-lines," said Linda Kennedy, club board member. "Being able to stable the horses will create a safer environment for the animals, participants and spectators," she said. The saddle club annually hosts 10 to 15 fun, pleasure and speed shows. Their facility also is used by Jefferson County 4-H, FFA judging seminars, and other clubs for nearly 30 additional events. University of Illinois’ Kevin Kline, Ph.D., PAS, and co-investigators received $7,200 toward two studies. The ultimate objective of the first is to strengthen the statistical database related to outcomes from surgical treatment for osteochondrosis in young performances horses, so that veterinarians can make more informed decisions regarding treatment recommendations. Objective of the second study is to determine if total mixed rations (hay/grain cubes) may be an effective feeding strategy for healthy and efficient development in young, growing horses, without causing the unintended side effect of gastric irritation. By law, EPB funds must go to support equine research, education and promotion in keeping with the enabling legislation’s core purpose: "Enhancement of the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Grants to institutions and individuals will be related to equine research, education and industry enhancements and promotion." Any group, individual, company or institution may apply for funding. Preference will be given to projects benefiting the largest number of people/horses. A detailed research application is available (as well as a shorter project application) at www.HorsemensCouncil.org or from the EPB administrative office, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703, phone (217) 585-1600. - 032310 - Equine Promotion Board Invites Horsemen To Apply For Upcoming Vacancies Springfield, IL – The Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board (EPB) is asking interested, qualified Illinois horsemen to submit applications for three seats on the Board to be filled, beginning this year. Deadline for applications is April 30, 2010 so appointments can be made at the Board’s annual meeting, according to Karen E. Freese, Chair. The Board is made up of Illinois horsemen who must represent a cross section of the industry by geography and segment. Members whose terms are expiring are Frank Bowman, central Illinois, pleasure horses; Anne Gallagher, southern Illinois, thoroughbred race industry; and Joy Meierhans, northern Illinois, show horses. Application forms are available on the Internet at www.HorsemensCouncil.org. Click on the EPB logo, then locate Board Applications under the index for Directors & Committees. Applications also may be requested from the Board office in Springfield. All applications shall be submitted to: Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, phone (217) 585-1600, fax (217) 585-1601. A resume or brief biography is requested to enable the EPB to make an informed and unbiased decision on the qualifications of each individual applying. The EPB is charged with selecting recipients for grants funded by the Illinois equine checkoff program, which provides for the voluntary assessment of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed sold at retail. By law, EPB funds must go to support equine research, education and promotion in keeping with the enabling legislation’s core purpose: "Enhancement of the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Grants to institutions and individuals will be related to equine research, education and industry enhancements and promotion." Any group, individual, company or institution may apply for funding. Preference will be given to projects benefiting the largest number of people/horses. A detailed research application is available (as well as a shorter project application) at www.HorsemensCouncil.org or from the EPB administrative office. - 032010 - EPB Welcomes Three New Directors, Expresses Appreciation to Retiring Directors Marcy Heepke, Edwardsville; Lori Nelson, Mechanicsburg; and Peter Veit, Naperville, have been named directors for the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board. The Equine Promotion Board is constrained by law to appoint persons who represent a variety of equine industry interests and who must represent Illinois' various geographic areas. Heepke will be representing the pleasure horse industry in the southern region. She is a graduate of SIU-C with degrees in Equine Science and Equine Reproductive Physiology, and she owns Triangle H Farm, providing a full service, family-oriented horse riding, training, boarding and education facility. In 2007, Heepke was named one of the "Top 50 Riding Instructors in America" by the American Riding Instructors Association, and Triangle H Farm was awarded Stable Management Magazine's "Top Stable" in the country for giving back to the community. Peter Veit will be representing the trail and pleasure industry in the northern region. Veit has been involved in the horse industry for over 30 years as an owner and participant in fox hunting, trail riding, horse camping, and showing. Veit is president and principal engineer at TSR engineering a consulting company specializing in metal finishing, plating, refining and related fields with major emphasis on pollution control. - 102009 - New director applications are being accepted at this time for seats expiring in 2010. Application forms are available on this web site. Locate Board Applications under the index for Directors & Committees. Applications also may be requested from the Board office in Springfield. - 102009 - Your Equine Research & Promotion Dollars at Work From roofs to fences, from pastures to trails, from first responders to Ph.D's, your equine checkoff dollars are working hard in Illinois. Most notably, an $8,700 grant to the Shawnee Trails Conservancy from the EPB, turned into $128,000 when it was used to obtain matching funds from the Recreation Trails Program, created through the National Recreation Fund Act. The grant-funded trail work will be designed to protect sensitive natural resources, while providing a well-maintained equestrian trail through some of the most visited areas of the Shawnee National Forest. Rainbow Riders provides an excellent volunteer opportunity for those who love to help and work with people and horses, according to Hoelscher. "It's an amazing place, and it really does provide hope and offer a beautiful and therapeutic experience for the children and their families," she said. Thanks in part to Becky's efforts, the Rainbow Riders horses have a new roof over their barn. - 102009 - Equine Promotion Board Invites Horsemen to Apply for Upcoming Vacancies Springfield, IL – The Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board (EPB) is asking interested, qualified Illinois horsemen to submit applications for three seats on the Board to be filled, beginning this year. Deadline for applications is February 28, 2009 so appointments can be made at the Board's annual meeting, according to Karen E. Freese, Chair. The Board is made up of Illinois horsemen who must represent a cross section of the industry by geography and segment. Members whose terms are expiring are Penny Boyer, southern Illinois, working horses; Lois Guyon, northern Illinois, pleasure horses; and Steve Hollewell, northern Illinois, show horses. Application forms are available on the Internet at www.HorsemensCouncil.org. Click on the EPB logo, then locate Board Applications under the index for Directors & Committees. Applications also may be requested from the Board office in Springfield. All applications shall be submitted to: Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, phone (217) 585-1600, fax (217) 585-1601. A resume or brief biography is requested to enable the EPB to make an informed and unbiased decision on the qualifications of each individual applying. The EPB is charged with selecting recipients for grants funded by the Illinois equine checkoff program, which provides for the voluntary assessment of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed sold at retail. By law, EPB funds must go to support equine research, education and promotion in keeping with the enabling legislation's core purpose: "Enhancement of the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Grants to institutions and individuals will be related to equine research, education and industry enhancements and promotion." Illinois has more than 77,000 horse owners and 213,000 horses, constituting a $3.8 billion industry and providing more than 15,000 fulltime jobs. Any group, individual, company or institution may apply for funding. Preference will be given to projects benefiting the largest number of people/horses. A detailed research application is available (as well as a shorter project application) at www.HorsemensCouncil.org or from the EPB administrative office. For information: Karen Freese (217) 677-2152 - 010509 - ILLINOIS EQUINE PROMOTION BOARD AWARDS $70,600 IN GRANTS Springfield, IL – More than $70,600 in grants by the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board have been awarded, according to Karen Freese, chair. Grants are funded by the Illinois equine checkoff program, which provides for the voluntary assessment of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed sold at retail. The awards went to projects in seven communities from north to south across the state, including Carbondale, Cisne, Eddyville, Hillsboro, Kampsville, Manhattan and Moline. A joint proposal from the Shawnee Trails Conservancy and the Shawnee National Forest received $20,000 in matching funds for construction and improvement of segments of the Designated Trail System in Pope and Gallatin counties. The funds are to leverage a larger grant request from the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The total cumulative project cost is estimated at $400,000, according to Tim Pohlman, Shawnee National Forest Recreation Program Manager, Harrisburg, IL. "RTP funds will be sought for 80% of the cost, the Shawnee NF will fund 15% and a 5% non-federal source is required," Pohlman said. "The EPB grant covers this 5%," he explained. The Shawnee NF trail system is used by thousands of equestrians a year, making it an economic magnet for the area, according to Cindy Cain, executive director of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. A study in 2003 counted more than 38,000 visitors to horse campgrounds alone in the area. Sheryl S. King, Ph.D., director of the Equine Science Program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and researcher Karen L. Jones, Ph.D., of SIU's Department of Animal Science, were given $15,000 to complete the second year of a study on the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids in reducing stress in horses. "Stress compromises physical and mental capabilities in the horse," according to Dr. King, who notes that horses under stress fatigue faster, turn in poorer athletic performances and are more susceptible to illness. "Dietary supplements that can reduce stress in horses without altering their normal physiology would be of great benefit to equine health and to the horse industry," she affirms. Francis Field Youth Foundation, Manhatten, received nearly $10,000 toward arena updates, including materials to build 50 horse stalls in the current open-floor barn. Labor will be provided by Foundation volunteers. Francis Field is a 17-acre youth and family oriented show and recreation field in New Lennox, home to all Will County 4-H equine shows, programs and club functions. The Field hosts 10 shows during a typical season, each attracting up to 200 horses. Stall rentals are expected to increase Field revenues sufficient enough to allow additional improvements, such as a new barn roof, covered outdoor arena, lighting, electrical hookups for overnight trailer stays and opening the Field to a wider variety of uses, including therapeutic riding, according to Joe Messina, Foundation president. Coon Creek Ridge Riders Club, Cisne, received $12,500 for materials to improve its Summer Horse Camp site. This is a two-year project. Last year the EPB granted $12,500 for stall construction. The new grant is to build handicapped accessible bathrooms. The majority of the construction will be done by volunteers, as was the stall construction last year, according to directors Rick Rodgers and Jacqueline Lueking. The improvements benefit 1,100 youth and adults participating in equine events at the club each year. CCRR Club also provides volunteer programs to 180 developmentally disabled individuals from 11 group homes at its facility. New Kingdom Trailriders, Moline, which has provided therapeutic horseback riding to physically and mentally challenged children and adults since 1984, received $6,700 for arena fencing adjacent to NKT's new barn at Schone's Friendship Farm in Milan. The Farm is a large boarding facility. The NKT barn and fencing will provide a sheltered area consistent with North American Riding for the Handicapped Association standards for safe operation. University of Illinois Extension, Montgomery County Office, Hillsboro, received $3,100 to produce a series of five equine educational sessions: (1) Horse Ownership 101, (2) Traveling with Your Horse, (3) Around the Ranch, (4) Equine Health Management, and (5) Horse Handling and Emergency Care. Nancy Young director of Extension's office of sponsored programs, estimates that there are nearly 6,500 horses and ponies in the Region (Montgomery, Macoupin, Sangamon, Christian, Shelby, Bond, Fayette and Madison counties) with 1,017 farms involved in the equine industry, according to the 2002 Census of Agriculture. Nearly 300 young people were enrolled in equine-related 4-H programs last year in the Region. McCully Heritage Project (MHP) Equine Trail Improvement Project, Kampsville, was funded with a $3,000 grant to help create maps of the trails, signage along the trails to correspond with the maps, and improve trail routing and surfacing. MHP covers 940 acres and provides 15 miles of trails free and open to the public. In 2007, MHP expanded its parking area and created a second entrance to accommodate horse trailers. By law, EPB funds must go to support equine research, education and promotion in keeping with the enabling legislation's core purpose: "Enhancement of the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Grants to institutions and individuals will be related to equine research, education and industry enhancements and promotion." Illinois has more than 77,000 horse owners and 213,000 horses, constituting a $3.8 billion industry and providing more than 15,000 fulltime jobs. Any group, individual, company or institution may apply for funding. Preference will be given to projects benefiting the largest number of people/horses. A detailed research application is available (as well as a shorter project application) at www.HorsemensCouncil.org or from the EPB administrative office, 3085 Stevenson Dr., Ste. 308, Springfield, IL 62703, phone (217) 585-1600. For release: Immediate For information: Lois A. Guyon (815) 673-1333 Five Named to Illinois Equine Promotion BoardFive new members have been appointed to the Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board (EPB), according to Lois A. Guyon, chair.
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| About
the Equine Promotion Board The Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board is an Illinois not-for-profit entity, organized to provide research, promotion and education for the equine industry in Illinois. Authorized by the enabling legislation, the Equine Promotion Board collects a voluntary assessment on equine feed purchased in Illinois. Run by a 12-member board of directors, the Equine Promotion is responsible for the collection, monitoring and disbursements of the equine checkoff funds. |
| Mission
Statement - Core Purpose
The core purpose of the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board is to enhance the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Chairman
of the Board Vice
Chairman of the Board Secretary Treasurer Board Members Lea Ann Koch Bingham Kirk Dailey "Horses are our lives in the Dailey family," Kirk says, referring to the Quarter Horses he keeps at home in Ashton, IL, and the 20 to 40 head his father keeps on the 104-acre family farm in Livingston, WI, in addition to standing an AQHA Buckskin stallion and the 16-20 mares he breeds each year. Kirk and his father hold two consignment auctions a year in Livingston, drawing buyers and sellers from all the large horse population states. Britt L. Douglas, D.V.M, Mary Heepke Joy
Meierhans Lori Nelson Peter Veit Max Webel, M.D. The enabling legislation Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Act (PA 93-0135) establishes the structure and provides for a "volunteer" assessment of $2.00 per ton on commercial horse feed that will be dedicated to:
The program requires no State resources, requires no State funding and is not a tax. Rather it is a structure that will enable the horse industry, in a volunteer manner, to self-fund the programs. In the Illinois fiscal environment, it is vital that we act to ensure that equine programs and services remain an ongoing benefit to Illinois citizens and the Illinois economy. Further, the funds collected from the Equine Promotion Board will be returned to the equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities -- not funneled to state GRF!
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