The Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board (EPB) has awarded more than $72,000 in grants, according to Karen Freese, chair.

Grants are funded by the Illinois equine checkoff program, which provides for the voluntary assessment of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed sold at retail.

By law, EPB funds must go to support equine research, education and promotion in keeping with the enabling legislation’s core purpose: “Enhancement of the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Grants to institutions and individuals will be related to equine research, education and industry enhancements and promotion.”

The awards went to projects in nine communities from deep in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest to urban DuPage County in the north. The grants were presented at the 2009 Illinois Horse Fair