AHJF Emergency Relief Fund Receives Grant from Equus Foudation
Equestrian News Release

The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. was recently notified by the EQUUS Foundation, Inc. that they are one of the 50 charities that will receive grant awards this year.

A grant award in the amount of $5,000 was approved to support the AHJF’s request for funds for their Emergency Relief Fund.

Louise Serio, one of the founders of the AHJF, was the inspiration behind the Emergency Relief Fund. “The ERF was one of the first things we wanted to do with the Foundation after a World Championship Hunter Rider concept was established. We wanted to broaden our scope. It has been one of the most rewarding things that we have done.”

The AHJF Emergency Relief Fund was established in 1995 and is the benevolent fund of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. It was created to provide emergency financial support to individuals in the show hunter and jumper sport suffering from an incapacitating illness, catastrophic accident or injury. The Board of the AHJF reviews emergency situations and makes a determination in accordance with the need. The money to fund this program comes from private gifts, WCHR member events, dedicated fund-raising events and horse shows willing to encourage exhibitors to make a contribution, such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show, which each year adds a $5 donation to each entry during their one-week show. Donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

The ERF Program is only part of what the AHJF offers. The organization was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan. The AHJF also hosts the AHJF Professional WCHR Finals on October 3, 2008, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular in Florida (February 24, 2008) and the Legacy Cup (May 6-17, 2009 in Kentucky).

Tax donations can be sent to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to help fellow horsemen by calling 508-835-8813, e-mailing AHJF@earthlink.net or mailing: AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583.