Every Door That Can Help
The Equestrian Aid Foundation is not the only source of support for equestrian professionals in crisis — and we have never pretended otherwise. Below, we collect every credible resource we know of: financial assistance, animal care, health guidance, and downloadable guides. If you qualify for our grants, we want you to apply. If not, we want you to find the help you need anyway.
The EAF Resources Guide
Compiled and maintained by the Equestrian Aid Foundation, the Resources Guide is the most comprehensive directory of support programs available specifically for equestrian industry professionals.
Financial assistance programs organized by crisis type and eligibility criteria
Medical and rehabilitation support resources, including programs for catastrophic injury recovery
Disaster recovery guidance and emergency response organizations serving the equestrian community
Career resources and professional development support for those navigating a major transition
Find What You Need, Fast
Crisis does not announce itself in an organized way. These resources are grouped by the immediate pressure you are under — so you can move directly to what applies to your situation without reading everything first.
Financial & Business Assistance
When a crisis upends your income or threatens your business, stabilizing your finances is the first step. These resources address small business loans, unemployment benefits, and economic relief programs available to equestrian professionals.
Small Business Administration loans and relief programs for businesses facing economic hardship. Covers a range of options from working capital loans to disaster-specific programs.
Forgivable SBA loans designed to help small businesses retain employees during periods of economic disruption. Eligible businesses can apply through participating lenders.
CareerOneStop's state-by-state unemployment guide: locate your state's unemployment office, understand eligibility requirements, and begin the filing process.
Animal Care & Stable Operations
The horses don't stop needing care when crisis hits. These resources address the practical challenge of keeping your animals fed, housed, and safe — even when resources are stretched thin.
American Association of Equine Practitioners guidance for operating barns safely during health emergencies — biosecurity protocols, staff procedures, and visitor management.
Temporary help covering the cost of hay during crisis periods. Fleet of Angels connects horses in need with hay donations from across the country when owners can no longer afford feed.
Feed assistance from the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation. The program supports eligible equestrian community members who are struggling to cover the cost of feed.
Michigan State University Extension guidance on building contingency plans for horse care during health emergencies, natural disasters, and extended personal crises.
Personal Health, Insurance & Mental Wellness
The physical and emotional toll of crisis on equestrian professionals is severe and often under-addressed. These resources cover personal health guidance, health insurance access through industry organizations, and mental health support.
An often-overlooked benefit of USEF membership: access to health insurance resources curated for the equestrian industry. Review your options before your next enrollment period.
Authoritative, current information on illness prevention, symptoms, testing, and what to do if you become sick. The definitive source for public health guidance.
CDC-backed guidance for the psychological weight of prolonged uncertainty. Practical tools for managing stress, grief, and anxiety when the pressure does not let up.
Community & Local Resources
Local and regional resources are often the fastest path to support. We collect what is available to the equestrian communities we serve most directly — and will continue to expand this section.
You May Qualify for Direct Assistance
If you are an equestrian industry professional — a trainer, groom, rider, farrier, breeder, or any other working member of the horse world — facing catastrophic illness, injury, or financial hardship, EAF may be able to provide direct emergency grant support. You do not have to be well-connected or well-known. You just have to need help.
Applications are confidential. There is no obligation, and applying costs nothing.