Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

Louisiana Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board

Louisiana Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board

The Louisiana Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board was created within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry by Act 168 of the 2022 Regular Session, with its domicile at 5825 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. 

The board consists of 13 members appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry and approved by the Senate.  The board is comprised of: 

1. one member who is engaged in the equine event business;
2. one member who is engaged in the trail facility business;
3. one member who is engaged in the equine education programs from an accredited post-secondary education institution in Louisiana;
4. one member who is engaged in the promotion of the equine industry;
5. one member who is engaged in equine research from an accredited postsecondary educational institution in Louisiana;
6. two members who are engaged in equine performance;
7. two members who are engaged in equine racing;
8. one member who is an owner or operator of a therapeutic riding and rehabilitation center;
9. one member who is an owner or operator of an equine facility;
10. one member appointed from a list of three persons nominated by the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder Association; and
11. one member was appointed from a list of three persons nominated by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Additionally, the commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, the Lieutenant Governor, and the president of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., or their designees, shall serve as ex officio members in an advisory capacity only. Members serve at the pleasure of the commissioner.

The board may provide information to governmental entities upon request on subjects of concern to the equine industry and collaborate with the state or federal governments on the development and administration of the program. It may cooperate with any local, state, regional, or national organization or agency engaged in activities consistent with the objectives of the program.

Funding

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry may accept and expend monies from any source, including gifts, contributions, donations, state appropriations, and federal grants, and may accept and use services from individuals, corporations, and governmental entities.

Funds made available to the commissioner may be expended for the following uses:

1. to attract national contests, shows, and equine events to Louisiana;
2. to develop and promote equine tourism through the enhancement of equine trails and camping facilities;
3. to support therapeutic riding and rehabilitation programs;
4. to develop educational programs and disseminate educational materials about the equine industry;
5. to support the enhancement and maintenance of public multi-use equine facilities;
6. to promote activities, facilities, events, and the needs of the Louisiana equine industry; and
7. to contract for scientific research with any accredited postsecondary education institution or similar educational institution that will assist in carrying out the purposes of the program, including equine health, welfare, management, reproduction, nutrition, and general physiology.

Grants

The Board offers one-time grants, based on available funds, to applicants for the purpose of supporting the growth and development of the equine industry by enhancing research, education, promotion, facilities, tourism, events, and equine-related activities throughout the state.

Applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines and gather the documentation necessary for submission. Applicants should apply early, as grants are available on a first-come basis.  Applications will be considered by the Board at their meetings.

Equine Promotion and Research Grant Application

Equine Promotion and Research Grant Application Guidelines

Monthly Meetings

Equine Board Meeting Minutes from February 10, 2023 (tentative)
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from October 5, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from August 24, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from July 25, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from June 2, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from May 4, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from March 29, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from February 1, 2022
Equine Board Meeting Minutes from January 1, 2022

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email EquineBoard@ldaf.state.la.us.

News

Louisiana Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board announces grant opportunities