Trail and Horse Advocates Gather at Equestrian Center

Los Angeles, CA, the 2nd Annual "State of the Horse" Convention will be held Saturday, January 27, 2007, 9AM-5PM at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, organized and sponsored by "The New Heaven on Earth Ranch Foundation", Los Angeles Trails Project, and the Valley Horse Owner’s Association. Look for updates regarding this year’s conference sessions and speakers on the Valley Horse Owners Association web site at: www.vhoa.org .

The theme for the 2007 Convention is "The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry". The conference will once again bring together members of the equine industry, horse groups, members of Neighborhood Councils, and representatives of State, Federal and Local Government. The conference will examine issues of major concern to equestrians and mutually beneficial strategies and partnerships for the future of horses in California. The horse industry has a marked effect on trends in real estate, vehicle sales, tourism, event venues, health and therapeutic group programs.

Last year, the first conference brought together representatives from 3 Congressional Offices, 3 City Mayors, the USDA, National Park Service, California State Assembly, National Park Service, Los Angeles City Council, Department of Recreation and Parks, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the State Department of Conservation and leadership from over 30 equestrian and trail groups. As a direct result, the Mayor of Los Angeles signed a resolution to support Federal Legislation authorizing a study of the "Rim of the Valley".

This year Nancy Cole, Editor and Publisher of The Equestrian News will be a featured speaker. Other invited speakers from a variety of disciplines will share their expertise. Neighborhood Councils will join trail enthusiasts and learn about the issues. Members of government as well as horse and trail experts will be on hand to exchange ideas and discuss the future and benefits of horses and trails in our increasingly urbanized world.

Vendors, sponsors, other non-profit equestrian groups, and afternoon equestrian demonstrations will be showcased in the Equidome.

An Admission will be charged for conference sessions which will include a continental breakfast and a light lunch. A reining saddle valued at $3,000, donated by Champion Turf Equipment, will be raffled. For more information on admission, saddle raffle tickets, sponsorship or vendor and ad space contact:

Michael Carpenter, 818 470-5235 or email: lamikec@yahoo.com.;

Mary Benson, 800-660-0650 email c-maryb@msn.com.

Or Carol Locus Ford: e-mail president@vhoa.org.

See updates and order tickets on-line at www.StateOfTheHorse.org.