|
Purpose The purpose of the New Jersey Horse Council is to disseminate information about horses and horse farms to the general public and to continue the education of horse owners about the care of horses and their environment. Further, it is to promote the interests of the entire horse industry in New Jersey through public information and the development of a close working relationship among individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of the horse industry to the economic and social well-being of the State of New Jersey. Who We Are & What We Do The Horse Council was formed as a private association in 1970, incorporated as a non-profit corporation in December 1974, and became federal tax exempt in 1983. It is not connected with the state government in any way, and acts completely independently in serving the interests of the industry by helping municipal governments in zoning through technical and political assistance when horse problems arise. It has the ability to lobby whenever it feels it necessary. An example was its activity in the naming of the horse as the state animal. Membership is composed of concerned individuals as well as horse associations. Horse groups and clubs appoint delegates to represent their many members. The Council represents professional horseman, horse breeders, horse shows, veterinarians, farriers, stables, breed associations, trail clubs, feed and grain dealers and supply companies of all types, and many more related and interested people. All of these contribute a great deal financially to the economy of the state. The horse industry is one of the larger agricultural commodities in New Jersey and brings several billions of dollars annually to the state. The Horse Council works closely with, but independently of, the Equine Advisory Board of the NJ Department of Agriculture, as they have many interests in common. A number of the delegates serve both organizations at varying times. The Horse Council is a member of the American Horse Council, and as such receives their mailings, and is supportive of their activities. All legislation, national and state, affecting the horse and the equine industry is reviewed, and positions are taken pro or con. The New Jersey Horse Council is a charter member of the American Horse Council State Horse Council Advisory Committee, and regularly attends meetings. Zoning problems and trail preservation issues have been a special concern to the Horse Council, and it has been actively engaged in this field over the years through the expertise of committees consisting of knowledgeable members. In 1978, the first all day convention was held. Since then, a seminar is held yearly in February or March in conjunction with Cook College, Rutgers University. Eminent speakers in equine related fields cover a wide range of topics of interest to horse people of all ages. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of alternate months, starting in February of each year and are open to all members and interested persons. Please call the NJ Horse Council for more information on exact dates and times of meetings, or directions to the meetings. Publications Several pamphlets have been published by the Council and are available to all. 1. “Guidelines of Horse Keeping”. Written initially several years ago and regularly revised. These are suggested guidelines for horse care. 2. “Good Neighbor Horse Keeping”. Published in 1981 and will be up-dated as needed. 3. “Some Do’s and Don’ts of Trail Riding”. Prepared by the New Jersey Horse Council and includes Horse Health Tips. 4. “New Jersey Equine Riding Trail Guide”. Was revised in 1986, and contains information on trails in state and county parks. A new revision is in progress now. Membership Membership is composed of three (3) types: 1. Organizational-Membership shall be given to organizations interested in the work of the Horse Council. Each member organization shall appoint one delegate who may cast two votes for their organization. An alternate delegate shall be appoints who may participate in discussions of the Council, and who may vote in the absence of the delegate. Delegates and alternate delegates are to be appoints by February of each year. 2. Commercial-Membership shall be given to businesses and industries wishing to support the Horse Council. Commercial members are entitled to one vote at all regular and special meetings. 3. Individual- Regular membership shall be given to individuals who are interested in the work of the Horse Council. A regular member may have one vote. Dues Dues: 1. Organizational Members $100.00 2. Commercial Members $100.00 3. Individual Regular Members $ 25.00 Dues are payable the beginning of each calendar year. |