Illinois Equine Promotion Board
Education, Promotion, Research
the Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board
The Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board is an Illinois not-for-profit entity, organized to provide research, promotion and education for the equine industry in Illinois. Authorized by the enabling legislation, the Equine Promotion Board collects a voluntary assessment (to the end purchaser ONLY) on equine feed purchased in Illinois.
Run by a 12-member board of directors, the Equine Promotion is responsible for the collection, monitoring and disbursements of the equine checkoff funds.
EDUCATION
PROMOTION
RESEARCH
A lasting impact, from the ground up.
Supporting a connected, informed, and thriving horse community benefits people, businesses, and equine programs throughout Illinois.
01 / Education
✳
Knowledge that moves
us forward.
Encouraging educational opportunities and sharing information that helps the equine community grow.
02 / Promotion
⌁
More visibility for the
horse industry.
Promoting equine activities and helping more Illinois residents connect with the industry.
03 / Research
⌕
Building on evidence
and insight.
Supporting research and programs that can benefit equine owners across the state.
Applications now OPEN for appointment to the Illinois Equine Promotion Board
Board members vote to review and approve (via conference call) competitive board applications for funding for equine projects.
Deadline to apply is December 15, 2026.“
Good ideas deserve room to grow.
The core purpose of the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board is to enhance the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities.
Connected to the equine community.
Quick access to the information, people, and programs that keep our work moving.
Enabling Legislation
The enabling legislation mandated by the Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Act (PA 93-0135), establishes the structure and provides for a “volunteer” assessment (to the end purchaser ONLY) of $2.00 per ton on commercial horse feed that will be dedicated to:
The continuation and expansion of existing and development of new equine programs that enhance the growth of the Illinois Horse Industry, an industry that is made up of 77,000 Illinois horse owners and over 15,500 Illinois jobs.
Funding for research and educational programs and developments in the equine industry beneficial to all equine owners in the state.
The creation of informational and promotion programs and greater involvement in the equine industry by the citizens of the state.
The program requires no State resources, requires no State funding and is not a tax. Rather it is a structure that will enable the horse industry, in a volunteer manner, to self-fund the programs. In the Illinois fiscal environment, it is vital that we act to ensure that equine programs and services remain an ongoing benefit to Illinois citizens and the Illinois economy.
Further, the funds collected from the Equine Promotion Board will be returned to the equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities.
Questions, answered.
A quick introduction to how the Board supports Illinois’ equine industry.
What does the Board do?
The Board supports research, promotion, and education initiatives intended to enhance the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs and projects.
How is the program funded?
Under Illinois enabling legislation, a voluntary assessment of $2 per ton applies to commercial horse feed and is collected from the end purchaser. See the official Board information for full details.
Where can I find grant information?
Visit the Board’s official Grant Info and Grant Seekers pages for current guidance, requirements, and relevant documents.