January News 2008

Here’s to a Safe, Happy & Prosperous New Year!!

All of us from the Board Room at NHHC and Committee Member’s alike, wish all of our members, horse lover’s and hard working equestrian’s everywhere; a very safe and Happy New Year. Reflecting upon the years that have so generously passed by, I have met so many wonderful and intriguing people that truly amaze me. They have persevered over the years carrying on the volunteer effort and undoubtedly paved the way to make room for the next generation vying to carry out the mission.

There is still much work to be done. Our land is in jeopardy, trails that we once enjoyed have become victims of development or abuse. Legislature is constantly changing as people’s recreational activities have become motorized, making it all the more important to keep updated on what is going on at State level as well as National. Make it a point to know who represents the Town in which you reside and become familiar with your Town’s Selectmen, as these are your tax dollars hard at work. Some websites to become familiar with are:

* http://agriculture.nh.gov/index.htm Contains laws & rules, best management practices, forms and contact

information, including the State Veterinarian.

* http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/default.htm Contains Legislative information, find a Legislator,

house bills, lobbyist information.

* http://www.house.gov/Welcome.shtml Representative information, house organizations & commissions.

Get involved, in unity there is strength.

New Hampshire Farm & Forest Exposition 2008

Friday, February 8, 2008 Come and visit us at the New Hampshire Horse
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Council Booth and see what’s new.
Saturday, February 9, 2008 Plan to attend our annual meeting. The details
9 a.m.-4 p.m. will be posted on our website www.nhhorsecouncil.com

Location: and available in the Farm & Forest Brochure.

Center of NH - Radisson Hotel Manchester http://www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org/index.html

700 Elm Street, Manchester NH

Price: $7.00 Admission - Children 15 and under are Free

Annual Awards Ceremony and Breakfast

February 9, 2008, 7:30 a.m.

Salon A Ballroom

The Annual Awards Breakfast recognizes industry leaders and their contributions over the past year. The following awards will be presented at the 2007 event:

--Andrew L. Felker Memorial Award for leadership in promoting the growth and prosperity of New Hampshire agriculture.

--Fred E. Beane Memorial Award for fair, accurate and effective reporting of news and issues impacting farming and forestry in the state.

--Farms of Distinction, a program of the NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food that annually recognizes those New Hampshire Farms that go the extra mile to keep their busy farmsteads neat and attractive, thereby portraying a positive image for New Hampshire agriculture.

--Green Pastures Dairy Farm of the Year program showcases outstanding dairy farms throughout New England. The 2006 New Hampshire winners will be introduced and presented with a farm sign.

--The Tree Farmer of the Year Award is presented to a landowner who has shown exceptional forest management in the Tree Farm Program.

--The NH Horse Person of the Year, presented by the NH Horse Council, recognizes outstanding achievement in the equine industry.

This is a reservation only event.

Tickets may be purchased for $10 each at the

NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food, 25 Capitol St., Concord,

or call 271-3788.

Mustangs Perform at Equine Affaire

Anyone who attends the 2007 Equine Affaire at Springfield, MA had the opportunity to meet many people who are enthusiastic about their favorite breed of horse. This year, a group of Mustang enthusiasts and their horses proudly appeared before the crowds to show the versatility of this breed. The American Mustang & Burro Association has a New England chapter and a strong New Hampshire connection. The AMBA participated in a booth to support the Bureau of Land Management Mustang adoption program.

Each Mustang that was showcased in the breed booth was unique in appearance and represented the many different bloodlines crossed with the original Spanish Barb. All of the horses appeared intelligent and had calm temperaments. It was hard to convince some of the visitors that these were once wild horses and had all been gathered from different BLM management areas.

Several members of the AMBA participated in the Mustang breed demonstration in the Mallory Arena. The program began with a song about the origins of the Mustang and how it has become a symbol of the west and a part of our American heritage. The feedback from the crowd was impressive and many people were amazed at the talent and versatility of the trained Mustang. The horses that performed were certainly ambassadors of the breed with their exceptional behavior and personality. Listening to their adopters, it was obvious how much they valued their Mustangs and how much they felt they could achieve with them.

There is an increase in interest in New Hampshire for this interesting and versatile breed. In the Spring of 2008, the Bureau of Land Management plans to hold an adoption in Somersworth, NH on June 7th and 8th. Prior to that, various Open Houses are planned throughout the state and region to promote the Mustang breed and showcase their versatility and trainability.

By Susan Booth and Marilyn Stuller

Thanks Marilyn & Susan.

"The New Hampshire Horse Council, Inc. is a non-profit association that serves as the voice of the horse industry in New Hampshire. NHHC, Inc. strives to promote the advancement of the entire equine community by serving as a means of communication, monitoring legislation, promoting horse related activities, promoting the highest standards of sportsmanship and horsemanship, encouraging the protection and development of resources, and encouraging youth equine groups. NHHC, Inc. is a member of American Horse Council, NH Farm Bureau, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, and is an EquineSite.com affiliate." For more information, contact Bob L’Heureux at robert.lhx@verizon.net Your membership makes it possible for us to sponsor projects, provide benefits, and be involved in legislative issues. Your continued support is very important. PLEASE DON’T LET YOUR MEMBERSHIP EXPIRE.

Laurie Weir

Correspondence Editor