Questions & Answers

Here are the answers to commonly asked questions:

  1. What is FEA?

  2. How did FEA start?

  3. What is your relationship with USEF, USET, USHJA and other such entities?

  4. How do you support organizations already in the industry?

  5. What can you do for trainers?

  6. I’m a rider; what can FEA do for me?

  7. I have a horse I want to donate; will you take him?

  8. How much tax benefit will I be able to get with my donation?

  9. My family owns an equestrian training center but our financial situation is such that we cannot afford to keep it. Can you help?

  10. How are the funds FEA receives being used?

  11. Are you competing for the same sponsors already supporting the industry?

  12. Although I don’t want to sell it, I would love to make one of my horses available to a rider ready for the next level but who cannot afford it. How can you help?

  13. I want my ranch to remain dedicated to horses and I heard that using a 501(c)(3) could be a good option. What do you think?

  14. Can I give you the truck and horse trailer I don’t use anymore?

  15. Do you need a golf cart?

  16. My horse property is worth a lot. I am told that I could donate it, is that true?

  17. Can I expect a tax write off if I donate my horse?

  18. I don’t use my motorhome – can I donate it and get a tax receipt?

  19. My family is wealthy, but my needs are other than financial. What can you do for me?

  20. Can I volunteer?

1. What is FEA? 
A. The Foundation for Equestrian Athletes is one that supports riders, horses, and everything that makes the equestrian industry work. It was created using a nexialist approach, i.e. the ability of joining together in an orderly fashion the knowledge of one field with that of other fields. FEA is where the marketing, financial and equine industries join together in a very effective, result-oriented world in a tax-advantaged environment.

2. How did FEA start?
A. Its origin dates from 2004 when Equestrian Spirit was created for the purpose of supporting young riders without all the financial means, as well as to support equine therapy focusing on children with autism and teenagers at risk. Over the years Equestrian Spirit served many purposes but remained true to its original mission. In 2015 the major decision was made to take everything to a whole new level using the 501(c)(3) approach, and that is when the Foundation for Equestrian Athletes was created.

3. What is your relationship with USEF, USET, USHJA, NCEA and other such entities? 
A. Many of these organizations which provide valuable services to the equestrian community and are in line with FEA’s mission are at the top of the list of potential beneficiaries. By supporting the those entities FEA is tackling many needs already addressed by those organizations, thus multiplying its effect and amplifying the end results. It is therefore FEA’s desire to work closely with such organizations.

4. How do you support organizations already in the industry? 
A. The background and expertise of the FEA team members may bring much more to the table than the omnipresent financial needs: sponsorships, marketing efforts, mentorship, access to valuable products, services and information related to the acquisition of assets (horse, real estate, vehicle, etc), career management, estate planning, and much more.

5. What can you do for trainers? 
A. FEA considers trainers a key element to be able to carry out its mission. Trainers may provide valuable feedback and recommendations to FEA, and in return they may benefit from sponsorships to their riders, access to our network of professionals, career & financial mentorship, business strategies, and access to a variety of services.

6. I’m a rider; what can FEA do for me? 
A. Riders are at the heart of FEA’s mission. There is a multitude of ways riders may be supported, whatever level you are at right now. The simple way to put it is: FEA wants to help you get to the next level, whatever that means to you. Depending on a rider’s need, FEA determines the kind of support it can provide: sponsorship, asset or horse acquisition, training, education, work, transportation, show expenses, career or retirement guidance, or mentorship.

7. I have a horse I want to donate, will you take him? 
A. Handled on a case-by-case basis, FEA will accept donations, but the outcome for each horse depends on the principle of matching the best horse to the right job. FEA’s network includes locations that may handle many type of horses, from grand prix level, to horses ready for retirement.

8. How much tax benefit will I be able to get with my donation? 
A. This all depends on your own tax situation. FEA does not provide tax advice. However, the way FEA is structured allows you to claim the value of your donation on your tax return (business or personal, depending on your situation) as long as it follows IRS rules. The rule of thumb is that FEA will provide you with an official receipt following a verified market value of your donation (conditions apply) while following IRS guidelines.

9. My family owns an equestrian training center but our financial situation is such that we cannot afford to keep it. Can you help? 
A. Yes, in many cases, although FEA must obtain and review the detailed information before giving you a final answer. Whether you just want to move on with your life or would rather be able to keep your assets without the financial burden, FEA has access to resources that may save the day and be a turning point for you.

10. How are the funds FEA receives being used? 
A. FEA covers a multitude of needs, all in line with its mission. The goal is to have 95% to 100% of each donation to be used to fulfill a specific or a general need depending on several factors, one of which being the desire of the donors.

11. Are you competing for the same sponsors already supporting the industry? 
A. Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, FEA’s guidelines prevents accepting funds previously allocated to another organization already involved in the equestrian industry. FEA’s objective in this regard is actually to add to the financial support already received by organizations sharing FEA’s mission, passion and objectives.

12. Although I don’t want to sell it, I would love to make one of my horses available to a rider ready for the next level but who cannot afford it. How can you help? 
A. The proper use of the best horse for the right job is one of FEA’s key objectives. We will match your horse with the rider we believe will make the best use of it while ensuring the best possible horsemanship and general care of your horse. If you so desire, the horse may remain your property, or it can be donated to FEA with the associated tax benefit (if that is what you are looking for).

13. I want my ranch to remain dedicated to horses and I heard that using a 501(c)(3) could be a good option. What do you think? 
A. At FEA, we take pride in supporting such an opportunity to allow a property to keep its purpose in the long term. There are many available options such as a donation, sale, lease, trust, and others. We will be happy to discuss with you what we believe could be the best scenario for what you really want to achieve.

14. Can I give you the truck and horse trailer I don’t use anymore? 
A. Absolutely – it can be used by the Foundation itself or by a beneficiary. FEA will give you a receipt for the market value of both the truck and the trailer (as per IRS guidelines).

15. Do you need a golf cart? 
A. FEA will appreciate any donation, of any type. What cannot be used by the Foundation and/or its beneficiaries may be monetized and used for a specific purpose in line with FEA's mission.

16. My horse property is worth a lot. I am told that I could donate it, is that true? 
A. It is possible, but several factors must be considered before you do such a thing. We recommend you follow a genuine due diligence process to help you determine if that would be the right thing for you to do. We will be happy to have that discussion with you.

17. Can I expect a tax write off if I donate my horse?
A. Keep these tips in mind as you explore options for donating your horse (Source: Horse & Rider Magazine):

  • Get advice from an accountant before claiming a tax deduction for your horse.
  • Be sure the organization qualifies as a charity under IRS guidelines.
  • IRS regulations generally allow you to deduct "fair market value"--the price your horse would fetch on the day you make the donation. If you are donating an aged, foundered horse to a rescue group, for example, you will not be able to claim the price you paid when he was a 4-year-old show champion.
  • Most nonprofits let the donor determine the fair market value of the horse.
  • If the value is more than $500, you'll need to file IRS form 8283 with your tax return to claim the deduction.
  • If the value is more than $5,000, you will need to support the claim with a written appraisal by a qualified independent expert, such as an experienced professional trainer. Have two appraisals, in case the IRS disallows one. 

18. I don’t use my motorhome – can I donate it and get a tax receipt? 
A. Yes, the process is simple as long as it meets the IRS requirements.

19. My family is wealthy, but my needs are other than financial. What can you do for me?
A. Financial support is only one of the numerous ways we can support a rider or anyone related to the equestrian industry. As a matter of fact, we have not encountered anyone yet we could not support or mentor in some ways. Share with us what you need and we will listen to you.

20. Can I volunteer?
A. We welcome volunteers, for many aspects of our organization. Please review the Volunteering page or contact us now to discuss what you have in mind. 

You did not find the answer you are looking for? Email us at: info@EquestrianAthletes.org

Disclaimer: This document is for information only. No promise of any kind is being mad