Who We Are
The Equestrian Aid Foundation provides emergency financial grants to members of the equestrian community throughout the United States who are struggling to overcome catastrophic illness, injury, or other unforeseen crisis.
A horse person's life can change forever in an instant.
When faced with a catastrophic health event or other unforeseen disaster, horse people can lose everything: jobs, homes, financial security, independence and dignity, quality of life, and often the ability to stay involved with the horses they love. Lives are derailed, and entire families are affected. The future can be uncertain.
Since 1996, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has provided over $4.3 million in grant support and the promise of hope to breeders, farriers, grooms, riders, trainers, amateurs and other members of the equestrian community who are facing life-altering or life-threatening crises and need assistance with basic living or rehabilitative expenses.
Among horse-related nonprofits, EAF is unique in that it assists equestrians from all corners of the horse world across the United States. EAF offers a helping hand to horse people of every discipline and profession to overcome hard times and move forward with their lives.
Our Journey
Founded as grassroots relief for horsemen and horsewomen with HIV/AIDS
Disaster Relief Fund established to respond to hurricanes, fires, and floods
COVID Emergency Grants: over $130,000 in aid to 282 individuals
New Logo, New Look launched; inaugural Strides for Hope 5K event
$4.3M+ total grants issued; 23 medical crisis grants across 16+ disciplines
30th Anniversary Endowment Fund announced for long-term sustainability
Our Team
Louise Smith
Executive Director
Joined 2016. Executive experience in business and non-profit. Dressage rider.
Janise Gray
Director of Grant Recipients / Board Member
Executive Director at EAF's inception. Lifelong equestrian.
Sally Dininny
Administrative Assistant
25 years as executive assistant. Established Star Breeders, Inc.
Emily Cleland
Director of Communications / Program Manager
Former groom and barn manager. Background in literature and writing.
Jamie Summerside
Director of Grant Recipient Services
Volunteer turned staff (2017). Bachelor's in Sociology. HR Management background.
Board of Directors
Active on hunter-jumper 'A' circuit. Judge, clinician, speaker. Annapolis, MD.
Operations/finance background. 20+ years at Johnson & Johnson. Flemington, NJ.
Former hunter-jumper trainer/Grand Prix rider. Now luxury real estate. Wellington, FL.
Owns Summerfields Farm. FL/TN/CO.
MSW from UPenn. NJ Dept of Human Services 20+ years. Doylestown, PA.
Baden Spa and Wellness owner. Wellington, FL.
University of Chicago MBA. Strategy and finance.
Amateur Hunter ring. Real estate and finance background. New York.