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 Board

Five new members have been appointed to the Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board (EPB), according to Lois A. Guyon, chair.

The Equine Promotion Board is the governing body of the equine checkoff program in Illinois, which distributes research and education grants from funds generated through voluntary assessments of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed.

Britt L. Douglas, D.V.M, of Salem, was named to fill the term of Dr. Dean Scoggins, deceased.

Members appointed to fill terms of board members whose terms expired the end of 2007 are Lea Ann Koch Bingham, Oswego; Karen Freese, Hammond; Don W. Shepherd, PhD, Kirkland; and Max L. Weber, M.D., Baylis.

By law, the Equine Promotion Board must be composed of 11 members representing the industry both geographically and demographically, plus a representative of the feed and grain industry.

Douglas received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2002 and has operated her own practice in Salem since 2005, devoting 80 percent of her time to small animal surgery, medicine and reproduction, and 20 per cent of her time to equine reproduction, including stallion fertility evaluation, collection and shipment and mare fertility. Her hobbies include horseback training and riding.

Bingham grew up with horses, her father being an equine vet, and her father-in-law, Richard Bingham, being a former president of the American Quarter Horse Association. Lea Ann herself has been president of the Illinois Quarter Horse Association and has served on numerous other equine association boards. She represents show horses in northern Illinois.

Freese has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois and nearly 14 years experience in agribusiness with the Archer Daniels Midland Company, initially in research, but for the last several years in sales/marketing and brand management. Several years ago she gave up full-time employment with ADM to devote time to her family. She now works part-time for ADM as a communications specialist in the Research Division.

Karen grew up with horses in the “backyard” and now owns and operates Lamplight Farm and Stables in Hammond, offering boarding, training and lesson programs. Karen is a member of the Appaloosa Horse Club and actively competes in local shows, competitive trail riding and mounted orienteering. She represents pleasure horses in central Illinois.

Shepherd is a retired college professor who now operates Shepherd’s Carriage Livery (registered Belgian draft horses) and whose property was the Illinois State 2007 Sustainable Ag Farm of the Year. Shepherd also teaches driving – single and team –at the farm. He represents working horses in northern Illinois.

Webel is a recently retired physician who has served as a facility medical director, staff physician at Carbondale Clinic and instructor at SIU School Medicine while gathering many awards. He has 20 year’s experience breeding and raising American Saddlebred horses, including World Champions in Three-Gaited and Pleasure divisions. His main interests are genetics and nutrition. He represents show horses and breeders in central Illinois.

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.
-012708-

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.

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.

Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board
Karen Freese
Hammond
Karen Freese has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois and nearly 14 years experience in agribusiness with the Archer Daniels Midland Company, initially in research, but for the last several years in sales/marketing and brand management. Several years ago she gave up full-time employment with ADM to devote time to her family. She now works part-time for ADM as a communications specialist in the Research Division. Karen grew up with horses in the “backyard” and now owns and operates Lamplight Farm and Stables in Hammond, offering boarding, training and lesson programs. Karen is a member of the Appaloosa Horse Club and actively competes in local shows, competitive trail riding and mounted orienteering. She represents pleasure horses in central Illinois. 

Vice Chairman of the Board
Frank Bowman
Pleasant Plains
Frank Bowman of Pleasant Plains, appointed to a three-year term, is president of the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, and has a Missouri Fox Trotter breeding, training and showing operation with emphasis on recreational uses of horses, including trail riding. Bowman serves as Vice Chairman of the Equine Promotion Board.

Secretary
Anne Gallagher
Walnut
Anne Gallagher of Walnut, appointed to a three-year term, operates a Thoroughbred foaling farm along with her husband. “I have no political or personal motives other than sincere interest to benefit the horsemen of this state,” Gallagher said in applying for a board position. Gallagher is a member of the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Foundation, American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association and Illinois Trail Riders Association. She is a Horsemen’s Council of Illinois director and a 4-H leader.  Anne serves as the Secretary of the Equine Promotion Board.

Treasurer
Don Shepherd, PhD
Kirkland
Don Shepherd is a retired college professor who now operates Shepherd’s Carriage Livery (registered Belgian draft horses) and whose property was the Illinois State 2007 Sustainable Ag Farm of the Year. Shepherd also teaches driving – single and team –at the farm. He represents working horses in northern Illinois. 

Board Members

Lea Ann Koch Bingham
Oswego
Lea Ann Koch Bingham grew up with horses, her father being an equine vet, and her father-in-law, Richard Bingham, being a former president of the American Quarter Horse Association. Lea Ann herself has been president of the Illinois Quarter Horse Association and has served on numerous other equine association boards. She represents show horses in northern Illinois.

Penny Boyer
Marshall
Penny Boyer of Marshall, appointed to a two-year term, is a University of Illinois-approved judge who has been associated with horses most of her life and has a special interest in “implementing programs to benefit young people,” she says. Boyer operates Little Creek Ranch Equestrian Center where she breeds, trains and shows quarter horses and provides riding lessons to children and adults. Prior to opening the equestrian center, Boyer managed her husband’s veterinary practice.

Kirk Dailey
Davis Junction
Kirk A. Dailey, Chicago district manager for Purina Mills and the feed company’s equine specialist for northern Illinois, has been named to the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board (EPB), replacing Jeff Adkisson as the board’s representative from the feed and grain industry.

“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,
Salem
Britt Douglas received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2002 and has operated her own practice in Salem since 2005, devoting 80 percent of her time to small animal surgery, medicine and reproduction, and 20 per cent of her time to equine reproduction, including stallion fertility evaluation, collection and shipment and mare fertility. Her hobbies include horseback training and riding.

Lois Guyon
Streator
Lois Guyon of Streator, appointed to a two-year term, is an active volunteer with the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit and is a member of Illinois Trail riders, Washee Riders and Illinois Valley Horsemen’s Association. “While I represent pleasure horses, I also see the horse used in support of policing activities as a well as an ambassador to the public, areas I would like to see further developed,” she says.  Lois serves as the Chairman of the Equine Promotion Board.

Steve Hollewell
Milledgeville
Steve Hollewell of Milledgeville, appointed to a two-year term, operates a breeding farm and boarding business and is active in 4-H programs. He is a member of the Midwest Arabian Horse Club, Wisconsin State Horse Council (holds a WSHC judging card), Northern Illinois Arabian Activities Horse Club, and Carroll County 4-H Horse and Pony Committee. “I would like to help promote all aspects of the equine industry in Illinois,” he says

Joy Meierhans
Elburn
Joy Meierhans of Elburn, appointed to a three-year term, manages the Illinois Horse Fair and is both a horse show manager and equine event planner who serves as a director of the Mid-America Horse Show Association and the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois. She is a member of U. S. Equestrian and the American Saddlebred Horse Association. “With a background in showing Saddlebreds and ponies, and managing the largest non-racing equine event in Illinois, I’ll bring a balanced view of the needs for research, promotion and outreach programs,” she says.

Max Webel, M.D.
Baylis
Max Webel is a recently retired physician who has served as a facility medical director, staff physician at Carbondale Clinic and instructor at SIU School Medicine while gathering many awards. He has 20 year’s experience breeding and raising American Saddlebred horses, including World Champions in Three-Gaited and Pleasure divisions. His main interests are genetics and nutrition. He represents show horses and breeders in central Illinois. 

Enabling Legislation

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 continuation and expansion of existing and development of new equine programs that enhance the growth of the Illinois Horse Industry, an industry that is made up of  77,000 Illinois horse owners and over 15,500 Illinois jobs.
  

• Funding for research and educational programs and developments in the equine industry beneficial to all equine owners in the state.
  

• The creation of informational and promotion programs and greater involvement in the equine industry by the citizens of the state.

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!