The official site of the North Carolina Horse Council

The Horse Industry Promotion Referendum for 2008 will occur on Wednesday March 5th. A favorable vote will authorize continuing a self-assessment of $2.00 per ton on commercial horse feed for three years to provide funds to promote the interests of the horse industry. Any person who purchases commercial horse feed upon which the assessment has been paid may receive a refund by making a written requests with proof of purchase to the North Carolina Horse Council within one year of purchase of the feed.

The first assessment referendum was held nine years ago. The NCHC set goals that would bring horse industry programs to communities across North Carolina. Work that has been done towards those goals includes:
Funding for 4-H through grants and education

REINS adult education programs in counties across the state, funded by grants from the NCHC

Trails advocacy, by hiring a knowledgeable, experienced, trails specialist and organization of the Annual Trails Conference

Equine grants to State Animal Rescue Training (SART), Extension Horse Husbandry, Large Animal Rescue Training, NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and work on River Basin regulations that affect horse owners

Representation of horse owners and the horse industry on issues in the legislature by hiring a Legislative Representative. Accomplishments include passage of legislation limiting owner liability for inherent risks of horse ownership, assessment legislation, changes in horse trailer DMV requirements and sending the NCHC newsletter to Legislators in order to keep them informed

Marketing programs to promote horse ownership and the horse industry in our state. This includes participating in the State Fair, shadow box displays at all three state owned horse complexes, traveling displays for large expos and small meetings, window decals, promotional items, websites for the NCHC and a toll-free number for questions: (800) 529-9206

Promoting fair and firm enforcement of laws pertaining to horse and tack theft and humane treatment of horses through the development of the Stolen Horse Information Network, development of a brochure on equine standards of care, and the setup of the Animal Investigation Network

Increased awareness of communicable equine diseases through a Horse Health Awareness Month: posters and brochures distributed to veterinarians, feed and tack stores, plus statewide news releases

In addition, the NCHC set up a permanent office in Raleigh, staffed since January of 2000. This addition has allowed the NCHC to improve communication by computerizing the membership database, publishing the newsletter six times each year, maintaining a website, advertising in equine publications, surveying NCHC members for input, printing press releases, and hosting an Agribusiness Dinner to facilitate networking between horse related businesses. In addition, a Presidents Council was formed to obtain input and involvement from horse associations in the state

More projects are on the drawing board, such as marketing projects and an updated equine census

Here is how it works:
On March 5, 2008, any resident of North Carolina, nine years or older, who owns or leases an equine may vote at their county extension office. Between February 15 and March 3, horse owners/leassors may visit or phone the County Extension Center and request a ballot and absentee registration form. These must be turned in to the Extension Office by March 4, and will be counted along with others on March 5. All voters must sign a certificate of eligibility, swearing that they are eligible, and will provide proof of such if asked. Then just cast your ballot!
If the referendum passes, each feed manufacturer will send a nickel per 50 pound bag or $2 per ton to the NC Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture consolidates the funds and sends them to the NCHC.
If passed, the horse promotion referendum will be in effect for three years.

Why it is not a tax:
This assessment is voluntary. We, the horse owners, choose in this referendum vote whether we want this assessment for our industry or not.
The assessment is refundable. If you choose not to participate in the assessment program, simply save your feed receipts, send them to the Horse Council, and receive a full refund of the assessment you have paid!
The estimated average cost per horse per year for this voluntary assessment is $1.80.
So vote YES for our horses!

Why the North Carolina Horse Council?
The NCHC has been chartered as a non-profit organization for the welfare and promotion of the horse since 1972. We have been recognized by Governors Jim Martin and Jim Hunt and former Commissioner of Agriculture Jim Graham as the voice representing the horse industry in North Carolina. We are endorsed by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. We actively represent over thirty-five member horse organizations, as well as many businesses and individuals, in our state.
NCHC membership is open to the public, as are our meetings. Membership is not required to benefit from programs funded with feed assessment dollars. We work for all the horses, and all the horse owners, whether they have joined the Council or not. We welcome anyone with an equine interest to get involved with the work of the Council.

How to Get More Information:

Call Sue Gray at:
Local: 919-854-1990
In-state toll-free: 800-529-9206
Email: suegray@nchorsecouncil.com
Mailing address:
4904 Waters Edge Dr., Ste. 290
Raleigh, NC 27606

You may also contact your county extension agent for more information on the Horse Promotion Referendum.

On March 5, 2008, the horse owners of our state will have the opportunity to continue to build a better future for our horses, our farms, and our children.
Here is what your YES vote will assure for the North Carolina horse Industry:
Additional funding for 4-H programs
Expansion of the REINS adult education programs in more counties across the state
Trails availability, to protect our access to horse trails
Effective equine research programs
Better representation for horse welfare interests in local, state, and federal legislative bodies
Extensive marketing programs to make the public more aware of the benefits of horse ownership and the impact of the horse industry on the North Carolina economy
Promotion of fair and firm enforcement of laws controlling horse and tack theft, interstate transport of horses, and humane treatment of all equines
Improved industry awareness of Equine Infectious Anemia and other threats to our horses well-being

Not bad for $1.80 !

(The estimated average cost per horse per year for this voluntary assessment.)

The North Carolina Horse Council urges you to VOTE:

YES

FOR OUR HORSES!

VOTE FOR THE HORSE PROMOTION ASSESSMENT REFERENDUM

Wednesday
MARCH 5, 2008

At Your Local County Extension Office