NEW LA HORSE COUNCIL ON THE MOVE

Up and running, the Los Angeles Horse Council (LAHC) has projects in the works to educate and partner with government, reach out to horse lovers and serve as the regional advocate for the too often voiceless and unrecognized horse industry.

First, the Los Angeles Horse Council drafted an Equestrian Bill of Rights. Over 500 approval signatures have already been gathered. Soon, approvals in the thousands will be presented to City Council with a request for an ordinance to formalize the Equestrian Bill of Rights.

Trail safety has taken center stage as extreme sport mountain bikers demand the right to use LA City park trails. LAHC is preparing to disseminate information that will clearly demonstrate why it is unnecessary and even dangerous to consider allowing bicycles on the same trails with hikers, dog walkers, mom's with strollers, joggers and people on horses.

Members of LAHC are also working with City staff on water quality and supply issues. There are hundreds of thousands of gallons of recycled water, most of which runs down the LA River. Users of City water are asked to lower water usage by 15% or face a penalty. Horse arenas, pastures, construction sites, etc. are mandated to minimize dust. Commercial barns and private citizens are ready to use recycled water for this purpose. LAHC is negotiating with DWP to gain cost effective access this water, now lost to the city, altogether.

In June, LAHC is hosting the Los Angeles Police Department Equestrian Unit. Our mounted cops will be teaching trail safety on horseback. We expect a lot of young people at Gibson Ranch in Shadow Hills, where the event will be held.

Every new membership strengthens the voice of your Los Angeles Horse Council. To help us help you and to supply funds to activities, please waste no time becoming a member and make your voice heard.