edward
09-04-2008, 12:24 PM
What Has The Arizona State Horsemen’s Association Accomplished For You And Me? & The 2008 Elections
Politicians, businesses, organizations and individuals frequently talk the talk but the real test of performance is can they walk the talk. In other words, have they achieved results?
This is the question is best asked and answered before joining a new organization or club. Otherwise, why bother wasting your time and money? The issue here is simply does the Arizona State Horsemen’s Assn measure up? Is it the type of organization worthy of your dues and time?
Here are the details for the first seven months of 2008. You be the Judge.
From January 1 to July 31, one or more board members represented the interests of AZ horse owners at:
31 separate meetings. These meetings took place in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Florence, Benson and everywhere in between. They covered a broad range of issues including: Comprehensive Planning workshops in Pinal County, Dust meetings in Maricopa County, Trails meetings, Planning and Zoning Issues, Property Rights Issues, Coordination with other non-equine groups and more.
2 National/International Conferences. We sent directors to the American Horse Council’s 4 day Annual Meeting as Arizona’s representative for the Horse industry. Board members also represented our state at The 1st Annual International Equine Summit in Lexington Kentucky in April. (Details in past articles)
4 Advisory Board Meetings. Our Board members also are members of several advisory boards. Year to date through July, we have met and advised: Scottsdale Comm. College Equine Sciences Advisory Committee, AZ Agribusiness Equine Ctr (Equine High School in Paradise Valley) and the AZ Dept of Agriculture.
2 Shows. Our board and volunteers spent a total of 11 days at The Arab Show and The National Day of the Cowboy to publicize the issues we face daily.
7 Black Stallion Events. This program began as a reading program for inner city/under privileged kids. It has been expanded to include all school children and helps us to introduce horses to future generations in a favorable light.
Miscellaneous. Other activities were necessary for us to support our pro-active approach. Some of those included: 7 board meetings, we wrote 9 articles for this and other publications, spent 2 days in Large Animal Rescue Training, interviewed politicians (more on this below), had a conference with an attorney to discuss the cons***utionality of the Dust Bill, participated in a Trail study and spent numerous hours on the phone.
What has all this activity accomplished? Long term, we are building a reputation and establishing the Horse Industry as a concerned power that must be heard. In the short term, we have established several important new relationships with individuals and politicians that should serve us well. We also won a few battles. We succeeded in affecting many modifications in zoning ordinances in Pinal Co, the City of Apache Jct and more. Multiple trail and transportation issues we supported were resolved with either less or no negative impact to horses. An important indirect benefit of all of our activity was that we learned more about “the system” and how to work through it.
In the next couple of months you will be hearing more about our next major project: “The First Annual AZ Equine Summit”.
To continue this work we need even more support than in the past. We must have your time, talent and financial support to complete the process of establishing the power of the AZ Horse World. Join us now. Applications are on line at www.azasha.com or call 602-390-6806 and we will mail one to you.
Part II: The 2008 Elections
It is important that each of us understand that decisions made at the city, county, state and national levels impact our rights to own horses, operate a business, participate in shows, ride on trails and every other aspect of our world. This election year is an opportunity for us to get a better understanding of our candidate’s knowledge and position on those issues that impact us now and into the future.
We have a powerful voice. But it is only effective if we use it. Speak out, get involved. It is your responsibility (and mine) to be engaged in this process.
Why should politicians care what we think and how we vote?
The AZ Horse Industry is a 1.6 Billion-Dollar Industry in this state. It’s a 102 Billion Dollars Countrywide.
There are more than 60,000 horse owners statewide and 4.6 million in the U.S. Elections are frequently won or lost on very small margins.
Horse owners pay 1.9 Billion in taxes every year (countrywide)
75% of horse owners are between 30 and 60 and are likely to vote.
There are in excess of 177,000 horses in Arizona
The Horse Industry provides job opportunities for thousands in Arizona: Breeders, Trainers, Jockeys, Grooms and caretakers on ranches, farms, training facilities, boarding stables, racetracks and show facilities, Equine Vets and their ee’s, Farriers, Natural Hoof Care Spe******ts, Equine Nutritionists, Alternative Care Spe******ts, Managers at ranches, breeding facilities, farms, Tack and Feed Store employees, Equine Product Company employees i.e. Farnam in Phoenix, Equine Insurance Agents, Mounted Police Officers, Hay Growers, Saddle makers, Photographers, Journalists, and announcers at events, Horse Truck and Trailer Dealer employees, Auction employees, Horse Transportation, Horse Health Research, Employees at Therapeutic Riding Programs, Feed Companies i.e. Lakin Milling, Horse Sitters, Horse Bedding Dealers, Welding and Repair Services, Barn Construction, Truck and Trailer services, Misting & Fly Systems, Equine Magazines and Newspapers.
Riding for showing or recreation promotes a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation of the outdoors. In this day and age there is an increasing concern for the health of our youth due to TV, the Internet and video games. We can point out that ours is a healthy lifestyle.
Breeding, training, and activity promotes the use and preservation of land and open space. It serves as a Green buffer to urban sprawl.
What do you say to a political candidate?
The AZ State Horsemen’s Assn. has put together the following guide for your use in conversations wit your candidates. If you would like more information, call us at the number listed above.
1) Describe your thoughts on how existing horse property owners can successfully co-exist with urbanites moving into the area.
2) What knowledge or experience do you have regarding land usage, individual private property rights, Planning and Zoning Regulations and Enforcement based on only one complaint
3) What is your background/experience with livestock, including horses?
4) What is your feeling concerning the preservation, use and access of Open Space for Non-motorized Multi-Use Trails.
5) Are you familiar with the Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in your political jurisdiction?
6) What is your position regarding the current State Trust Land Initiative, Prop 103, "Our Land, Our Water".
7) Would you be interested having an equestrian advisory committee to assist you?
Ed O’Brien
VP AZ State Horsemen’s Assn
Publisher All About Horses.com
Politicians, businesses, organizations and individuals frequently talk the talk but the real test of performance is can they walk the talk. In other words, have they achieved results?
This is the question is best asked and answered before joining a new organization or club. Otherwise, why bother wasting your time and money? The issue here is simply does the Arizona State Horsemen’s Assn measure up? Is it the type of organization worthy of your dues and time?
Here are the details for the first seven months of 2008. You be the Judge.
From January 1 to July 31, one or more board members represented the interests of AZ horse owners at:
31 separate meetings. These meetings took place in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Florence, Benson and everywhere in between. They covered a broad range of issues including: Comprehensive Planning workshops in Pinal County, Dust meetings in Maricopa County, Trails meetings, Planning and Zoning Issues, Property Rights Issues, Coordination with other non-equine groups and more.
2 National/International Conferences. We sent directors to the American Horse Council’s 4 day Annual Meeting as Arizona’s representative for the Horse industry. Board members also represented our state at The 1st Annual International Equine Summit in Lexington Kentucky in April. (Details in past articles)
4 Advisory Board Meetings. Our Board members also are members of several advisory boards. Year to date through July, we have met and advised: Scottsdale Comm. College Equine Sciences Advisory Committee, AZ Agribusiness Equine Ctr (Equine High School in Paradise Valley) and the AZ Dept of Agriculture.
2 Shows. Our board and volunteers spent a total of 11 days at The Arab Show and The National Day of the Cowboy to publicize the issues we face daily.
7 Black Stallion Events. This program began as a reading program for inner city/under privileged kids. It has been expanded to include all school children and helps us to introduce horses to future generations in a favorable light.
Miscellaneous. Other activities were necessary for us to support our pro-active approach. Some of those included: 7 board meetings, we wrote 9 articles for this and other publications, spent 2 days in Large Animal Rescue Training, interviewed politicians (more on this below), had a conference with an attorney to discuss the cons***utionality of the Dust Bill, participated in a Trail study and spent numerous hours on the phone.
What has all this activity accomplished? Long term, we are building a reputation and establishing the Horse Industry as a concerned power that must be heard. In the short term, we have established several important new relationships with individuals and politicians that should serve us well. We also won a few battles. We succeeded in affecting many modifications in zoning ordinances in Pinal Co, the City of Apache Jct and more. Multiple trail and transportation issues we supported were resolved with either less or no negative impact to horses. An important indirect benefit of all of our activity was that we learned more about “the system” and how to work through it.
In the next couple of months you will be hearing more about our next major project: “The First Annual AZ Equine Summit”.
To continue this work we need even more support than in the past. We must have your time, talent and financial support to complete the process of establishing the power of the AZ Horse World. Join us now. Applications are on line at www.azasha.com or call 602-390-6806 and we will mail one to you.
Part II: The 2008 Elections
It is important that each of us understand that decisions made at the city, county, state and national levels impact our rights to own horses, operate a business, participate in shows, ride on trails and every other aspect of our world. This election year is an opportunity for us to get a better understanding of our candidate’s knowledge and position on those issues that impact us now and into the future.
We have a powerful voice. But it is only effective if we use it. Speak out, get involved. It is your responsibility (and mine) to be engaged in this process.
Why should politicians care what we think and how we vote?
The AZ Horse Industry is a 1.6 Billion-Dollar Industry in this state. It’s a 102 Billion Dollars Countrywide.
There are more than 60,000 horse owners statewide and 4.6 million in the U.S. Elections are frequently won or lost on very small margins.
Horse owners pay 1.9 Billion in taxes every year (countrywide)
75% of horse owners are between 30 and 60 and are likely to vote.
There are in excess of 177,000 horses in Arizona
The Horse Industry provides job opportunities for thousands in Arizona: Breeders, Trainers, Jockeys, Grooms and caretakers on ranches, farms, training facilities, boarding stables, racetracks and show facilities, Equine Vets and their ee’s, Farriers, Natural Hoof Care Spe******ts, Equine Nutritionists, Alternative Care Spe******ts, Managers at ranches, breeding facilities, farms, Tack and Feed Store employees, Equine Product Company employees i.e. Farnam in Phoenix, Equine Insurance Agents, Mounted Police Officers, Hay Growers, Saddle makers, Photographers, Journalists, and announcers at events, Horse Truck and Trailer Dealer employees, Auction employees, Horse Transportation, Horse Health Research, Employees at Therapeutic Riding Programs, Feed Companies i.e. Lakin Milling, Horse Sitters, Horse Bedding Dealers, Welding and Repair Services, Barn Construction, Truck and Trailer services, Misting & Fly Systems, Equine Magazines and Newspapers.
Riding for showing or recreation promotes a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation of the outdoors. In this day and age there is an increasing concern for the health of our youth due to TV, the Internet and video games. We can point out that ours is a healthy lifestyle.
Breeding, training, and activity promotes the use and preservation of land and open space. It serves as a Green buffer to urban sprawl.
What do you say to a political candidate?
The AZ State Horsemen’s Assn. has put together the following guide for your use in conversations wit your candidates. If you would like more information, call us at the number listed above.
1) Describe your thoughts on how existing horse property owners can successfully co-exist with urbanites moving into the area.
2) What knowledge or experience do you have regarding land usage, individual private property rights, Planning and Zoning Regulations and Enforcement based on only one complaint
3) What is your background/experience with livestock, including horses?
4) What is your feeling concerning the preservation, use and access of Open Space for Non-motorized Multi-Use Trails.
5) Are you familiar with the Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in your political jurisdiction?
6) What is your position regarding the current State Trust Land Initiative, Prop 103, "Our Land, Our Water".
7) Would you be interested having an equestrian advisory committee to assist you?
Ed O’Brien
VP AZ State Horsemen’s Assn
Publisher All About Horses.com