About the Virginia Horse Industry Board

VHIB has awarded over $2 million in grants to promote the horse industry in Virginia

In 1994 as the result of legislation and a statewide referendum the Virginia Horse Industry Board was founded and it operates through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to function as a commodity board for the development of the industry. The Virginia Horse Industry Board promotes and develops economic opportunities for the betterment of the horse industry in Virginia.

Board Members

Kelly S. Foltman, DVM - Chair

Dunthorpe Farm Veterinary Services

Hillsboro

Wayne Chatfield-Taylor
President, Virginia Thoroughbred Association

Front Royal

Suzanne Gonzales
President, Virginia Quarter Horse Association

Bluemont

Jimmy Lee
President, Virginia Horse Shows Association

Keswick

Beth Sheely

Equitation Lecturer, Riding Program Instructor

Virginia Tech

Ernest Oare

Warrenton

Floyd Barron

The Plains

Steve Escobar, DVM

President, Virginia Horse Council

Robert Banner

ACRE Investment Management

The Plains

Amy Moore

Millwood

David Lands

Gloucester

photo by Jane Beck

Board Activities

The Board promotes the Virginia horse industry through a variety of activities and programs including:

Reviews grant proposals annually and considers projects in the areas of education, marketing, and research
Supports economic impact studies, educational seminars, and projects such as the Virginia State 4-H Horse Show
Supports research in key equine health areas such as lameness, obesity, nutrition, and respiratory diseases

Publishes free informational materials for adults, children, and youth leaders

Board Meetings

The Board meets 3-4 times a year at various locations around the state and meeting notices are published in advance in The Virginia Register. All meetings are open to the public. If you would like information on an upcoming meeting or directions, please contact the Virginia Horse Industry Board Office.

VIEW MEETING MINUTES

Funding of Board Programs

Activities of the Board are supported by funding from the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund and the Equine Feed Checkoff. Promotion and Development Fund monies are generated from an assessment of $1.50 on each Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins) Test performed in the state. Equine Feed Checkoff monies are generated from equine feed manufacturers who pay $3 per ton or 7 1/2 cents per 50-lb. bag of equine feed sold in Virginia. Monies collected in the Equine Feed Checkoff Fund are used solely for grants.

Board Membership

The Presidents of the Virginia Horse Council, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Horse Shows Association, and the Virginia Quarter Horse Association sit on the twelve-member board. In addition, the Governor appoints members from nominations made by the horse industry from commercial or professional services within the industry and from other state breed and use organizations. Also serving on the Board are the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Horse Extension Specialist from Virginia Tech.