Because most equine enterprises characterize themselves as small businesses and include many non-profits such as state associations and equine rescue operations, the package addresses many challenges facing the horse industry. The following are highlights, with more details to follow after President Trump signs the bill into law.

The EDCC’s COVID-19 resource page features fact sheets to help owners explain the differences between equine coronavirus (ECoV) and COVID-19 as well as needed tools to stay up to date on the latest information. Users will be able to download and print off fact sheets and educational materials that can be posted in barns and facilities.

“At this point, we are not aware of any restrictions specific to travel for horses. The problem becomes the people that travel with the horses. We can’t send the animals alone, but if a country is not accepting non-citizens then we may not be able to send the pilots or grooms to the horses’ destinations because they won’t be legally allowed into the country. For that reason, some equestrians have had a hard time moving their horses internationally because they, as the owners or riders, may not be allowed into a certain nation, forcing them to seek alternative arrangements.”

“The Horse Portal brings together our youth in a safe, online community where they will learn how to ‘speak horse’ – and, ultimately, stay safe around horses and on the farm!” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “From grass roots to adult industry professionals, we are so proud when our students tell us how our courses have helped them.”

“This is topical but as with many of these issues, there is, unfortunately, a dearth of evidence on which to base any firm guidance. There is no evidence that I am aware of that horses or farm animals are susceptible or can act as a source of infection for humans.”

Because a large percentage of equine businesses file tax returns as S-Corporations or “pass through” entities, the small business loans could be especially helpful for many members of the horse industry moving forward. With respect to the half-trillion dollars in direct payments to individual taxpayers, the Administration states that it would seek to disburse the payments in two portions including a $250 billion installment that could be available as soon as early April. Stay tuned for details related to stimulus, and possible benefits for large segments of the horse industry, as lawmakers turn their attention to legislation intended to blunt the impact of COVID-19.