State of the Horse, Eye Opening Success

Lake View Terrace--The 1st Annual "State of the Horse" Convention and Equine Trade Show was enthusiastically received by nearly 400 participants on Saturday January 28th, 2006. Over 35 equine related groups, organizations, elected officials and representatives from all levels of government participated in and enjoyed the programs.

The morning session held at North Valley City Hall in Tujunga, constituted an impressive assembly of government, conservationists and trail advocates. Four Congressional, five State Legislative and three Mayoral offices were represented. Council Members Wendy Greuel and Alex Padilla were briefed on the importance of passing legislation for the Rim of the Valley Trail Resource Study in Congress (H.R. 355).

Martha Crusius from the National Parks Service Pacific Headquarters and Teresa Lam from Representative Adam Schiff’s office spoke regarding the study areas covering the Verdugo mountains, Tujunga Wash, Arroyo Seco, Griffith Park, Santa Susana and Simi Hills. Attendees were shocked to learn most of the National Forest was already under study. The bill also prohibits eminent domain. Supporters are encouraged to contact Adam Schiff’s office at 626 448-1271. The benefits of forming a Resource Conservation District (RCD) and their workings elsewhere in California were then discussed by Ed Burton, USDA, Andrew Rush, DOC and Tacey Curry CARCD, who flew in from Sacramento to participate.

The Afternoon session was held at All Nations Church in Lake View Terrace. An eagle from Wildlife Waystation opened the program. Chuck Wagon Trailers provided the BBQ, slow cooking the meat in a hand dug trench at an authentic western camp site with the chuck wagon as the centerpiece.

Council Members Wendy Greuel and Alex Padilla, and Assembly Member Cindy Montanez began the speakers program. The "State of the Horse" for 2006 was discussed by representatives from across the foothill, valley and mountain communities--San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys, and Santa Monica Mountains.

California State Horsemen Association, Back Country Horsemen, Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, ETI National & Local Corrals were among the participants. Cile Borman provided inspiration with the National Anthem and Don Dunham with his traditional cowboy songs.

2006 will see the formation of the "Equine Chamber of Commerce." The horse industry not only includes trainers, rent barns and stables, but high end truck, trailers, corral/arena construction and real estate sales. This will mark a historic turning point for equine affairs in the greater Los Angeles area.

Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual "State of the Horse," co-sponsored and hosted by the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, Saturday January 27th, 2007. If you are interested in participating with the chamber or the next "State of the Horse" please contact: Michael at 818 470-5235, lamikec@yahoo.com or Carol at 818 771-0156, president@vhoa.org. Visit VHOA’s web site at: www.vhoa.org for the latest developments.

This year’s State of the Horse was co-sponsored by the Valley Horse Owners Association, the Vaquero Heritage Foundation and the "New Heaven on Earth Ranch" Foundation.

Photos courtesy of Steve and Carol Ford