Michigan Horsemen P.L.U
THE RIGHT TO RIDE
Equestrian Articles:
New Congress, Same Issues for Equine Industry
January 15 2009
The 111th Congress has convened and the Democrats have picked up seats in both the House and Senate. The country also has a new President, Barack Obama, who will take office Jan. 20, 2009. Many are wondering what these changes will mean for the horse industry.
"For the most part, issues affecting the horse industry are not partisan," noted American Horse Council (AHC) president Jay Hickey. "Like most industries, our legislative concerns don't clearly split along party lines. Democrats may approach issues from a different perspective than Republicans, and vice-versa, but the industry works on a bi-partisan basis with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle."
Nonetheless, since the Democrats now hold larger majorities in both houses, there could be less partisan "gridlock" that has prevented Congress from acting on legislation in the past. But the margins are not so great that the Democrats can simply push through whatever they want. They will still need some Republican support, particularly in the Senate, to pass legislation.
Tax issues and the state of the economy will have a starring role in the coming months. The inclusion of the Equine Equity Act in the farm bill that was passed in the last Congress was a victory for the horse industry. Beginning in 2009, all racehorses will be depreciated over three years, regardless of when they are placed in service.
But the second part of the Equine Equity Act, which would reduce the holding period for horses to one year from two for capital gains purposes, was not passed. This issue will once again be pushed by the horse industry, along with the Pari-Mutuel Conformity and Equality Act, which would repeal the 25% withholding tax on winning wagers of more than $5,000 when the odds are at least 300-to-one.
The increase of the Section 179 expense deduction to $250,000, and the reinstatement of bonus depreciation, were included in last year's tax stimulus bill. Both expired at the end of 2008, but the American Horse Council thinks it is likely that Congress will extend both provisions in this year's stimulus bill. As Congress considers these bills, the AHC says it will be important to remind Congress of the $102 billion impact of the horse industry and the 1.4 million jobs the industry supports.
In the "old" issues category, the last Congress tried to enact comprehensive immigration reform several times, but failed.
The horse industry relies heavily on foreign labor. Some of this labor is provided by the H-2A agricultural and H-2B non-agricultural temporary worker programs, which are costly and inefficient, according to the AHC. In addition, the H-2B program is capped by Congress at 66,000 workers a year, making competition for these workers from all industries intense.
The AHC supports a comprehensive approach to our immigration problems that would address a better guest worker program and a way to handle undocumented workers in the United States. The last Congress considered the AgJobs bill, which dealt specifically with undocumented agricultural workers and would have reformed the H-2A program. In addition, the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act would have provided some cap relief to H-2B users. Both of these bills will be debated again.
"The agricultural industry laid a good foundation for reform with the AgJobs bill, and that will be pushed again in this Congress," said Hickey. "Senator Obama and Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA), who has been nominated to be Secretary of Labor, supported AgJobs, so there is reason to hope for action in this Congress."
Internet gambling will continue to be a topic in Congress. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), passed in 2006, contains provisions protecting racing's activities allowed under the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA). However, rules adopted by the Bush Administration in November could prove troublesome to the industry. It is likely there will be efforts to modify the restrictions on Internet gambling during this Congress in order to regulate, license, and tax it. The horse industry will need to watch any such efforts closely to ensure that any legislation does not adversely impact the current interstate wagering allowed on pari-mutuel horse racing under the IHA.
In the last Congress, several bills were introduced to prohibit the shipping, transporting, or sale of horses for slaughter for human consumption, including the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act. It is likely the same bills will be reintroduced. The election of Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, replacing Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), could impact the passage of the slaughter prohibition bill. Congressman Waxman cosponsored the legislation in the last Congress, while Dingell did not.
Legislation was introduced in the last Congress to ensure equestrians are not unfairly excluded or removed from federal public lands to which they have traditionally had access, including the Right to Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act and the Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act. The American Horse Council will be working to make sure similar legislation is reintroduced. But the group says it will need substantial support from horse owners and recreational riders to have any chance of passing this legislation.
Other bills that could impact the horse industry are likely to come up, including the Travel Promotion Act, which could positively impact equine tourism.
No matter what legislation is introduced in the coming months, it will be important for the new Congress to hear from members of the horse industry. This is why the AHC, in cooperation with its member organizations, has launched a new grassroots initiative called the Congressional Cavalry program. All individual horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, or anyone who desire to join the grassroots efforts of the horse community in Washington, are encouraged to join. Through this free program the AHC will let you know when legislation that affects the horse industry is introduced and when and how to contact your members of Congress. To sign up for this program call the AHC at 202/296-4031.
-----
$7 million for traverse city
Horse Shows by the Bay’s Dean and Alexandra Rheinheimer receive 2007 Community Champions Award from the Traverse City Visitor and Convention Bureau
Written by: Phelps Media Group, Inc.
Client: Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc.Release
Date: 2007-12-05 - Traverse City, MI – December 5, 2007
Horses Count in Michigan
Results of the Michigan Equine Survey prove it —
Horses count in Michigan!
The 2007 Michigan Equine Survey has been completed, and results show that equine animals — horses, ponies, donkeys and mules — are on the increase. And their impact on Michigan’s economy is significant.
Learn about the first Michigan Equine Survey completed since 1996.
How many equines are in Michigan? Where they are located? What are the most popular breeds? How many Michiganians work with horses, ponies, donkeys or mules? How valuable are equine assets in the state? See the Survey Results for answers to these questions and more.
If you’re an equine enthusiast, you don’t have to tell us your horse counts! Show us — and the world — by sharing a photo to be posted at Your Horse Counts! Participate in the Question of the Month to help this site provide valuable information to equine enthusiasts.
Keep checking this site as it is updated with Hot Topics, resources for equine enthusiasts, would-be owners, businesses that serve the equine industry and decision makers at the local and state levels.To all of us, horses count in Michigan!
NEW! For a list of tack sales to be held in Michigan, see Tack Sales under the menu, Info for Equine Enthusiasts.
_____
According to the 2007 Michigan Equine Survey, Michigan is home to approximately 155,000 horse, ponies, donkeys and mules. This represents a 16% increase from the last Equine survey, conducted in the nineties. These animals are found in every county, with the largest numbers found in highly populated areas. For more information on Michigan equine numbers please see www.horsescountinmichigan.com).
With the economic pressures under which people are finding themselves, however, there has been an increase in unwanted or abandoned equine nationwide. In an effort to get more information regarding "the Unwanted Horse Issue", which includes all equine, we ask that you share the following survey with your equine constituents. This survey is being conducted by the Unwanted Horse Coalition, in an effort to collect information about both causes and possible solutions to the issue.
The link to the survey is: http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.
Thank you so much for your assistance in getting others to respond to this important survey. The more information, the better the data. Which in turn allows us to create the best solutions to address this critical animal welfare issue.
Ann Nieuwenhuis, MSU Extension
Emergency Planning Specialist
cell (269) 567-0983
email nieuwen1@msu.edu
5833 East HJ Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Bill to Preserve Equestrian Access to Public Land Introduced in Senate
November 07 2007
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced Nov. 1 the Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act (S. 2238). This bill is similar to the so-called "Right-to-Ride" bill that Crapo introduced in the last Congress.
"Senator Crapo has been a champion of preserving riders' access to public lands," said American Horse Council (AHC) President Jay Hickey. "He has retooled the bill he introduced in the last Congress and we appreciate his steadfastness in introducing the legislation again. Equestrians are going to have to let Congress know that they are concerned about access to trails and public lands and that they support this bill if we hope to get it passed."
The bill directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to manage the federal lands under their jurisdiction "in a manner that preserves and facilitates the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals" on lands on which "there is a historical tradition" of use. The bill provides that such lands "shall remain open and accessible to the use of pack and saddle stock animals" where there is such a tradition. The bill applies to the management of the National Park System, BLM lands, National Wildlife Refuge System land, and National Forest System land.
The bill does not limit the federal agencies' ultimate authority to restrict such use, provided the agencies perform the review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The bill would also impose additional specific and designated procedures to be followed by agencies before any land closures. These procedures include advance notice of any proposed reduction in use to allow public comment, convening a public meeting near the area involved, and collaboration with various users during the process.
Those who enjoy riding on public lands have expressed concern about the reduction of trails and public lands available to horses and pack stock.
Click here for more information about the American Horse Council.
Update on Legislation Important to Horse Owners
- November 11 2007
During the Nov. 2 American Horse Council (AHC) Issues Forum held in Lexington, Ky., AHC President Jay Hickey reviewed legislation and regulations pending at the federal level that could affect the horse industry.
Riding on Public Lands
Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act (S. 2238) on Nov. 1. Senator Crapo introduced similar legislation in the last Congress. That legislation was known as the Right to Ride bill.
The new bill "recognizes the importance of saddle and pack stock in the settling, exploration, and recreation of our country by ensuring that the horse's historic and traditional use is recognized as our public lands are managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service," noted a press release from AHC.
Hickey said the bill requires the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to manage the federal lands under their jurisdiction "in a manner that preserves and facilitates the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals" on lands on which "there is a historical tradition" of use. The bill applies to the management of the National Park System, BLM lands, National Wildlife Refuge System land, and National Forest System land.
The AHC statement noted that the bill provides that such lands "shall remain open and accessible to the use of pack and saddle stock animals" where there is a tradition of use, but does not limit the federal agencies' ultimate authority to restrict such use, provided the agencies perform the review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Hickey said the bill would impose specific procedures that agencies must follow before any land is closed to use by horses. These procedures include advance notice of any proposed reduction in use in order to allow public comment, convening a public meeting near the area involved, and collaboration with various users during the process.
The bill directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue a policy within 180 days of enactment that defines the meaning of "historical tradition of the use of pack and saddle stock animals" on federal lands.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Hickey said the AHC supports this legislation and asks all recreational riders to contact their Senators and encourage them to act on it.
|
AHC President James J. Hickey, Jr., spoke on federal changes affecting the horse industry. |
This bill addresses depreciation on horses under federal tax law. According to the AHC, horses "must be held longer than other business assets to be subject to capital gains. Racehorse owners are required to make a decision regarding when to begin depreciating their racehorses that is not based on the expected racing life of the animals."
This bill was re-introduced on May 1 by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jim Bunning (R-KY), and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) as S.1251. This type of legislation has been introduced before.
According to the AHC, this bill will end the "disparate treatment" of horse industry investments versus other businesses under the federal tax code. Specifically the legislation would 1) make horses eligible for capital gains treatment after 12 months, similar to other business assets; and 2) place all racehorses in the three-year category for depreciation purposes.
Private Quarantine
The operation of permanent private quarantine facilities under strict USDA regulation was proposed four years ago, Hickey said. There are only three import facilities in the United States, which all foreign animals, including horses, have to go through for import. The AHC and other groups have been calling for USDA to republish the rule proposal in order to allow the establishment and operation of permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses entering the country permanently.
These facilities would have to be approved by the USDA's Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) and would maintain the same level of biological security standards as current permanent facilities operated by APHIS. Although the facility would be privately owned, at least one APHIS representative would be at the facility to oversee the care of horses during normal working hours.
This will be particularly important when hundreds of horses will be coming from around the world for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
See www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10772 for information on other topics covered at the Forum.
American Horse Council Announces Congressional Cavalry Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2007
Washington, D.C. —The American Horse Council (AHC) and member organizations are initiating “The Congressional Cavalry Program,” a new direct grassroots effort, to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC.
The purpose of the program is to identify at least one member of participating organizations in each Congressional District across America who will agree to contact his/her Representative/Senator or other federal officials when asked.
AHC member organizations represent all segments of the horse industry.
“If we can involve just one member in these organizations in each Congressional district across the country in the grassroots effort,” said AHC President Jay Hickey, “think of the potential effect that could have when contacting Representatives and Senators about issues important to the industry.”
Horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, shows, stables and others who desire to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington are encouraged to join the Congressional Cavalry Program.
“We are hoping to include individuals from as many AHC member organizations as possible to get a cross-section of the horse industry identified in each district to represent themselves, their organization and the horse industry when called upon,” said Hickey.
Member organizations already signed onto the Congressional Cavalry include the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Paint American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the U.S. Trotting Association.
Individuals will be mobilized when there is a need for grassroots lobbying. The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is necessary.
“Other Congressional Cavalry activities may include visits with Members of Congress in Washington or back in their home district and invitations to Members of Congress to visit your facility, event or activity,” according to Hickey.
Please contact the equine association you are a member of or join the American Horse Council to become a part of this exciting initiative.
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org
Congressional Cavalry Program
In an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC, the American Horse Council and the Appaloosa Horse Club have organized a new grassroots effort entitled, “The Congressional Cavalry program.” ApHC members can participate and help to make a difference in federal legislation and regulations that affect the horse industry.
A new Congress will begin in January of 2009. If you care about the national issues that impact you and the horse community, now is the time to get involved.
All ApHC members, including owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, and others who wish to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington are encouraged to join the Congressional Cavalry program. The purpose of the program is to enlist individuals from all segments of the horse industry and in every Congressional district who will agree to contact their Representative/Senator or federal official when asked.
Cavalry members will be mobilized when there is a need for grassroots contacts, such as letters and phone calls. Members of the program will be put on an email or fax list so they can be contacted and activated quickly. The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is necessary. Participants will be free to do as much as they feel comfortable doing.
If you want to sign up or have any additional questions about the Congressional Cavalry program, please contact the American Horse Council at 2o2-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.
American Horse Council Press Release
American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org
AHC’s Congressional Cavalry Program Grows
April 16, 2008, Washington, DC - The Congressional Cavalry, organized by the American Horse Council and some of its member organizations, continues to grow. “The most recent organizations to sign on are the American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and the U.S. Equestrian Federation,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “They join the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the U.S. Trotting Association. We’d like to have many more of our member organizations participating by the end of the year.”
The Congressional Cavalry was formed last year by the AHC in an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry before Congress. All horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, and anyone who desires to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington may join the Congressional Cavalry .
“If we can involve just one person from a few of our member organizations in each Congressional district with an expressed desire to be involved in the grassroots effort, think of the potential effect that could have when contacting Representatives or Senators about issues important to the horse industry,” said Hickey. “That’s a lot of ‘Horse Power’.”
“Just like the real Cavalry, the Congressional Cavalry will be called upon when needed. This will not be a lot of work. Last summer, when the appropriations bill for the Department of Agriculture surfaced with a misguided provision that could have shut down the interstate and international movement of horses, we activated the and other Congressional Cavalry organizations and were able to point out the problems the bill would have caused. We got a great response and the provision was changed before the House voted on it,” said Hickey.
The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is required to take action. Participants will be contacted as necessary and activated quickly. “We hope the Cavalry will eventually provide the base for additional activities like visits with Members of Congress back home; invitations to Members of Congress to visit a facility or event; and regular reports to Congress about activities back in the district that illustrate the importance of the horse industry to the state and local economy, sport and recreational life,” said Hickey.
Anyone who wants to enlist in the Cavalry or has additional questions about the program should contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.
1616 H Street NW 7th floor Washington, DC 20006
The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.