House Appropriations Funds $5 Million For Veteran's Equine Therapy

Friday, May 24, 2024 | 10:31 am

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: The U.S. Capitol is reflected on water as the early morning sun begins to rise behind it November 1, 2006 in Washington, DC. With polls showing Democrats making headway in many contested races, the political balance of both houses of congress could shift in mid-term election voting that will be held on November 7. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

With a 34 to 25 vote on Thursday, May 23, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which will allocate up to $5 million in grants for equine therapy under the Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Program, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association said in a press release on Friday.

The initiative, led by Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and the NTRA, will award grants by the VA to eligible organizations to plan, develop, manage and implement equine therapy programs for Veterans and Armed Forces members with disabilities.

“Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the NTRA, and to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “This grant will fund equine therapy programs so our retired racehorses can benefit our nation's Veterans.”

Click here to access the legislation.