Let’s get COOKING! Outdoor & Potluck Cookbook Project - OHC wants your outdoor & potluck recipes! We’re putting together a much requested cookbook for sale to members and the general public. Your name will appear with every recipe you contribute. Plus, your county chapter will retain 25% of the profits for each cookbook sold.  What a great way to help out with your equine projects.  Jo Ellen Reikowski, Beth Bardash, and Shelia Craft are ready to begin work on this terrific fundraiser.

Deadline for recipe entry on line is July 31^st and it will take a couple of weeks to put it all together to send off to the publisher. The goal is to have the cookbook available for sale no later than the November State Meeting.  The cookbook is going to be focused on Outdoor cooking and Potluck recipes so please emphasize that. Also, the more recipes entered on line, the better.  If there are members that don’t have internet access, maybe the members of the chapter can pool their resources and work together on their best and favorite recipes and make it a group effort. Teamwork can be terrific!     More info   Cookbook FAQ's    Cookbook Recipe form  (posted 6/15/09)

The Licking Loop Trail at AEP Equine Area in Morgan County has been completed and is now officially open for trail rides.  It is a nice, easy and shady ride. The ride time is approximately 50 minutes to ride the Loop.  Morgan County would like to thank the Licking Co members that contributed to the completion of this trail. Also we would like to Thank anyone else who helped on this trail in any way towards its completion.  We hope to see you all sometime down the trail here at Morgan County. Thanks again to all who helped. (posted 6/16/09)

Pleasant Hill Lake Park OPEN - This new horse camp will open for business June 5 and includes equine campsites and trails.  Reservations for 8 campsites can be made after the opening weekend by calling (419-938-7884).  More info and directions.....    (posted 6/1/09)

Corral Notices - “Due to a clerical error at the Corral – some OHC members may have recently received a post card indicating that their Corral subscription is no longer being paid by OHC.  These postcards were sent in error and the Corral is working to correct the problem.  Current OHC members will still receive a Corral as an OHC member benefit.  The Corral intended to send post cards to former OHC members who have been dropped from the subscription list due to non-renewal of OHC membership in 2009.  Members who have paid their 2009 membership dues and who have received any kind of notice that they have been dropped from the Corral should contact their OHC County President.”

 Notice: Insurance - Pony Rides  - OHC chapters have been very active this year in requesting insurance for pony rides.  So active in fact that we've exceeded our "normal allotment".  We can still obtain insurance for these events but the insurance will cost more.  Please note if you haven't already sent it your request there will be an additional charge of $180.  Please be sure you are using the current insurance form which lists the correct amount.    (posted 5/4/09)

Grant Results -   Each county chapter of the Ohio Horseman's Council had an opportunity to apply for a grant from the State organization.  One chapter per region was selected. Maximum award will be determined by the number of projects submitted.  Total of all awards will not exceed $2,500.    Projects must provide a service to the equine community.  Congratulations to our Grantees -

SE - Perry County, SW - Warren County, Central - Licking County, NE - Carroll County, NW - Fulton County

Equine Affaire® 2010, Columbus, OH, April 8-11, 2010 - The 2010 Ohio Horseman’s Council Booth will feature The Youth in OHC and OHC as an All Discipline Organization.  Please take the time this summer to capture on film both kids and grownups doing as many varied and favorite horse activities as possible.  We’ll be asking for those good quality photos and video clips this fall for the OHC Booth at Equine Affaire. Join the OHC Booth Planning Committee for 2010.  Info:  Linda Weese, (440) 234-9668, Lsweese@aol.com

Equine Affaire® 2009 Thank You and Pictures

OHC Youth Program -  Attention OHC youth members (age 12-high school).  OHC is announcing a new program specifically for YOU.  The program has been established to recognize the achievements of OHC youth members in horsemanship, leadership, community service and for participation in activities which benefit OHC and the equine industry as a whole.  Points can be accumulated for doing things that you already do and the top award is $500.  Go to Youth Program  to learn more.  (posted 4.6.09)

Recreational Trails Program in Jeopardy - The Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is in danger of not being re-authorized.  Since its inception the RTP has provided approximately $730 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians.  If Congress does not re-authorize this program this year, the RTP could no longer be available to recreations riders.  It is vitally important that the recreational riding community let Congress know how important that the RTP is to all recreational riders around the country    ....more   (posted 5/6/09)

Caution! - The American Horse Heritage Fund is campaigning among horse owners to raise funds to protect horses from 'unconscionable...senseless abuse'.  This fund is an arm of the Humane Society of the United States, a radical animal right group that does not necessarily have horse owners best interests are heart.  Please do your homework and research what these organizations really stand for and base your decision on facts and not an emotional response.  (alert provided 3/26/09 by the OHC legislative committee)

Support Animal Agriculture - If you support Animal Agriculture and the Private Property Rights of Livestock Owners and American Consumers you can show your support by signing a petition at http://www.rallycongress.com/support-animal-agriculture--oppose-criminalizing-h/     (posted 4/13/09)

ODNR news  -  (updated 3/26/09)

Dameyon Shipley, Recreation Services Administrator for ODNR,  has indicated that additional opportunities for motorized trail users will not create a conflict with horsemen. He indicated that ODNR holds its relationship with OHC in high regard.  Chief West recognizes  the amount of volunteer labor and dollars that OHC has devoted to developing and maintaining trails in Ohio and therefore has approved dedicating Recreational Trails grant program funds for the improvement and development of trails on ODNR property   .....more

Coalition for Recreational Trails  (CRT) - This group of national and regional trail-related organizations is seeking nominations for its 2009 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP).  These awards are intended to highlight the positive impact of the Federal Highway Administrations Recreational Trails Program.  The nominated projects must have been undertaken with at least some RTP funds.  The awards will be presented in Washington D.C. during Great Outdoors Week 2009 (June 8-13).  The American Horse Council (AHC) would like a good showing for projects involving equestrian use. For additional info contact Ben Pendergrass (202) 296-4031 or email  Nominations due by April 17th.  Request for nominations,   Nomination Form

2009 State Ride Schedule - Get all the dates and info on this flyer!

H.R.503 Prevention of Cruelty Act of 2009 - Editorial by Reuss Griffiths  posted 3/16/09

Proposed Changes to NAIS - The USDA has proposed changes to current regulations governing Animal Identification Systems (AIS).  The public comment period ends March 16.  The proposed changes primarily relate to format and information that must be presented.  Follow the link to read the proposal published in the Federal Register and give your opinion.  Proposal   (posted 3.3.09)

Wild Horse and Burros Bill Introduced - H.R.1018 would amend the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to improve the management and long-term health of wild free-roaming horses and burros. More  (posted 3.13.09)

Contagious Equine Metritis  (update) - A full scale epidemiological investigation has been on-going since December, 2008 when this disease was discovered in Kentucky.  The investigation has revealed that 614 horses have been exposed in 45 states. Because of this outbreak, Canada has imposed additional restrictions on horse imports from the U.S.   more....   (updated 3.13.09)

Equine Piroplasmosis Eradicated from Florida - All 25 quarantined premises have been released. The United States had been free of this disease since 1980's until this outbreak was discovered in Florida in August, 2008.  Canada has released additional restrictions related to EP for horses from Florida.  more ...  (posted 3.13.09)

Ohio Equine Industry Coalition (OEIC)- Since the Ohio Horseman's Council is a member of the OEIC all of our members are members of OEIC as well.  The coalition is in the process of creating a database so it will be able to respond quickly to any potential threats or benefits to our industry.  OEIC is developing a membership list and is asking you print out and complete the following form.  Form (pdf)

2009 Dues - Please remember that the previously voted on dues increase will become effective in 2009, therefore effective October 1st, any new memberships or renewals processed should be at the new rate.  The new membership form is now available on the Forms & Info page.

(Note: - Seniors who are families should join as a family - not as senior individuals)

 Purchasing Package - An exciting benefit for Ohio Horseman’s Council members.  This members-only package allows you, our members, to purchase goods and services from major manufacturers and dealers at a great discount.  For details click here.

 FMI:   Contact Rick Patterson, OHC State President