EQUINE PROMOTION BOARD
ANNOUNCES $48,000 IN GRANTS

Springfield, IL – Awarding of more than $48,000 in grants has been announced by the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board, according to Lois A. Guyon, chair. Awards were presented earlier this month at the Illinois Horse Fair.

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. 

Coon Creek Ridge Riders, Cisne, IL, received $12,500 for new metal stalls for their Summer Horse Camp as well as construction of handicapped accessible bathrooms. The majority of construction will be done by volunteers from the CCRR club and 4-H youth. The improvements will serve 1,100 youth and adults participating in equine events at the club each year. Between 250 and 300 horses will benefit from the stall improvements annually. The club currently provides volunteer programs to 180 developmentally disabled individuals from 11 group homes at their facility.

Southern Illinois University's Department of Animal Science received $8,600 to study how Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce stress in horses. The project is under the direction of Sheryl S. King, Ph.D, PAS (director of SIU's four-year equine science program) and Karen L. Jones, Ph.D. The hypothesis is that supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, will blunt or eliminate the stress reaction in horses. The research objective is to measure physiological indicators of stress in horses on a typical diet and compare it to their reaction to the same stressor following a period of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation.

Rock Island Country Fairgrounds received $8,484 for renovations and drainage improvements to its 190' x 90' arena. The facility is home to 4-H and other riding clubs for practice and shows throughout the season. Several major shows had to be postponed in 2006 because of unsafe ring conditions. 

Menard County Fairgrounds received $7,750 toward creation of a lighted and fenced 300' x 150' show arena. The fairgrounds board has agreed to donate all labor and equipment required to prepare the site and build the arena. 

Fox Valley Saddle Association, Hampshire, IL, received $3,598 to help fund audiovisual and public address equipment to accommodate media used by today's expert lecture circuit, enhancing educational experiences at the facility. The association is an equestrian club with more than 300 members active year 'round. The group hosts more than 80 events a year and opens its grounds to 35 other events.

California Polytechnic University received $5,250 to research the concentration of sperm surface proteins and their effects of oocyte binding as it relates to fertility estimation. As a result, stallion fertility may be predictable by quantitative measurements of HSP-7 concentration on the spermatozoa plasma membrane. Breeding records of each of the stallions in the study will be used to develop a fertility quotient in conjunction with the molecular data developed.

Kane County Mounted Rangers received $2,844 for communication and emergency equipment. The group serves as a volunteer arm of the Kane County Forest Preserve Police, assisting in security and liaison activities, patrolling otherwise inaccessible areas. The equipment will assist in providing first responder care to individuals until health/emergency care arrives. 

Mounted Angels Therapeutic Horsemanship, Pittsfield, IL, received $2,105 for certified instructor training for disabled riders. The Angels provide free horsemanship lessons to disabled children. 

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 Drive, Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703, phone (217) 585-1600.