JLC Shares Update on Distributions of Horsemen?s Relief Fund Grants

The Joint Leadership Council (JLC) is taking an active role in assisting the trotting breed community during the COVID-19 pandemic one way we are doing that is through JLC Horsemen's Relief Fund. The JLC Relief Fund is offering assistance to horse trainers, instructors, independent contractors, and financially distressed members, such as horse show staff and vendors. To date, the JLC Fund and UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund have reviewed over 30 applications and awarded over $55,000 in aid to members in need because of the impacts of COVID-19 on their business. New applications are being processed daily, and we will continue to raise and grant funds to help support our trotting breed community through these difficult times.

The JLC Horsemen's Relief Fund is available to those that do not meet the minimum two-year active UPHA Professional membership criteria for the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund. Funds are available to eligible members of the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association, American Road Horse & Pony Association, American Saddlebred Horse Association, and the United Professional Horsemen's Association. One hundred percent of all donations will be distributed; no amounts will be paid for administrative costs or staffing. To help us continue to help our members in need, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the JLC Horsemen's Relief Fund today when clicking here, mailing in a contribution with donation form to UPHA Inc., Attn: Nancy Becker, or contact Nancy Becker at nbecker@uphaonline.com. All donations big or small are much appreciated as the JLC works towards assisting members in need.

To further assist the trotting breed community, the Joint Leadership Council offers a COVID-19 Resource dedicated website www.jlccares.com. The site provides information on available local and federal assistance programs, links to grant applications, and suggested best practices resources for shows, barns, and businesses.

When the Joint Leadership Council was created, we obviously did not foresee a crisis like this, but we have been impressed by how much more effective working together has been in joint matters. The whole of the trotting horse industry is much greater than the sum of its individual parts. Let's continue to work together and make a difference.