The Joint Leadership Council (JLC), comprised of leadership from the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association, American Road Horse and Pony Association, American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association, and the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, announced today that it would offer a relief fund for victims of the recent destructive tornados.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and the equestrian community the JLC Fund and the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent fund have distributed over $90,000 in aid to members in need due to the impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters. The UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent fund is a long-established program to assist the UPHA Professional members, of at least two years before application, in need of financial assistance due to injury, illness, or natural disasters. However, there are horsemen within the affiliated trotting breeds that do not meet the membership requirement that also need support. 

The JLC is offering financial support to those not meeting the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund requirements. Those professionals not meeting the two-year membership requirement, as well as caretakers, and other industry service providers such as horse show staff, are covered by the JLC. The JLC recognizes quick direct financial support is critical for the immediate care of horses and the continuation of equestrian businesses. Applicants can only apply to ONE fund. Applicants must be a member in good standing as of March 1, 2022, of any of the JLC affiliated organizations listed above. Grant applications will be accepted until April 10, 2022.

• UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund Grant Application 
• ​UPHA Professional Members that meet the minimum two consecutive years of active membership requirement must apply for aid using the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund Application. 
• JLC Horsemen's Relief Fund Grant Application
• JLC affiliate organization members who are horse trainers, instructors, independent contractors, and other industry service providers who are financially distressed, such as horse show staff, that do not meet the minimum two-year active UPHA Professional membership criteria for the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund, should apply using the JLC Horsemen’s Relief Fund Application.

Allocation of funds will be determined based on the number of applications submitted, the degree of need described, and the amount of available funds. Funding will be based on the applicant's undue hardship, loss of revenue, and expenses over and above insurance relief. The JLC Relief Fund Review Panel will review the grant applications and make a recommendation regarding the distribution of funds. 

The JLC Relief Fund grant application, instructions, and eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.jlccares.com/tornado-relief