WHAT ALABAMA HORSE COUNCIL DOES FOR YOU!
- Started a unified voice in affairs relating to promotion, protection, education, legislation, commerce and the general development of a more stable and rewarding equine industry for all those involved – human and horse. Its all-volunteer Board works hours upon hours to protect and enhance our equine industry for all horse interests.
- Partnered with 8 other Alabama equine associations to host the 2011 Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference – the first ever for our state! www.southeasternequestriantrails.com. Held in Auburn, AL, this conference brings together top-notch folks from the private and public sectors focused on “Creating, Coordinating and Conserving a Trail Friendly Environment”. This conference is vital to the future of our equine effectiveness in our State.
- Conduct ALABAMA HORSE FAIR annually since 1995 (except 2006 after Katrina) bringing in top headliners: Craig Cameron, Tommy Garland, Chris Cox, Monty Roberts, Tommie Turvey, Richard Shrake, GaWaNi Pony Boy, Curt Pate, Don West, Lynn Palm, Stacy Westfall, Ken McNabb, Rick Wheat, Steve Jones, Donna Maye West, Bobby Richards, Jimmie Munroe, Terry Nichols and many others. Facilitate educational demos and lectures covering numerous topics presented by top professionals. Make possible the largest equine trade show in Alabama. “Ask the Vet” and “Ask the Farrier” booths are offered where our State professionals volunteer their time and expertise to help educate horse owners. This is a free service to anyone attending the Fair. On the average, approximately 2,000 volunteer hours are needed to put on the Fair every year.
- Re-established and actively involve a County Rep system to provide information and support between their local interests and the AHC Board. These folks volunteer their time and energy to promote horses and the horse industry in Alabama and are the “eyes and ears” of our horse world.
- Developed official Memorandum of Understanding with U. S. National Forest Service in 2008 to promote a more effective working relationship enhancing equestrian use of our trail system.
- Secured grant from Alabama Department of Agriculture to develop television Public Service Announcement to promote horses in Alabama.
- Worked with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to update Coggins Testing requirements for horse events.
- Involved with “Best of America by Horseback” coverage in Alabama and brought BOABH to Alabama Horse Fair. The corresponding events were aired on RFD-TV, again publicizing Alabama’s facilities and events.
- Developed and operated the Annual Trail Horse Competition with $2,500 prize money.
- Provide for scholarships to students planning careers in the horse industry.
- Obtained matching grant from the Alabama Tourism Department and developed a brochure “Welcome to Alabama’s Horse World” listing contact information for trail facilities, breeds, vet schools, farrier association, etc. Over 5, 000 copies distributed to our 8 Alabama Welcome Centers and other locations and organizations.
- Provide Trophy Belt Buckles to State 4-H Horse Show High Point winners and personnel to help judge educational competitions at the show.
- Charter member of the Alabama Coalition for Farm Animal Care and Well Being. This coalition provides factual information to legislators on issues of farm animal care and is a viable and highly respected organization.
- Initiated first Trail Facilities Group Meeting at the 2006 Annual General Membership Meeting to encourage growth and cooperation among our state trail facilities.
- Developed and conducted REIN (Regional Equine Information Network) educating horse owners across the State. Program still available on line through Auburn Extension Service.
- Offer a membership that includes discounts for Alabama trail facilities and equine supply retailers.
- Maintains a website with equine links, information and Calendar of Events, which is a free service available to all horse interests.
- Co-funded extensive Equine Economic Impact Study in 1994 AND 2006. The results of the latest study “Alabama Equine Industry: Inventory, Impacts, and Prospects” project documents the $2.4 BILLION Alabama equine industry and its value to our State.
- Develop and maintain active relationship with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association for better communications and a more unified voice in issues facing livestock producers and owners.
- Hosted trail rides across State of Alabama to promote trail facilities, increase AHC membership and better unite horse people.
- Supports equine research in Alabama through grant monies.
- Funding for equine body weight estimation research conducted by the Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn. Findings will be presented at the American Society of Animal Science annual meeting July 2011 and at other scientific conferences.
- Increase the profile and awareness of the Alabama Horse Industry to State and local governments. Governor Bob Riley, Agriculture Commissioners Charles Bishop and Ron Sparks and other leaders have been guests at the Alabama Horse Fair and have been involved with equine-related issues.
- Obtained funding for the Alabama Horse Industry Director (published in 1998) for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
- Hosted “The Horse and You” educational seminar in 1999.
- AND SO MUCH MORE !!!
