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 national and international equestrian sports competition, and the corporation is organized within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
The Trust was originally founded in New York in 1917, as the American Horse Show Association, and its name changes over the decades ? to American Horse Shows Association, to USA Equestrian, and now to USA Equestrian Trust ? mirror the evolution of equestrian sport in the United States. The Trust is now a Sustaining Affiliate of United States Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, and the National Equestrian Federation for the U.S. as recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale.
USA Equestrian Trust secured the funding and building of the Federation?s national headquarters office at the Kentucky Horse Park, beginning in 1998, and today leases that building to USEF in accordance with the formal agreement that founded the present Federation on December 1, 2003. As a Sustaining Affiliate of USEF, the Trust appoints one member of the Board of Directors of the Federation, who is seated on the USEF Executive Committee, and also holds a seat on the Administration and Finance Working Group.
The Trust?s directors supervise the investment and allocation of assets accumulated since its original founding in 1917, less those dedicated to the formation of the new Federation in 2003. Most of the Trust?s investment portfolio guarantees the financing of the building occupied by the Federation at the Kentucky Horse Park; other funds raised or available are employed for the Trust?s charitable purposes, including equine health research and such other projects as the Trust?s directors may approve, as well as for future distribution to USEF in accordance with commitments made by the Trust at its founding.
Directors of the Trust meet at least twice a year. Each Spring, if funds are available, grants to worthy recipients may be announced. To apply for a grant, contact the Trust as indicated on the Grant Application found here.
