Many are familiar with Full Moon Farm. Weve seen the Fulton family establish a well-known and respected lesson program, horse trial location, and community based at their farm in Carroll County, MD.Full Moon Farm was established in 1994 by Karen and Stephen Fulton, and has been a resource for those in the community looking for equestrian opportunities. Karen and Stephen also raised their two daughters, Grace and Savannah (Woodge), at the farm in the heart of equestrian sport, with Grace going on as an event rider and polo player, and Woodge riding through the 5* level in Eventing.Now, 30 years into business, Full Moon Farm is looking to expand. Recognizing the limitations to accessing equestrian sports, the Fulton family and Full Moon Farm community have established the Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation (FMFEF), which strives to promote good horsemanship, prevent marginalization, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.FMFEF will collaborate with Full Moon to provide access to camp, boarding, and entry fees. Photo from Karen Fulton.It all started with a pride flag that we had flown on our flag pole, Karen stated. Our boarders purchased it for us a few years ago, and while were conscious of any endorsements of political candidates at our business, Grace and Woodge encouraged us to hang up the flag on our pole. Flags can be powerful things, and once we did, it was amazing [to me] the number of people that noticed it in a positive way. It got us thinking, the inclusivity that our barn has always practiced should be formalized.Everyone at the farm has always strived to be inclusive and welcoming, Grace commented on Full Moon Farms atmosphere. This is a bit more of a way to get people who may not be aware of our offerings or of riding or in the typical demographics of the sport to the farm. We want to find those people, and get them involved.The workings of Full Moon Farm and the Foundation are complimentary, with the first few initiatives being within efforts already in place.Summer camps have always been going on, Karen said. So weve built on that current offering to have a couple of scholarships. Or covering board, entry feesThese first stages will be additives and supplementary to what were already doing.The FMFEF wants to provide opportunities for those not otherwise aware of the sport to participate. Theres an application process for the scholarship, with a Google Form for participant selection. While the process is still evolving with the Foundation being so new, the application asks about how the mission statement will align with participant values, or how the scholarship will impact participants lives.The Foundation will provide insight and education into the equestrian industry. Photo from Karen Fulton.Of course, these efforts do not come without challenges.Our challenge is getting information out to the people that need it! Karen commented. How do we connect with people not within the sport already? We do have some connections to other nonprofits for sports in the Baltimore area to collaborate and broaden horizons, but are hoping to get the information out to as many people as possible.The FMFEF is still new, just recently receiving 501(c)(3) status through the state of Maryland, with IRS paperwork pending for Federal status. However, as the Foundation continues to develop and grow, there are plans beyond current scholarship opportunities.Were hoping this will be a supplementary community engagement tool, Grace stated. Its meant a lot so far, seeing how many people are reaching out and offering to volunteer. Its not only for the outward community, but is also building community internally as well.The Full Moon Farm community is already developing and supporting the Foundations efforts. Photo from Karen Fulton.Well be looking towards some stand alone events and fundraisers in the future as well, as the Foundation gets going, Karen said.Its meaningful when kids start riding at five, and continue until they go to college. Its a bigger measure of success compared to the number of boarders or wins we have, Karen said.As the Foundation looks at measuring success, looking towards that continued involvement will be key. Involvement with people that have never touched a horse, seen a horse its such an impactful moment. Right now, were looking to get more people involved with the things were doing, people that arent aware of the sport, or typically have access to such opportunities. Long term, as this grows, we have the space and facilities to offer more.For more information on the FMFEF, please see their website, or email fmfeventingfoundation@gmail.com