2002 Western States Horse Summit A Success

By Bonnie Davis

The 2002 Western States Horse Summit expanded to a two-day agenda for its second annual meeting and attending horsemen from the western states once again demonstrated they are eager to learn how to save their trails! Addressing political and environmental issues pertaining to equestrian trail users, speakers provided information on how to address the various issues plus each attendee took home a Summit binder with individual speakers' presentations.

The May 29th agenda was kicked off by Ken McKowen, Statewide Trails Manager for California State Parks. Ken was followed by Cheri Rhorer, Weed Coordinator for US Forest Service Region 5, who updated horsemen on the weed free feed regulations coming into affect for California in 2003. Bonnie Davis presented the "Horseman's Economic Value" with DVM Michele Jay, Acting Chief, California Veterinary Public Health Section, discussing the latest facts on the "West Nile Virus".

After a get together and hors d'oeuvre, the evening session began with Lobbyist Robert Fox. Fox presented various bills winding their way through State government such as ACR175, Day of the Horse, and the hot SB 1851 which would amend Section 596.7 of the Penal Code relating to rodeos. Fox stressed the need for the California rodeo community to contact Senators to express their opposition to the Bill. "No one will be hurt more than rodeo committees," Fox stated.

The evening session concluded with a "Zoning & Limited Equine Liability Law Update" from Assistant Professor of Law, University of La Verne College of Law, Sandra Tozzini and "HIPPA: Insurance Coverage for Horseowners" by Katherine Bloomquist, Law Offices of Fafinski, Mark & Johnson.

The Thursday, May 30th session began with a lite breakfast and Professor of Forest Wildlife Ecology Extension Trails Specialist Gene Wood from Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina presenting "Equestrians as Conservationists". Michael Murphy from Santa Rosa Junior College, Horse Ranch Management Sonoma State University spoke on "Clean Water" and its effects on the equestrian community.

After lunch, Jan Hancock, Equestrian Representative on the American Trails National Board of Directors spoke on "Developing a Multi-Jurisdictional/Regional Equestrian Trail System". "RS 2477" Roundtable moderated by Kathleen Hayden explained how EVERY state can save their trails through the use of RS 2477 and Connie Berto, Enviro Horse, presented "Environmental Aspects of Horses on Trails".

Plans for Summit 2003 are already underway and Rita Schlim, Western States Horse Summit Coordinator, stated "we're going to continue planning the Summits to address those environmental and political topics facing horsemen and horsekeeping. There are so many trails and staging areas being closed to horse use each year and horsekeeping zoned out that we're committed to the Summit providing educational and informational speakers to inform us equestrians how to turn that tide around. If we don't become involved, more involved, with our trails and zoning, there's no one to blame but ourselves when trails are closed and horses zoned out.

"We've already started out planning for next year. We'll have different topics presented, maybe revisit and update a couple previous issues and there will be some changes in the overall Summit. But, it's exciting just thinking about who the speakers and topics will be for the 2003 Western States Horse Summit!", Schlim concluded.