USPA COVID-19 Intercollegiate Equine Welfare Relief Program Guidelines
1. Program Overview
- USPA to provide funding for the feeding of horses owned by intercollegiate polo provided there is proof the USPA Member and/or their horses are in distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- USPA Intercollegiate Equine Relief Program Subcommittee may use a variety of resources to determine if there is a true necessity which may include member’s or club’s most recent bank statement, feed bill, the Henneke Body Condition Score, other player member’s reference, or a veterinarian’s note.
This program is not intended for individuals seeking financial support feeding their personal horses, this is designed for USPA Intercollegiate program horses participating in Intercollegiate polo.
2. Criteria:
- ERP applicant must be a USPA Member or an Active or Provisional Member Club in good standing.
- ERP request must be for horses that are owned by the Intercollegiate polo team within the last year.
- Priority will go to programs who are student run and where the horses are not used for other programs, ie interscholastic teams, club events.
Link to application.
Scholarships
The USPA awards at least six, $4,000 scholarships a year to players who have participated in the interscholastic polo program and are looking to continue their polo career at the collegiate level. Players must meet requirements outlined in the guidelines and awards are renewable for up to four years of academic study. For more information please click here.
Fundraising Grant
Intercollegiate teams may apply for up to $1,000 each year to assist with the costs of putting on a fundraiser. The application should include a detailed description of the event outlining expenses, income and projected profit. Applications are reviewed by a committee of volunteers and are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, click here.
Intercollegiate Funding Grant
Intercollegiate teams may apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the I/I Start Up & Enhancement Program. Qualified items include tack and equipment. Applications are reviewed by a committee of volunteers and are accepted from September 1 – October 1 each year. To apply, click here.
Umpires
Umpire support is available to teams who are playing in-region or nationally competitive games. Teams must apply to receive umpire support which is approved on a rolling basis and based on approval and availability for umpires. Requests must be made three weeks prior to the scheduled game date. To submit a request, please email Bradley Biddle at bbiddle@uspolo.org.
