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.

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