Carolina Pleasure Horse

The South Carolina Horseman's Council, SC Farm Bureau, and SC Department of Agriculture are supporting this bill as it comes before Legislator's. In a nutshell, the bill would assess equine feed manufacturer's a $2 per ton fee which would be submitted to the Equine Promotional Fund. This fund would be used for census and education, growth of the equine industry, marketing of South Carolina's equine industry, and health and disaster preparedness. Other funds such as this already exist for cattle, poultry, and other agricultural industries, it's time for the equine industry to be represented as well. Surrounding states already have such funds, which have helped build and promote, for instance, state equestrian facilities and arenas which increase the equine industry's economic impact on such states greatly. The fee itself would amount to just about $2 per year per horse. A small price to pay for the economic growth the state could experience if the industry was supported by such a fund. Take a moment to read the full text of the bill at http://www.schorsecouncil.org/Equine%20Promotional%20Bill%204305_200706211.pdf. Then visit http://www.scstatehouse.net/html-pages/housemembers.html to contact your local legislative contact.

Based on the 2005 study by the American Horse Council the equine industry's impact on the economy is worth hundreds of billions (Yes! Billions!) of dollars. North Carolina ranked 8th in the nation contributing to the industry. Now the North Carolina General Assembly has provided funding for it's own economic impact study. The study will be a critical opportunity to promote action with the state to preserve land and water supply, improve agricultural laws, and improve existing facilities and promote new ones... for starters. It is vital that everyone from the backyard horse owner, weekend trail rider, or horse show mom, to breeders, trainers, and equipment suppliers participate. Take a moment to visit http://www.ncruralcenter.org/pubs/equine_bro04_08.pdf to read a broader description of the study, and make plans to attend one of the regional meetings coming up.

April 28 Western NC Ag Center in Fletcher, NC from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

April 29 Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

April 30 Jim Hunt Complex in Raleigh, NC from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Dr. Kerry Ridgway, renowned veterinarian, equine chiropractor, and master saddle fitter has released his full length saddle fitting DVD "Saddle Fitting From A to Z," now available through http://www.ultimatesaddlesolutions.com. If you have questions about how a saddle is supposed to properly fit your horse or yourself, this video is a must have! Numerous performance problems can relate to how your saddle fits either of you. Training and behavioral issues can often be related to discomfort and even PAIN caused by the saddle. Buy this video before you go out to look for your next saddle, and be the educated consumer! Not only will you be giving yourself a leg up on being a better rider, but your horse will thank you!