February KHC Newsletter

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February 2016 Newsletter

February 1, 2016

It's already February which means we're 31 days closer to glorious sunshine and more hospitable temps! Can you tell I'm a warm-weather gal? That's one of many reasons I'm looking forward to EquiFest being held at the Kansas Expocentre. Not only do we have exceptional clinicians, we have tons of indoor space overflowing with vendor booths, swing dance lessons, an equine art exhibit, fashion shows, educational lectures, movies, kids activities and so much more! Please scheudle a stop by the KHC booth located in the Better Horses Radio Ponderosa to pick up one-of-a-kind EquiFest hoodies and t's.

Pattie Stalder
KHC Executive Director

Kansas Horse Council Annual Meeting

January 30th, 2016 at the Capital Plaza Hotel, Topeka

Ninety attendees were present at the 2016 annual meeting. KHC Executive Director, Pattie Stalder, provided a visual review of the many successful accomplishments made by the council in 2015. KHC President Justin Janssen presented Dr. Chris Blevins with the Bud Newell Award for his outstanding service to the equine community. Dr. Blevins practices at KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, served two terms on the KHC Board of Directors and hosts "Horsin' Around",a weekly segment on AG in the AM featuring equine topics.

Elections were then held to fill three board positions. Tom Frey, was re-elected to a second term. Susan Jaax and Al Davis were elected to fill the other vacant positions. Susan and her family live in Wichita. She is a food scientist at Cargill with a long history of participation in the hunter/jumper world and has recently begun working with off the track thoroughbreds. Al is the current president of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program at KSU. He has served as the Operation and Education Manger at the American Royal and was a 4-H Extension agent for 17 years. He and his family live in Manhattan.

We are grateful to these individuals for their willingness to volunteer their time and energy to insure a solid future for the Kansas equine industry.

EquiFest of Kansas - Feb. 26, 27 & 28

EquiFest of Kansas - KS Expocentre, Topeka

The 19th annual EquiFest of Kansas is fast approaching! Not only do we have a new home at the Kansas Expocentre, we also have a brand new website. It's much improved and easier to use.
Also, visit our Facebook page, EquiFest of Kansas or follow us on Twitter - @equifestofks.

There's so much more to experience this year!!!

Visit our NEW EquiFest Website!

Order advance tickets here: Kansas Expocentre (click on "Buy Tickets" at top left.)

KHC Spring Trail Ride

Join us for our spring ride at Kanopolis Lake

When: April 30 - May 1
Where: Kanopolis State Lake, Rockin' K Campground
Cost: $30 / KHC members; $40 / non-members; $15 / kids under 12
No refunds after April 12th.

Click here for ride flyer.

Click here for ride registration form.

Rocky and moderate-to-steep inclines. Horseshoes or boots recommended.
Negative coggins required for out of state horses.

Reserve campsites at:
www.reserveamerica.com

Legislative Update

Efforts to re-open Kansas horse tracks continue in the State House

Kansas State Representatives Introduce a Bill to Return Racing to Kansas, Create 3,000 New Jobs and Lessen the Budget Gap

Topeka, Kan., January 21, 2016: The Greater Kansas Racing Alliance is pleased a bill that will advance the Race for Kansas initiative was introduced today in the Federal and State Affairs committee at the Kansas Statehouse. Race for Kansas will bring back one of Kansas' strongest agricultural industries - horse and Greyhound racing.

The Race for Kansas legislation was introduced by three members of the Kansas House of Representatives - Rep. John Barker (Abilene), chairman of the Judiciary Committee; Rep. Adam Lusker (Frontenac) and Rep. Larry Hibbard (Toronto).

"Race for Kansas will create more than 3,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars worth of revenue in Kansas to help close the budget gap," said Rep. Barker. He went on to say that he expects a hearing within the assigned committee in the near future to allow legislators to learn about the bill and, most importantly, hear from Kansas farms, ranches and businesses on why this legislation is good for Kansas.

Rep. Lusker joined Representatives Barker and Hibbard in introducing this bill and has supported the return of the Camptown racetrack to Frontenac for many years due to its economic impact in District 2. "It's a lot of jobs for Crawford County and the surrounding areas of Southeast Kansas," said Lusker.

All three of the representatives agree that the sooner this legislation is passed and signed by the Governor, the sooner Kansas racetracks can be renovated - bringing countless construction jobs to Kansas, and the sooner each track can begin operations to generate full-time Kansas jobs and revenue.

Rep. Hibbard has seen the adverse impact to Eureka and the surrounding areas since Eureka Downs, a facility in existence for over 100 years, closed almost a decade ago. "This legislation - which would allow for Eureka Downs to operate once again, would be enormous for the town and for Kansas," said Hibbard.

For more information and to support the initiative, visit RaceForKansas.com. Find your legislator and tell them why Race for Kansas is important to you, your business and your community.

Specialty License Plates

Horse license plates - how many have you spotted?

There are more and more KHC horse license plates on the road and they look great! You don't have to wait till it's time to renew your plate, just take your current tag in and trade it in for the horse plate. They're available at every county treasurers' office for an annual fee of $30 and a one-time $50 charge due to the State of Kansas at the time of purchase.
Show your horse pride and display this plate! Plates are available for everyone, not just KHC members.

KHC Foundation Scholarships

It's time to start thinking about applying for scholarships for the fall semester.

The KHC Foundation has awarded over $80,000 in educational scholarships. Applications are due to the KHC office by April 1, 2016.

Application information is on our website:
www.kansashorsecouncil.com

If you would like to make a donation to the Silent Auction which raises funds for these scholarships please contact Theresa Peddicord.

Homes for Horses

Twister

HOMES FOR HORSES

This monthly feature provides contact details for a horse adoption facility in KS. Please contact the rescue or adoption service directly. All registered facilities are welcome to submit pics & info.

DOB: 1996 ~ Mare ~ HT: 16-1H

Annie is a Belgian/Saddlebred cross She was the lead horse in a carriage team. Unfortunately, Annie's career was cut short when cancer was discovered in her left eye, and it became obvious it would need to be removed. She has adjusted extremely well.

hopeinthevalleyequinerescue.org

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