Applications are due Monday, May 6, for the USA Equestrian Trust grant program, which announced last week that will have two opportunities to apply for funding in 2013.

The Trust’s board expanded the grants program to two periods in 2012 and awarded nearly $335,000 in grants, an increase of almost 70 percent compared to 2011. To apply for funding, visit the Trust’s newly revamped website at trusthorses.org. The site includes an extensive guide of frequently asked questions to assist applicants, as well as profiles of the work being done by selected past recipients.

“The Trust is pleased to make our simple online application process even easier,” said USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch. “The Trust’s leadership continues to be impressed by the many worthy projects seeking to further the rich legacy of horses and equestrian sport.”

The 2013 application deadlines are May 6 and Oct. 7. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects. If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail grants@trusthorses.org.

The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for projects that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. Among the past projects that have received Trust funding were the American Morgan Horse Association in May last year, when it received $27,235 to support AMHA’s youth Equitation medal classes and “Youth of the Year” programs.

“AMHA was honored to receive the support of USA Equestrian Trust in 2012 to extend the reach of our Equitation medal program and Youth of the Year,” remarked Julie Broadway, Executive Director. “Both of these programs expanded the minds, skills and horizons of the youth involved and help build equestrian leaders of tomorrow.”

Ellery Walker, the 2012 Youth of the Year winner, added, “There are so many great versatile youth in the breed, and I love that the Youth of the Year contest is a way to show off their talents and reward them for their dedication.”

The Sacramento Area Hunter Jumper Association received $5,000 in both 2011 and May 2012 to provide members, who are entry-level exhibitors and low-budget owners, with free training clinics by noted equestrian Michael Page.

“In each of the last two years, our clinics have been at capacity and the enthusiasm of our membership has been over the top,” commented President Jen Hannink. “Without the assistance of USA Equestrian Trust, these events would have never been possible.”

Funding for the SAHJA was awarded from a reserve for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants seeking funding from this $51,500 reserve should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.

THe USA Equestrian Trust is a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation whose mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and a Sustaining Affiliate of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States.