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. | Photo: Judi Martin/Skyline Ranch

On June 22, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) announced the opening of the second round for applications to the USHJA Feed Aid initiative, which has 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.

“This feed aid will make such a big difference,” said recipient Judi Martin of Skyline Ranch, in Oakland, California. “One of our horses is 34 years old and eats a very specialized diet. Most of the horses we use in the program are older than 25. We are just now starting up small programs with our lesson horses after a long break and are so happy to see the kids here again. Our county only allows a portion of what we normally do with kids programs, but it’s great to be able to finally do something.”

Applications for aid are open to USHJA members at the Associate level or above through July 13 and will be reviewed on a first come, first serve 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