Any programs/grants available for a disabled veteran taking over a horse farm?

If it's too big for your to manage on your own, have you looked into a small business loan from VA? Make a business that rents out the space to others who could use it. You're your own boss, get to be a part of something you like, and make money at the same time. You could also network with some smaller vet orgs and see if you could get "free" or reduced price labor to get parts of the property more manageable or marketable? It's amazing how vets come together to help each other with the promise of beer, whiskey, rinse, lather, repeat, and the knowledge we're taking care of our own.

Sara, contact the individual below as they are a 501 (C) 3 that is doing exactly what you are trying to achieve. Hope this helps out. Lancaster is a great place to start this venture. Check also with the Amish, they are great people and may want to assist with your worthy cause.

Talia T. Aguayo Bermúdez,LMFT
Director of Clinical Operation
Horse Sense of the Carolinas, Inc.
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http://www.HorseSenseOtc.com
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Hi Sara, congratulations on wanting to join the equine community. I have a 40 acre horse ranch in Arkansas and this is what I would suggest to you, based on my experience. I would immediately go to your local FSA (Farm Service Agency) If your farm was ever registered with the FSA you are a step ahead in all the government programs that will open up to you. As a beginning farmer, and a minority owned one, you should also sign up with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) They are usually co-located with the FSA. NRCS will help you do improvements to the place and will pay for the materials. It's a great deal and a great way to get water systems set up, hay planted, fences done. Loans are an option as well. I have not had to take a loan out as of yet for capital, I've used the NRCS extensively and that has worked out beautifully for us. And of course the VA can help with a business plan, depending on what your business will entail. But I will caution that unless the VA rep has experience in the horse community, the plan may not be the one you want. And finally, go to a local bank. Many are working with the SBA and you would definitely qualify. A good commercial lender will also help with the business plan, as they are familiar with the business community in your area. It took me a couple of lenders before I got a good knowledgeable one from an Agriculture bank. Hope this helps.

Sergeant, stand fast... as I too am a 100% service-connected veteran injured while on active duty in the Marine Corps shortly after returning from Desert Storm, I can tell you there are numerous benefits out there for veterans like yourself. First, I hope you filed a claim for VA benefits and already received your disability rating. Next, the most logical place to begin your endeavor would be with the VA's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, as they offer several benefits for an individual with the desire to open a working horse farm... ranging from SBA counseling to money & benefits for your startup. The SBA for Veterans will provide you with the know-how to get financial aid to begin your endeavor and will also provide training so you don't end up losing everything after you get started. Moreover, you also have accessibility to a number of other benefits depending on your medical discharge rating, such as, an adaptive housing grant, specifically, the Home Improvement Accessibility Grant, commonly referred to as a HIPA grant. There is also another grant, which I can't recall at the moment but it provided me with $10,000 for structural modifications in my different homes, while I was using the GI Bill to go to school. Really, what you should do is go to VA.gov and get a benefit handbook for disabled veterans and/or medically retired veterans. There is also, both, federal and state benefits for every veteran who is eligible to take advantage off. You would also qualify for a huge tax break which I am sure your local tax assessor would never ever tell you about,unless, you fight for it. There are vehicle grants... free registration and license platas fees at your local DMV for veterans; should you need to have any structural modifications, the building permits will be exempt too. Woman, a pledge was made when we stormed the beaches of Normandy; a promise that weathered Tet; a contract was made when we stormed the Desert of Iraq! I know the previous phrase is all political BS but you served your country and was injured while doing it. I hate seeing deserving veterans get the short end of the stick! Should you have additional questions just reach out to me!

I would recommend the following : your needs fall into many buckets so determine what the number one over rising cost is you are hoping to cover with a grant.
Determine if your horse farm can be or if it is I apologize a designated non profit or even better L3C which provides you the income and self sustainability to not have to go after grants alone as a funding source.
http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20110106a.asp

Here's some direction. Call these two Veteran focused equine specific farms and look at equine therapy for the disabled as a funding focus.

Have you looked at the VA rep at your local unemployment office? I would also look at American Legion, VFA and other associations. I hope this will help you, Good luck!

You had also asked about free/cheaper labor. I don't know about PA but here in AR we have a huge amount of vets and vet supporters. They are great about helping out in the community and especially with other vets. There are also motorcycle groups that might be interested in providing free labor to a vet. I say free, will probably need to furnish beer, lol. Best of luck. Really would like to see you make this a go.

I am in same situation if you find anything let me know. Mine prob. is financing the land. I wish I was closer I have tractors and excavating equipment I would gladly help if closer. Love horses myself have 9 rescue now but out of room

Voc Rehab is suppose to help get you a joba nd maybe start a trade or business.