Founded in 1995 as a qualified non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, the foundation’s original purpose was to nurture and preserve the glorious traditions of a sport that was first introduced to this country during the early years of the nineteenth century. From a relatively modest beginning, it has widened the scope of its operation to the point that it now touches all aspects of the sport. "We set out to reinvigorate the spirit of amateurism in steeplechasing because it has long been a major factor in developing future owners, trainers, riders, officials, and hunt meet directors,” said Charles C. Fenwick, Jr., the foundation’s president,“but we quickly realized our efforts would be futile unless we took steps to enhance the safety, quality, and popularity of the sport itself.”