The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association announced Feb. 12 that it is bringing back the USHJA Feed Aid initiative with applications for aid opening Feb.15.

In 2020, USHJA Feed Aid provided relief to more than 170 farms and 2,168 lesson horses that would have not been able to afford feed due to financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are committed to the wellbeing of our equine partners and supporting our members, and we were thrilled so many were able to take advantage of this opportunity last year,” said USHJA President Mary Knowlton (formerly Babick). “With the impacts of COVID-19 extending beyond 2020, we hope that reopening this aid initiative will bring relief to those in need and encourage fellow equestrians to continue to support our community during this unprecedented time.”

Applications for aid open to USHJA members at the associate level or above on Feb.15 through Feb. 26 and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Feed vouchers will be made available to qualifying applicants as quickly as possible. USHJA will provide approved applicants up to $500 in aid, and members still in need of aid can apply more than once.

Individuals can also donate to help fellow equestrians in need due to financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The USHJA, through its Foundation, will match donations up to $200,000.

The  USHJA Feed Aid initiative provides aid in purchasing feed for lesson horses as short-term relief for the businesses in the hunter/jumper community who provide lessons to non-boarders and may be suffering financially due to the impact of COVID-19. Through partnership with various national and regional feed companies, USHJA members may receive relief through discounted and fully supplemented feed purchases.