CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR HORSE OWNERS

Please note, resources will be added daily as they become available. Check this page frequently for ongoing updates.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS

SAFETY NET PROGRAMS FOR OWNERS

If you are in need of safety net programs for your horse (such as feed or veterinary assistance), click here to be directed to the UHC Resources available for horses at-risk or in transition.

Horse Owner Help During COVID-19 (Horse.com)

United Horse Coalition Equine Resource Database

Options for Owners who need assistance

BIOSECURITY AND DISINFECTION PROTOCOLS

FINANCIAL RELIEF OPTIONS

PLANNING

COVID-19: Caring for your horse during a pandemic (Ontario Animal Health Network)

KEEPING BUSY AT HOME

EVENT CANCELLATIONS

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR NON-PROFITS

Please note, resources will be added daily as they become available. Check this page frequently for ongoing updates.

INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO NON-PROFITS AND CORONAVIRUS

BIOSECURITY AND DISINFECTION PROTOCOLS

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

GRANTS (SPECIFIC TO NON-PROFITS):

After the Finish Line (Thoroughbred Breed Specific, monthly basis.)

American Horse Rescue Network (Rolling basis.)

American Humane (Rolling basis.)

 ASPCA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Request for Proposals (aspcapro.org)

Banfield Foundation (Gap year rule currently suspended.)

Brennan Equine Welfare Fund 

 Brook USA COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund (Brook USA)

California Retirement Management Account (State of CA restricted, Thoroughbred Breed-specific)

Doris Day Animal Foundation (LOI deadlines: Jan 31, April 30, July 31, Oct 31)

Equine Protection Fund (New Mexico Restricted, Rolling basis.)

EQUUS Foundation (2021 dates TBD)

Gus Hawthrone Foundation (opens January 1st)

Kenneth A Scott Charitable Trust (OH and Great Lakes Region restricted)

Kirkpatrick Foundation (Central OK restricted, rolling basis.)

Miccio Foundation (State of Iowa restricted, May – Nov 1st. )

Thelma Doelger Trust for Animals (State of CA Restricted, rolling basis)

Thoroughbred Charities of America (2021 dates TBD)

MISC:

*CARES Act – Assistance for Small Businesses and eligible non-profit organizations (US Department of the Treasury)

WEBINAR – Covid – 19 Financial Assistance Options for Horse Owners and Horse Businesses (horses.extension.org)

WEBINAR – Navigating the CARES Act and how nonprofits can apply for assistance (independentsector.org)

Non-Profits Eligible for Federal SBA Loans (thenonprofittimes.com)

Community Foundations Nationwide Launch Coronavirus Relief Efforts to Local Nonprofits (communityfoundations.com)

Tightening the Belt:  Tips for Cutting Expenses (Certified Horsemanship Association)

PLANNING

RESOURCES ON HOW TO CONTINUE ADOPTIONS

RESOURCES ON FUNDRAISING

Creative Fundraising Ideas (Maddiesfund.org)

COVID-Digital Fundraising Resources (GivingTreeAssociates.com)

Recession-Ready Fundraising (Society for Non-Profits)

WEBINAR – Fundraising in Uncertain Times (Society for Non-Profits)

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR EQUINE BUSINESSES

Please note, resources will be added daily as they become available. Check this page frequently for ongoing updates.

*If you are looking for information that is State Specific, please check the “State Specific Information” Tab above.*

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

RECOMMENDATIONS ON BARN CLOSURES

*Please check with your state gov site for details pertaining to barn closures and procedures as each state has different up to date recommendations.  If the information has been made aware to us, we have included it in our “State Specific” information tab above.

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS GOING

Thinking Outside the Box: A Look Into Virtual Horse Shows (Karly Morgan, UPHA Young Professional GenNext)

PLANNING

BIOSECURITY AND DISINFECTING PROTOCOLS

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR EQUINE INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES

Please note, resources will be added daily as they become available. Check this page frequently for ongoing updates.

NATIONAL RESOURCES

For more information on funding and unemployment by state, please see the listing to the right.

Donations to The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation to go to COVID-19 Relief

GRANT – 2020 Horsemen’s Emergency Relief Grant Process & Application  

Equestrian Aid Foundation (Disaster Relief Fund to assist equestrian professionals and industry service providers)

WEBINAR – Covid-19 Financial Assistance Options for Horse Owners and Horse Businesses (horses.extension.org)

STATE SPECIFIC RESOURCES:

STATE SPECIFIC RESOURCES FOR CORONAVIRUS

Please note, this page is no longer being updated.

STATE SPECIFIC RESOURCES:

If you are in need of safety net programs for your horse (such as feed or veterinary assistance), click the button below to be directed to the UHC Resources available for horses at-risk or in transition.

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

EQUINE BUSINESSES:

COVID-19 Resources for Equestrian Facilities in California (California Department of Food & Agriculture)

Non-Profit Grants:

California Retirement Management Account (State of CA restricted, Thoroughbred Breed-specific)

Thelma Doelger Trust for Animals (State of CA Restricted, rolling basis)

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

COVID-19 Guidance for Horseback Riding Schools Stables and Boarding Stables

HARTFORD, CT – In addition to implementing the Stay Home, Stay Safe protocols effective on March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. through April 22, 2020; Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7H required the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide a guidance document to determine essential businesses.

The Essential Businesses or Nonprofits designated in the guidance are not subject to the in-person restriction set forth in Executive Order 7H. Item 7 Services Including contained: “Animal shelters or animal care or management, including boarding, grooming, pet walking and pet sitting” as an essential business.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg), working in concert with the Connecticut Farm Bureau and the Connecticut Horse Council, recognizes that this is a challenging time for all – both equine boarding facilities and horse owners alike. It is our intent to ensure the health and welfare of animals is met, while mitigating the risk to the people engaged in those tasks. It is prudent for all of us to use common sense as we navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Every equine facility is unique with various capacities, services, and capabilities in providing the care essential to the wellbeing and health of the horses entrusted in their care.

Stables providing full-board services that meet all of the horses’ needs may set their own policies about restricting access by owners seeking to visit or ride horses. The Department supports limitations imposed by stable owners. Specific concerns regarding care should be addressed between the horse owner and stable owner/manager.

All stables should set up a schedule of access times to ensure that there are no more than five (5) people at the barn at one time. It is imperative that the principles of social distancing, proper disinfecting, and sanitary practices are maintained. Stables are free to enact additional measures and controls as needed to ensure the safety of all.

This guidance document cannot cover every single scenario. The following information is meant to clarify what equine activities may continue and which should be discontinued at this time.

Essential Equine Care

  • Providing food, water, proper handling, health care (veterinary and farrier services), and proper housing
  • Turnout and exercise necessary to an individual horse

 Not Essential Equine Care

  • Riding lessons/programs/camps
  • Club/organization meetings
  • Visits to an equine facility by anyone other than an essential equine caregiver

 Recommended Practices

  • Maintain the recommended social distancing protocols that include six (6) feet of separation between individuals
    • Limit gatherings to fewer than five (5) people
  • Ensure proper handwashing
    • Limit access to and disinfect common areas regularly
    • Avoid sharing equipment and supplies between people
      • Non-porous materials (leather bridles/saddles/halters, nylon halters/lead ropes, gate latches, door handles, spray nozzle) harbor the virus longer than porous materials (cotton lead ropes, saddle pads)
      • Clean communal leather tack daily with tack cleaner
      • Disinfect gate latches, spray nozzles, cross tie snaps, pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and other frequently used items regularly or after contact with personnel
      • Stall door latches, hose ends, light switches and feed scoops should be cleaned and disinfected frequently
  • Sporting events are prohibited

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

NON-PROFIT GRANTS:

Miccio Foundation (State of Iowa restricted, May – Nov 1st. )

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

Caring for your horses during Minnesota’s “stay-at-home” order and COVID-10 Restrictions (extension.umn.edu)

Minnesota Horse Welfare Coalition (Assists horse owners experiencing hardships.)

Minnesota Horse Council (Has both temporary Emergency Feed Aid, and Disaster Relief Programs.  Contact Dave Fleishchaker 651-402-5512 superflei@yahoo.com for assistance.)

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

Non-Profit Grants:

Equine Protection Fund (New Mexico Restricted, Rolling basis.)

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

North Carolina Horse Council Safety Net Program/Grants

EQUINE SAFETY NET PROGRAM

The Equine Safety Net was established to assist those caring horse owners who have temporary financial setbacks (such as a job loss, disaster or medical incident within the past 6 months) and are having difficulties feeding and caring for their horses.

 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the North Carolina Horse Council is expanding this grant program to not only provide hay and feed but also to help cover Boarding costs, Veterinary costs and other necessities to maintain the health of our horses. These are small grants of $150 dollars per month and are renewable for a second month.  We are also excepting COVID-19 as a reason for seeking the assistance.  Grants will be reviewed every Friday and paid out on Monday of the following week.

The North Carolina Horse Council, in consultation with the North Carolina State Veterinarian, provides the following guidance regarding equine boarding, stabling, and/or training of horses:

Included in the umbrella of animal agriculture workers/animal production operations are those facilities and individuals associated with the boarding, stabling and/or training of horses throughout North Carolina. Horses are traditionally and legally considered livestock in the United States and in North Carolina and as such, require the active engagement of caretakers/owners to ensure their health, safety and well-being. In many circumstances, the care and oversight required of horses is more demanding than is the case for animal agriculture production livestock.

Given those requirements, equine boarding, stabling, and/or training facilities are rightly characterized as essential business activities. As an essential business, these facilities could remain operational so long as the facility implements and adheres to public health guidance that includes maintaining/practicing social distancing and limits number of individuals in the facility at any given time. Additionally, all tools, tack and equipment handled by individuals is to be adequately cleansed/disinfected and frequent hand washing must occur. Insuring compliance of the individual borders will be the responsibility of the facility owner/operator/trainer.

The offering of group riding activities for the public or other such retail businesses are not considered essential business activities and should be discontinued.

The decision to remain operational is the responsibility of each barn owner/operator/trainer.

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

Non-Profit Grants:

Kenneth A Scott Charitable Trust (OH and Great Lakes Region restricted, December 15th, 2020 deadline)

Unemployment Information

State Specific Covid Information

NON-PROFIT GRANTS:

Kirkpatrick Foundation (Central OK restricted, rolling basis.)

The United Horse Coalition has created a Mutual Aid Spreadsheet to be utilized by State or Regional Organizations as a tool to help with the management of requests for assistance, and the listing of resources available to fulfill those requests on a local level.  This tool is free and can be modified or edited to best suit each organization.  Please reach out to uhc@horsecouncil.org with any questions.  Click here or on the graphic to access the document and save a copy.

Our Mission:

Through industry collaboration, the UHC promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses.

Owning Responsibly:

The United Horse Coalition is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the issues facing horses At-Risk, or in transition. We seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and horse organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses.

Join the Cause:

The UHC exists thanks to supporters like you. Your financial contribution is critical to helping us continue our mission.

Make a donation or become a member today.