2002 Western States Horse Summit Speakers Announced

By Bonnie Davis

Expanding to a two-day agenda to cover both political and environmental issues, Rita Schlim, Western States Horse Summit Coordinator, announced a "line up of speakers we're really proud of who will address issues affecting all of our trails and horses in the ten western states. Our first Summit last year was a huge success and drew over 125 participants from California, Oregon, New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, Montana and other western states. But people felt they needed more time to really discuss the issues not only at the Summit but afterwards. For Summit 2002 we added an extra day and anticipate more equestrians, organizations, clubs and horse councils to attend the May 29th and May 30th Summit."

Summit 2002 will begin on Wednesday, May 29th at noon with an opening "Welcome" speech from Ken McKowen, California Statewide Trails Manager, California Department of Parks and Recreation. Following McKowen will be US Forest Service, Region 5 Weed Coordinator Cheri Rohrer who will "Update: Weed Free Feed" issues. Bonnie Davis, Free Lance Writer, will present "Figuring the Horsemen's Economic Value"

Michele Jay, Acting Chief, Veterinary Public Health Section of the California Department of Health Services will inform horseowners about the concerns of "West Nile Virus", its movement west and what horseowners can do to protect horses from the virus. Following Jay, hors d'oeuvre and an Informal Get Together will precede Sandra Tozzini, Assistant Professor of Law at University of La Verne College of Law, Ontario, California and her presentation "Zoning and Limited Equine Liability Law Update". Final Wednesday night speaker will be Katherine Bloomquist, Law Offices of Fafinski, Mark & Johnson, PA, Eden Prairie, Minnesota addressing "HIPAA: Insurance Coverage for Horseowners".

Thursday, May 30th Summit 2002 begins at 7 am with registration and 'lite' breakfast. Travelling from Clemson University, Gene W. Woods, Professor of Forest Wildlife Ecology, Extension Trails Specialist will present "Equestrians as Conservationists". Following will be Michael Murphy, Santa Rosa Junior College, Horse Ranch Management speaking on "Clean Water".

"Developing a Multi-Jurisdicational/Regional Equestrian Trail System" will be presented by return speaker Arizona horsewoman Jan Hancock, American Trails National Board of Directors Equestrian Representative. The final Thursday presentation, "RS 2477", will be a round table discusssion moderated by Kathleen Hayden, member of the Backcountry Horsemen of California, who has researched and is educating the horse community on how this little known law can save trails!

Early Bird registration for both days, May 29 and 30, is $75 and includes hors d'oeuvre Wednesday night, 'lite' breakfast and box lunch on Thursday plus Summit binder, handouts, FREE one-day pass to Horse Expo. (Early Bird registrations MUST be postmarked by May20th.)

Two-Day Registration at the door on May 29th is $100 and includes hors d'oeuvre, 'lite' breakfast, Summit binder, handouts (no box lunch).

A special $60 One-Day Registration is also available for either day and can be made at the door.

Summit 2002 will be held in the Cal Center, Cal Expo, Sacramento, California. (Cal Expo parking is $6/day.) Host hotels are The Hilton (800) 344-4321 or Marriott Residence Inn, Sacramento-Cal Expo, (916) 920-9111 and Best Western on Howe Avenue, (916) 922-9833. RV parking is available just outside the Cal Expo Grounds and can be arranged by calling (916) 263-3187.

For reservation forms or more information, contact Rita Schlim, WSHS Coordinator, (510) 657-5827 or e-mail rschlim@sbcglobal.net or rschlim@juno.com. Or check website www.horsexpo.com and click on Horse Summit.