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Ohio Horseman's Council, Inc.

.........Horsemen helping horsemen

July 15 - Deadline for reservations for Gibby Ride contact Jack 440-234-9668 flyer Better call Jack if you haven't made your reservations. The free camping is for OHC members and they will be checking cards!

Polo Anyone? - The Licking County chapter recently tried it - check out the pictures!

Stolen - Two western saddles were taken from a barn in Geauga County on the morning of June 13. Reward offered. For more info go to Net Posse alert.

Legislative News - (updated 6/30/08)

	Horse Transportation Safety Act - introduced in House of Representatives on June 17th by Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL). The bill would prohibit interstate transport of any horse in a vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
	Congress passes Farm Bill and overrides Bush's veto. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (the Farm Bill) contains several provisions that benefit the horse industry including amendment of depreciation schedules for race horses, provisions which provide horse breeders, equine farmers and ranchers with eligibility for federal emergency loans following a disaster, and a new disaster assistance program providing relief funds to farmers and ranchers who suffer losses in areas that are declared a disaster by the USDA more
	Immigration bills added to Fiscal Year 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Bill to be considered by the Senate appropriations committee. more

Unwanted Horse Coalition - (posted 5/28/08)

Unwanted Horse Coalition is trying to identify and compile any programs that organizations in the horse industry have initiated to deal with the rescue, retirement, or retraining of horses. Assistance could range from posting information for adoptable horses, to formal rescue and adoption processes. Info should be forwarded in care of the American Horse Council by June 3 if possible.

Unwanted Horse Coalition Regional Representatives wanted - UHC gets requests from equine groups around the country to speak about unwanted horses, what the UHC is, what is does, etc. However, due to the number of requests and the varied locations, a UHC representative is often not available to attend these meetings and events. Therefore, UHC is trying to set up a volunteer program involving horse owners who could represent the UHC at meetings in their particular region and present UHC information. The coalition would provide training and materials to interested persons, including a PowerPoint presentation. Anyone interested in participating in this program should contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org

Trail Boss job description - In his on-going project towards documenting OHC guidelines for various functions within OHC, Mike Gerard is asking that County Chapters share their thoughts and the approaches that they use within their chapter for the job function of "trail boss". Mike will then (in his spare time) try and put together a template that might be used by the chapters. The intent is not to dictate how this job function is to handled at the chapter level - but to put together a set of guidelines that might be beneficial to refer to. Please forward you thoughts to Mike mgerard@bright.net (posted 5/28/08)

THANK-YOU - That's a "big" thank-you to ALL the OHC volunteers that worked at the All American Youth Show - both at the show and behind the scenes. The volunteers worked countless hours to help keep this show running smoothly and their efforts are deeply appreciated by the staff of the All American Youth Show. Thanks to the volunteers for "giving of themselves" and getting the job done.

from Rick Patterson, state president, and Terry Crampton, committee chair

Purina Feed Recall - Ohio is not involved - read more

Mind your manners - Your trail manners that is.... Now that we're all thinking about getting back in the saddle, it's time to remember a few common sense rules.

Stay on the designated trails - We've already had reports that riders are making new 'short-cuts' and going off trail. This creates problems for everyone and puts us and the land managers in a bad position. Going off trail causes erosion problems and could force land managers to close trails that we have fought so hard to keep open and negatively impacts our ability to open new trails.
Stay out of the mud - Evaluate trail conditions before riding, if conditions are such that you are going to damage the trails by riding them - then wait. It might be an inconvenience not to be able to ride when you want to now - but it will ultimately save us work later - and help keep the trails open. Remember that there is a lot of volunteer labor which goes to maintaining the trail systems in Ohio - and there is only so much time/money to go around. If there are not enough resources to maintain them properly then they will be in danger of being closed. Don't create tomorrow's problem by riding when you shouldn't today.
Control your pets - Dogs must be on a leash in state parks. Pets should be under control at all times.
Be considerate of other trail riders -All trail riders are not created equal. Some riders have more experience/skill than others. Do not put other riders at risk by assuming that they can control a situation that you create. Make sure that all riders in the group are mounted up before leaving. When meeting on a trail - stay to the right. Proceed single file on crowded trails. Avoid cantering on busy trails. Do not lope past other riders.
Be considerate of other trail users - Horses should have the right of way when meeting hikers or bicyclists on the trail, however you may meet someone who is not aware of the rules of etiquette or the nature of horses. Ask other trail users to make their presence known to the horse by talking (letting the horse know that they are indeed "human"). All people in the party should step off to the same side of the trail to give the horse room to pass. Make sure that the horse has seen the other users. Proper trail etiquette is based on common sense and safety for all concerned. Sometimes it may be safer for the horse to yield rather than the other way around. Be cordial, use your best judgement, and communicate with those involved.
Respect the environment - Pack out what you pack in and pick up after yourself on the trail and at the trail-head. Leave the natural environment natural for the next group to enjoy. (posted 4/29/08)

Ohio Trails Partnership completes another successful annual work weekend establishing new trails at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. This multi-phase project will ultimately include a new horseman's camp at Pleasant Hill Lake and will create a 70-mile loop of trails connecting the trails at Mohican State Forest, Pleasant Hill Lake and Malabar Farm. more (posted 4/17/08)

Congratulations to Morgan County, Washington County and Patricia Matthews!

Morgan County -

highest percentage of

reported miles - 100%

Patrica Matthews

Trail Riders Hall of Fame

25000 lifetime miles

Washington County -

most miles ridden -

52000 miles

Attention All Counties - if you have not sent your 2008 officer information in - PLEASE do so now. It should go to: Kristin Green, 2705 West Pekin Rd., Springboro, Ohio 45066, 937-743-5530, email

Check out the New Additions! 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.

2008 State Ride Schedule - Get all the dates and info on this flyer!

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OSU Equine Newsletter - Check out this months informative article on equine first aid kits. Go to Links (updated 5/8/08)

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FMI: Contact Rick Patterson, OHC State President

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Last updated :07/13/2008