Virginia Horse Industry Board Awards More Than $732,000 in Grants
Submitted by: Virginia Horse Industry Board FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2026 Contact: Emily Day Executive Director Virginia Horse Industry Board 540-539-3359 | eday.vhib@gmail.com Virginia Horse Industry Board Awards More Than $732,000 in Grants Richmond, VA — In February 2026, the Virginia Horse Industry Board (VHIB), a commodity board of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), approved 53 grants totaling $732,208.50. The 39 recipient organizations located across the Commonwealth will use awarded funds in 2026 to support competitions, youth organizations, horse welfare, equine therapy, research, education, and marketing. VHIB selected these projects from an invited pool of full proposals. This pool was derived from nearly 380 pre-proposals submitted by 300 unique applicants in 2025. Together, these preproposals requested nearly $12M in funding and demonstrated strong interest, creative approaches, and broad needs in Virginia's horse industry. VHIB Chair Sharon Molster noted, "We couldn't be more excited about this slate of grant projects. We anticipate that they will make a significant impact across Virginia's equestrian regions, disciplines, and industry components." The 2026 grant year marks a transition in VHIB's grantmaking. Intentionally broad grant eligibility included any project within the VHIB mission to promote and economically develop Virginia's horse industry. The industry's strong response will inform spring 2026 VHIB strategic planning. In turn, this strategic plan will shape the 2027 grant program, which is anticipated to open in June 2026. This grant year also reflects VHIB's enhanced ability to serve the Virginia horse industry through a contract with Virginia-based management consulting firm StonyWater LLC and its founder, Jennifer Reichert, for grant and budget management services. Ms. Reichert brings extensive experience in project management and leadership across government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations. She manages the Virginia Wine Board's grant program, and she previously served as Director of Special Projects at CRDF Global. For over 20 years Ms. Reichert has organized information into strategies for action and transformative impact, often in first-of-a-kind roles. Her experience spans business development, program management, R&D, IT, quality, and more. "We are excited to welcome Jennifer to lead this important function," said Ms. Molster. "Her expertise in program administration and strategic outreach will be instrumental in ensuring that our grant programs serve Virginia's diverse equine industry." "I am honored to support the Virginia Horse Industry Board at this exciting time," said Ms. Reichert. "I look forward to working alongside the Board, Executive Director Emily Day, and equine partners across the Commonwealth to apply grant programs to propel Virginia's thriving horse industry forward." About the Virginia Horse Industry Board Established in 1994 and operating within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Horse Industry Board works to promote and support the economic development of the horse industry in the Commonwealth. Visit virginiahorseindustry.com to learn more about the industry and the Board |
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
RECENT GREEN PAGES!
|
Local Horse Hauling |
|
Storey Tails LLC |
|
Bloom and Balance Equine Bodywork |
|
LG Blacksmithing |
|
Copperwell Farm |
|
Kenzie's Critters |
|
Celt Run Farm |
|
Morning Stall Cleaning in NOVA |