11 WI 4 Congress Extends ELD exemption through Dec. 7...District 1 Rep - OPEN District 2 Rep - Holly...

November 2018

Copyright © 2018 American Horse Council Permission to pass on the AHC Washington Update to your members, readers, or others is granted on the condition that it is forwarded in its original form or directly linked with the AHC logo and a link to the AHC website.

The American Horse Council is a non-partisan organization based in Washington, DC that works daily to advocate for the social, economic, and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.

Congress Extends ELD exemption through Dec. 7th September 28, 2018 Congress has sent a spending bill to the White House in an effort to avert an Oct. 1 government shutdown and push the discussion regarding final appropriations until after the November elections. H.R. 6157 includes a continuing resolution that would extend funding for those agencies not covered by completed appropriations bills, including agriculture and transportation. This will extend the ELD protections the horse industry has enjoyed through December 7, 2018. The President has said he will sign this bill package to avert a shutdown. By December 7th Congress will either do another extension or pass the 2019 spending package, which includes the ELD delay for livestock haulers, leaving these haulers exempt from ELD use until September 30, 2019. The AHC is continuing to work with both the FMCSA and Congress to identify a permanent solution to the unintended consequences to new and existing CDL and ELD regulations that have proven to be problematic. For more information please contact Cliff Williamson at the American Horse Council.

2 Mission Statement/AHC 3 WSHCEF 4 Ride Aimed at Raising Domestic Abuse Awareness 5 Ride Aimed at Raising Domestic Abuse Awareness 6 Notes of Thanks…/WHC Advertising Information 7 Equestrians Rise to the Challenge 8 Governor Dodge Equestrians

Donation Form 9 Midwest Horse Fair 10 Clip Clop Trail Riders Open House Held October 12-14/ AHC - Surveys to Complete 11 WI 4-H Youth Compete at Regionals & Nationals 12 WHC Trails Committee

Awards 2018 Trail Grants/ ATTENTION SHOPPERS!

13 WSHCEF Jan Spencer 2019 Scholarship 14 New at Governor Dodge State Park 15 Jefferson County Draft Horse Association 16 AHC Washington Update 17 AHC Washington Update 18 Keeping Traditions Alive 19 Keeping Traditions Alive 20 Keeping Traditions Alive 21 WHC Ride Wisconsin Flyer 22 WHC Calendar of Upcoming

Events 23 VOTING REMINDER!/Who Is

In Your Backyard?/Classified Ads

24 WHC Forms 25 SPECIAL CUT OUT PAGE!

“Making a Difference for Equine Owners ”

26 SPECIAL CUT OUT PAGE! “Making a Difference for Equine Owners” WHC Districts / WHC CounciLetter Deadline

November Wisconsin Horse Council

Our Mission Statement:

To represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin.

To promote the horse through leadership, education, service and communication.

And to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry.

Membership in the Wisconsin Horse Council is open to individuals, associations, businesses, societies, or other entities whose interests are in line with WHC’s purpose and Mission Statement. Our member-ship year will follow the calendar year. Members will also receive our monthly newsletter where FREE classified ads can be placed and reasonable 1/4, 1/2 and full page ads can be arranged. The newsletter reaches 500+ horse enthusiasts.

The Council employs a professional Lobbyist who works with us on pending legislation as needed for the equine industry.

We are constantly working on adding new benefits for our members. Please feel free to contact us with your comments or suggestions.

Wisconsin Horse Council Executive Board 2018-2019

Executive Officers President - Nancy Edwards 262-623-9092 [email protected] Vice President - Katie Bachhuber 920-539-0601 [email protected] Secretary - Jill Feller 920-948-9502 [email protected] Treasurer - Ron Miller 608-873-3848 [email protected]

Executive Board of Directors Past President - Karen Kroll, 608-795-2321, [email protected] Director at Large to MHF & WSHCEF - James Harris, 608-987-3600, [email protected] Director at Large - Gail Seasor, 608-576-9429, [email protected] District 1 Rep - OPEN District 2 Rep - Holly McMullen, 715-351-0961 [email protected] District 3 Rep - Bonnie Shepherd, 262-670-1426, [email protected] District 4 Rep - Floyd Finney, 608-868-4543, [email protected] District 5 Rep - Linda Catherman, 608-432-2599, [email protected]

Office Staff Member Darla Schack - Newsletter Editor/Website Administrator, Administrative Assistant [email protected] P.O. Box 72 121 S. Ludington Street, Columbus, WI 53925 Phone: 920-623-0393 Fax: 920-623-0583 [email protected]

Midwest Horse Fair Megan Hanuszczak - General Manager [email protected] 131 S. Ludington Street Columbus, WI 53925 Phone: 920-623-5515 Fax: 920-623-5454

ATTENTION: Tear out page 25/26 and fold

it for a handy brochure to keep or to share.

This month’s featured brochure is

“Making a Difference for Equine Owners”

Wisconsin Horse Council November

What is the mission statement of the WSHC Equine Foundation? The Wisconsin State Horse Council Equine Foundation was created to better serve Wisconsin's growing equestrian community and to help that community realize its fullest potential. The Foundation is a tax exempt, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization and as such allows individuals to make tax-deductible contributions to support Wisconsin equine projects. The mission of the Equine Foundation is to support Wisconsin's expanding equestrian community by funding: ....Educational Initiatives ....Equine Research ....Trail Development ....Youth Scholarship and Participation What is our relationship with the Wisconsin State Horse Council? The Wisconsin State Horse Council is our parent organization and the sole member of the WSHC Equine Foundation. WHC Board of Directors are elected to serve on the WSHC Equine Foundation Board of Directors, along with non-WHC individuals. The WHC was incorporated in 1972 as an advocate for the equine owners and industry in the State of Wisconsin. It has grown to become the focus of the equine industry in Wisconsin. The Mission Statement of the Wisconsin Horse Council is: To represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin. To promote the horse through leadership, education, service and communications, and to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry in the State of Wisconsin. WSHC Equine Foundation is a federally approved 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to the advancement of equine activities and the equine industry in general. The Foundation's main objectives are to promote education, research and development, charity, and scholarship opportunities for equestrians in Wisconsin.

Welcome to the Wisconsin State Horse Council Equine Foundation The bond between an equestrian and their equine is an experience worth cherishing; we are dedicat-ed to strengthening this bond and enriching the equestrian experience in Wisconsin through educa-

tion, research, charity, and scholarship. Visit our website www.wisconsinhorsecouncil.org – Go to the WSHCEF tab

at the top of the page

WSHCEF Officers & Board of Directors

Officers President Gary Jackson Vice President & Diane Sackett Secretary Treasurer Lila Lemanski

Board of Directors & Volunteer Team James Harris Mike McGowan Karen Meekma Sharon Hookstead Rich Ernsberger Lori Helmer Margo Miller Gail Seasor Dave Kluge Roxanne Kluge Linda Ernsberger


Ride Aimed at Raising Domestic Abuse Awareness By Pat McKnight, Correspondent for The Country Today

A California woman and her horse are spending October National Domestic Violence Awareness Month riding through Wisconsin to bring greater awareness of the issue.

Meredith Cherry has been spreading her message since January 2017 when she started from her home state. Using the slogan, “One woman. One horse. 48 states for Domestic Violence Awareness,” to define her mission, Cherry is riding across the country to educate the public about the trauma victims’ experiences.

Cherry’s ride is a four-year 10,000-mile horseback journey to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Along the way, she visits domestic violence centers sharing her experiences and knowledge about domestic violence.

Although Cherry has been riding since she was 16 years old, Apollo is the first horse she has owned. Riding the 10-year-old Peruvian Paso/mustang gelding, Apollo, Cherry and her horse average about 10 to 15 miles a day.

Along with the packs Apollo carries, he wears a blanket embroidered with the team’s mission. All tacked up with saddle, packs and rider, Apollo carries about 200 pounds. The palomino’s safety gear includes fetlock bracelets of small sleigh bells to warn off animals that might cross their path. To protect his hooves, he wears Cavallo hoof boots.

“They last about 500 miles,” said Cherry. “He’s on his 11th set.”

A domestic violence survivor, Cherry wants to make people aware of the lack of understanding sur-rounding domestic abuse as well as the need for more services.

“There’s a huge stigma with abuse and being a victim,” said Cherry. “There’s the blaming and shaming. People who have experienced it don’t want to talk about it. It’s hard to break the cycle if we don’t talk about it.”

Cherry was married for eight years to a man who engaged in various types and levels of abuse.

“As is typical, the abuse didn’t start until we were married,” said Cherry. “I tried to leave hundreds of times, but would come back when he apologized and promised to change.”

Continued on next page...

Meredith Cherry rides her 10-year-old Peruvian Paso/mustang palomino gelding, Apollo, through Leon Oct. 3. Cherry is riding across the state to raise awareness about domestic violence. She has a goal of riding throughout the lower 48 states, spreading her message and visiting domestic abuse centers. She plans to end her trip in Maine in June 2020.


...continued from previous page

Ride Aimed at Raising Domestic Abuse Awareness

Because she and her ex-husband lived in a very rural area, Cherry didn’t receive the support she needed to leave the situation. When she did try to leave, her ex would report her missing and the authorities would find her and bring her back to the home.

“There are a lot of reasons a victim would not turn to police for help,” said Cherry. “In a lot of rural and low tax regions, they leave it up to police to take care of victims. A woman will try to leave numerous times before she actually leaves.”

Removing herself from the situation was difficult because of the lack domestic services in that part of Colorado. Cherry was able to contact support agencies after she left for the final time.

From her experience and information gathering, Cherry learned abuse can take a variety of forms and “it’s all about control.”

“No matter the type of abuse, there’s a lot of mind games involved,” said Cherry. “There’s verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, technological such as online stalking and religious or spiritual. Some women can experience an overlap of the types.”

During her rides through communities, people will stop and talk with her as they did during a break from riding in the town of Leon. A mother and daughter saw Apollo and Cherry outside a restaurant and stopped to give her a hug. The two told Cherry they too were victims of domestic abuse.

“People are curious about us because we don’t look like someone out doing a day ride,” said Cherry. “People are sharing stories with me who have so many similarities on so many levels. There’re big and small details that are the same. There are the weird things that happen.”

People following the ride on social media have offered Cherry and Apollo housing and stabling. She’s become a great believer in things happening for a reason and her willingness to accept hospitality from strangers has allowed her to meet supporters.

“There’s a lot of flexibility and a sense of trust,” said Cherry. “Trusting strangers who provide shelter was something I had to work at; that, and trusting God. If I meet somebody who offers a place that’s off-route, it generally ends up being a good thing. Someone offers a trailer ride or there’s farrier just when Apollo needs a trim.”

So far, the team has ridden through 21 states with the goal of finishing in Maine June 2020.

Those interested in following Cherry and Apollo can do so through her website www.centauride.org. “Centauride,” is the name of a female centaur, the mythical Greek creature that’s half human, half horse.

The two can also be followed Facebook and YouTube and Cherry can be contacted through Instagram and Twitter.


Notes of Thanks...

Dear WHC Scholarship Chairperson,

This year is going very well. I am learning a lot about horses and adjusting to college life. Thank you for giving me the opportunity you gave me to be able to attend school.

Thank you - Amanda Guenther

Dear Wisconsin Horse Council -

We would like to extend a thank you to the Grant Committee and your organization as a whole for the generous grant money given to us this year. Our grant is to be used to install drainage tiles at the horse arena at the Calumet County Fair. We received a lot of rain right before our events this year resulting in a cancelation of five of the shows we had planned this year. We’re hopeful that the drain tiles will help alleviate having to cancel our shows in the future. Thank you again!

Sincerely,

Calumet County Horse Promoters

Dear Nancy,

I appreciate the Wisconsin Horse Council’s continued support for the EDCC. Your contribution allows us to provide outbreak alerts seven days a week.

Thank you - Nathaniel White


Clip Clop Trail Riders Open House Held October 12-14 By Lee Goodwin - [email protected] - 715-938-2443

The weekend of October 12-14, the Clip Clop Trail Riders held its annual fall open-house at the Middle Inlet trails and campground near Lake Mary. Hosts were on hand to welcome overnight campers and day riders and to tell the story of the Middle Inlet trails and camp. Guided trail rides were available. A potluck meal was shared at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 13. The general public was also invited to the free open house.

Over the past four years the Clip Clop Riders have been investing their time and skills to develop and maintain a campground and trail system for fellow riders. Over twenty miles of well-marked trails wind through hardwood forest in south central Marinette county. The campground, in a large open field, offers campers fire rings, picnic tables, highlines for tying horses, and an outhouse. On a recent September weekend, over 25 trailers with over 40 horses were using the Middle Inlet Campground. Over the summer riders from all over Wisconsin enjoyed this camping area and trail system.

Just in 2018 the Clip Clop Club added an additional one-mile trail and moved a section of trail off the forest road to avoid traffic concerns. The club added a hitching post, an additional fire ring and picnic table as well as improved signage for trail riders and motor vehicles. The most significant accomplish-ment of 2018 though is the installation of a new well. This development is possible due to generous donations from the Wisconsin Horse Council, the Marinette & Menominee Area Community Foundation and the Great Northern Paint Horse Club. Donations from other organizations as well as from numerous individuals help maintain and improve both campground and trails. Voluntary donations for campground and trail use have also provided a valuable source of income for the care of the trails and campground. The campground is open to the general public and most of the trail system is open to non-motorized vehicles.

Anyone seeking more information can contact the Clip Clop Trail Riders at [email protected] or call 715-927-5737. The Clip Clop Trail Riders is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and welcomes new club members.

ATTENTION ! SURVEYS TO COMPLETE AND SHARE!

Below please find two surveys that the AHC has been asked to circulate to horse owners. We would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete these surveys and share them with all of your equestrian friends. Thank you!

1) Survey targeting competitors to identify ways to encourage great participation in shows/competitions. https://kwiksurveys.com/s/LS3jP4gA

2) Survey to all horse owners to help identify equine research needed. This will be used by organizations that fund equine research to help focus and set priorities. https://kwiksurveys.com/s/OzjIDSAj

Julie M. Broadway, CAE®, President - American Horse Council & American Horse Council Foundation 1616 H Street NW, 7th Floor, Washington DC 20006, Phone: 202-296-4031


WISCONSIN 4-H YOUTH COMPETE AT REGIONALS & NATIONALS

4-H Horse Project youth who were selected at 4-H Horse Project Educational Days in May and State 4-H Horse Expo in September to represent Wisconsin at Regional and National competitions in Public Speaking, Team Demonstration, Individual Demonstration, Hippology, Horse Bowl and Horse Judging traveled to compete at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in October at Columbus, Ohio and Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in November at Louisville Kentucky.

Youth who competed at the All Amercian Quarter Horse Regional Contest in October include:

Horse Bowl – Ozaukee County – Anna Poull, Taylor Wiess, Amy Hoffmann, Gabrielle Ortiz Horse Bowl B – Waukesha County – Nicole Wild, Halle Johnson, Georgia Gleason, Annie Shane Judging - Ozaukee County – Anna Poull, Taylor Wiess, Amy Hoffmann, Kayla Wallner Team Demonstration – Ozaukee County – Katelyn Poull, Kayla Wallner Public Speaking – Sheboygan County – Laurelyn Pritzloff Public Speaking – Sheboygan County – Maddie Radtke

Youth who competed at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup Contest in November include:

Horse Bowl A – Waukesha County – Sarah Green, Riley Turinske, Mackenzie Somers, Rose Rogers Public Speaking – Sheboygan County – Chelsea Braun Judging – St Croix County – Marissa Metzler, Alexis Kwak, Mae Buttles, Mary Kaul Hippology – Ozaukee County – Anna Poull, Taylor Wiess, Amy Hoffmann, Kayla Wallner

All of the youth will receive many memories, new learning experiences and new friends in addition to the awards they achieved at these educational contests.

Many thanks are extended to the Wisconsin Horse Council for their support of the 4-H Youth of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Educational Program.

The Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association and the 4-H Horse project youth of Wisconsin express their thanks for the support and funding given to the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Educational program in 2018.


WHC- Trails Committee Awards 2018 Trail Grants By Kricket Jewett

In 1998 the Wisconsin Horse Council Trails Committee started a trail grant program that has since grown to more than anyone expected. Since that first year, when a total of $3,500 was given out in 6 grants in 4 parks including Underdown , Oconto County Forest, Ahnapee Trail and Yellowstone, the program has been beneficial to countless parks around the state.

Over the past 20 years, the Wisconsin Horse Council Trails Committee has awarded $328,521.00 for improvements on our trails. Each grant recipient must match the grant with at least 50% in kind amount. Just doing the math that is $470,300.00. But wait it gets better! Many of the projects that have been undertaken far exceed the 50% match, making that total well over a half a million dollars in improvements to the public equine trails in Wisconsin!

In working at Midwest Horse Fair, we promote joining the Wisconsin Horse Council, and the most frequently asked question is, “What does Wisconsin Horse Council do for me?” This $500,000 is only a small part of the contributions of Wisconsin Horse Council to the equine industry, but the results quietly affect many in a positive experience on the trails.

2018 was a tough year for the WHC Trail Grant Committee members. They were tasked with the difficult job of narrowing down the grant recipients to match the budget. Projects were submitted from the following groups; Wild Cat Mountain State Park, NKMHTA, SKMHTA, Friends of Neshota Park, Friends of Silverwood County Park, Friends of Reforestation Camp Trails, Friends of Governor Dodge Equestrians, Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Horseshoe Trail Club. The requests were more than double the available funds we had for grants. Each project was evaluated for meeting the grant requirements, and ranked by the committee to help those with the projects that meet the greatest needs of trail users.

The 2019 grant application will be on the Wisconsin Horse Council website soon. The deadline is March 1, 2019. Now is a great time to get out and snap some photos of proposed projects, and start talking with your land manager on needs for your local park.

Please be sure to contact the friends group of your local park, and see if there is anything you can do to help out! With all of the potential budget cuts, we are all going to have to step up and make sure that our trails stay in good shape for our use!

ATTENTION SHOPPERS! Do you shop on-line at Amazon? You can help raise money for the new horse campground at Governor Dodge State Park when you are shopping at Amazon. Amazon’s Smile program donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charity organization of your choice. The Friends of Governor Dodge Park group is already registered as an AmazonSmile charity. All you have to do is register at https://smile.amazon.com, choose “Friends of Governor Dodge” as your charity of choice, and then shop as usual on this special site. It’s the same Amazon that you know – same products, same prices, same service. Amazon automatically sends 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Friends group. It’s an easy and hassle-free way to help build the new campground, which will become a premiere, destination facility not only for Wisconsin, but the whole Midwest. Please help by signing up and shopping at smile.amazon.com. Thank you!


New at Governor Dodge State Park Trail riding has a long tradition at Governor Dodge State Park. Even before the land became an official state park, local horse riders enjoyed trails through this beautiful Driftless area. The park now encompasses some 5,350 acres with steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall. The 25 miles of horse trails are among the finest in the state.

What’s new about the trails at Governor Dodge are the improvements recently made possible by the Friends of Governor Dodge and the WI Horse Council Trails Grant. Trail users will notice

new numbered signage along the extensive trail system to help mark locations throughout the park. The 15-mile trail previously referred to as the Outer Loop is now called the Driftless Trail. There are some new mounting blocks near the Cox Hollow concession building and out on the Driftless Trail. At the south end of the Driftless Trail in a stand of lovely maples, riders will also find a newly constructed picnic/rest stop. The area was created with horse riders in mind and features two sturdy hitching rails, a picnic table, and a mounting block. Often equestrians would avoid the long trail as there was no easy area to stop along the way. Now they have a safe and enjoyable spot to take a break. You are invited to pack a lunch and enjoy the peaceful solitude of this more remote trail! A big THANK YOU to the WI Horse Council Trails Committee for the matching grant that made these improvements possible.

When you are out on the Driftless trail, be sure to check out the future site of the new equestrian campground at the north end of the park. Located near the day ride parking lot, the first phase of this ambitious project is to install a permanent vault toilet that will serve the future campground and equestrian parking lot, as well as hikers and rock climbers that frequent the area. The Friends of Governor Dodge State Park is a 501(c)3 organization and is seeking donations to help with the much-needed improvements at this beautiful park.

The group is working hard to host fundraisers and apply for grants but needs donations to help raise the estimated $650,000 for the new campground. Since June, almost $100,000 has been raised! Donate now and take advantage of the opportunity to double your money thanks to a generous offer to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through the end of 2018. Your donation will benefit equestrians now and for years to come. For more information or to donate visit https://www.GovDodgeEquestrians.com/.


Jefferson County Draft Horse Association By Jackie Schuster, JCDHA Secretary

Another summer has come to an end. The Jefferson County Draft Horse Association ended their summer activi-ties with a social at Jean and Ron Luebke’s place. We enjoyed a great, two-hour wagon ride. The weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful. After the wagon ride, we enjoyed a tasty potluck lunch. We held a brief meeting, after which there was more socializing for those who stayed. We had two teams of Percherons; Ron and Jean’s with Fran Gross riding in the wagon and Mary Jane Swedberg’s team with Kris Winkelman and Jackie Schuster in the wagon. There was also Steve and Marcia Haase’s Clydesdales with Steve and Dawn Krezinski riding in the wagon.

January 2019 will mark the beginning of another new year with the club’s sleigh ride at Old World Wisconsin. Hopefully we will have snow for this event. Please watch our Facebook page for the dates when we will be at Old World Wisconsin. And again, we would like to thank the Wisconsin Horse Council for the grant we received for 2018. See you all next year!


Copyright © 2018 American Horse Council Permission to pass on the AHC Washington Update to your members, readers, or others is granted on the condition that it is forwarded in its original form or directly linked with the AHC logo and a link to the AHC website.

The American Horse Council is a non-partisan organization based in Washington, DC that works daily to advocate for the

social, economic, and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.

October 1, 2018

Horse Industry Gathers in DC, Moves Key Priorities Toward the Finish Line!

On Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, September 27, horse industry representatives gathered in Washing-ton, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and advocate for passage of the industry’s top legislative priorities. During a meeting with leaders of the Congressional Horse Caucus and other industry allies on September 26, members learned more about positive developments related to a funding boost for equine assisted therapy and industry-specific provisions of the 2018 farm bill and guest worker visa legislation. Prospects for another enforcement delay for the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and progress on trails legislation also emerged as reasons to run into the home-stretch of the 115th Congress on a high note. During the two day meeting series, horse industry ad-vocates met in the offices of more than 35 elected officials. Below are summaries of highlights emerging from the Fall “Ride-In.” Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) Emerges as a Win-Win for Heroes and Horses Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) briefed horse industry representatives on the latest boost to EAT funding included in the new FY2019 Veterans’ Affairs spending bill, which the president signed into law on September 21. The new law increases EAT funding to $1.5 million, a 50 percent increase from FY2018 levels. Rep. Barr (R-KY) spoke pas-sionately about the dual benefits to veterans returning to civilian life, and the opportunities for working horses to have “second careers” as therapeutic animals. Studies show that EAT can effectively treat post-traumatic stress disorder that afflicts many U.S. veterans. Farm Legislation Includes Cutting-Edge Animal Health Programs, Lawmakers Address Industry-Specific Statutory Definition While the industry has successfully advocated for a trifecta of livestock health programs in both versions of the farm bill – creation of the National Animal Health Vaccine bank, a new National Disaster Preparedness Program and support for the National Animal Health and Laboratory Network - differences over the scope of nutrition assis-tance programs have stalled agreement on a final package. House Agriculture Committee Vice Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) informed AHC that he believed that the House and Senate would ultimately find common ground Continued on next page...



on a final bill before the end of the year. Echoing statements made during several meetings, Rep. Thompson (R-PA) also expressed optimism that the final bill would drop language included in the senate version that defines horses as “pets” within the context of a “Pet and Women Safety” (PAWS) provision. Industry has suggested that lawmakers delete “horses” from the proposed, statutory definition of “pets,” but retain “horses” as a stand-alone category. This would retain the long-standing classification of horses as “livestock,” while allowing equines to fall within the scope of property damage subject to compensation within the parameters of the PAWS Act. Congressional Allies Continue to Fight for Guest-Worker Visa Flexibility, Equine-Specific Labor Needs House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) discussed the AG and Legal Workforce Act of 2018 (H.R. 6417), which would reform the broken agricultural guest worker visa program. Among other benefits to the industry, the legislation clearly states that personnel involved in the “management and training of equines” will qual-ify to participate in a newly-created H-2C visa program for farm workers. Since Rep. Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced the bill in late June, it has gained 110 co-sponsors. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) discussed a second vehicle important to the industry, his provision in the FY2019 DHS (H.R. 6776) appropriation which addresses the stringent 66,000 cap imposed on the issuance of H-2B visas by providing an exemption for returning workers. This “returning worker” exemption not only provides much needed cap relief, but will reduce red tape for seasonal employers. Congress will likely not finalize the bill until after the November election. Will Trails Legislation Cross the Finish Line? House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) lauded the fact that both the Recreation Not Red-Tape (RNR) Act (H.R. 3400) and the Restore Our Parks Act (H.R. 6510) passed his committee favorably, and are placed on the House calendar for a possible vote before the end of the year. While neither companion bill in the Senate has yet received a hearing, senate aides stated that there was reason to be optimistic that Restore Our Parks (S. 3172) would receive a hearing in the fall. Of the two major trails bills that the horse industry supports, it appears that Restore Our Parks, which would address backlog trails maintenance, has the better chance of cross-ing the finish line before the end of the year. Stay tuned. Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act Gains Supporters No new information emerged during the meeting series to raise the prospects for passage of the PAST Act. How-ever, the Senate version of the bill (S. 2957) has gained 32 cosponsors. Sen. Crapo’s (R-ID) office stated that they were optimistic that the bill would have no shortage of supporters during the next congress. AHC will continue to keep you updated on any changes to the prospects for this important equine health legislation. Horse Industry Focuses on Congressional Leaders, Leverages Message While the bulk of the Hill meetings during the ride-in focused on constituent-specific officials, the industry also met with leaders who have jurisdiction over the sector’s major legislative issues. Horse industry representatives were able to meet with chairmen of the House Judiciary Committee and House Natural Resources Committee, as well as the Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. On the Senate side, AHC members and guests talked to senior staff in the offices of the Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, among others. If you’d like more information related to the meeting series and next steps, please contact Bryan Brendle at [email protected] or 202-296-4031.


Keeping Traditions Alive By Jim Massey, Correspondent for The Country Today

OCONOMOWOC — There is perhaps no sound more sobering than the clip-clop of a horse’s hooves on a city street as the animal pulls a hearse through an otherwise silent funeral procession.

That sound was heard on a much more regular basis in days gone by, but Mary Jane Swedberg is bringing back some of that tradition with her Hoof Beats Express horse-drawn services in southeast Wisconsin. About twice per month, Swedberg is called on to carry the casket of a recently deceased person from a church to a final resting place with her

horse-drawn hearse. She uses a team of draft horses to pull the hearse and for other services, such as weddings, hayrides, sleigh rides and at community events.

Swedberg has been hooked on horses since the early-1990s, when she and her husband, Bob, first went to Montana to go on a wagon train ride. She learned to harness horses on that first trip and soon wanted more horse-related experiences.

“I will never forget that first experience — the teamster who taught me to harness had a great sense of humor, a wonderful handlebar mustache and team of Quarter horse-size animals that made handling them easier.

“I had such a great time that I convinced Bob to go back again the next year, and the second year, I got to drive a little team on a buckboard. That’s when I fell in love with the whole idea of driving horses.”

Swedberg, an elementary school counselor at the time, said the experience made her admire her ancestors, who had left everything behind and come to the Midwest in a covered wagon.

“I am so grateful they did that,” she said. “(With a wagon), I had one of the major tools they used.”

The first two teams of horses the Swedbergs bought were too spunky for her taste, but she eventually attended the Sparrow family horse-driving school in Zearing, Iowa, where she learned to drive one to six horses at a time. Dick Sparrow, who owned the school at the time, was known for driving a 40-horse Belgian hitch.

The third team she purchased — a pair of full-size Percherons — had good spunk but were manageable, Swedberg said, and helped turn her passion for horses into a business.

She bought the third team in March 1995, and by July, she had them ready to lead a wagon in the Milwaukee Circus Parade.

Swedberg said it took all of her strength to handle the two-horse hitch back in 1995, but since then, she has built her strength with a personal trainer. She can now drive teams on all types of wagons and at all sorts of events, although sometimes it takes a crew to manage some of her bigger productions.

Swedberg found the hearse she uses at an amusement park in Grand Rapids, Mich., and had it refurbished to be ready for the road. Continued on next page...



Keeping Traditions Alive

It is now used for a funeral about every other week, primarily in the Milwaukee area for African-American families.

“I once asked a funeral director why she thought I hadn’t been able to break into Caucasian funerals, and she said I probably never will,” Swedberg said. “The African-American funeral celebrates life and honors that life with special parts of the service. Family members will often dress up in special clothing as we would for our weddings. It’s a different culture than we are used to.”

Swedberg said the most poignant funeral she ever participated in was for a young girl who died in her grandfather’s lap, the victim of a random bullet piercing their home.

“To look at that family, to know they lost their child because someone was not thinking about anyone but them-selves — it just broke my heart,” she said. “It made the experience even more special because I was able to be a part of a memory for this family.”

Other funerals honor an elderly parent or grandparent, or sometimes a member of the military.

“That’s why I do this, to create a final lasting memory as they celebrate, with dignity, the life of their loved ones,” Swedberg said.

Swedberg also uses her horses for other special occasions, such as Indian and Pakistani Baraat weddings. At a Baraat, the groom arrives on a large white horse with decorative costuming, amidst music and dancing by other attendees.

“It’s really fun to do that,” she said.

She said draft horses “handle the stress and strain of being in somewhat unpredictable environments” very well.

“But still, it’s always anxious for me until the horses are back in the trailer,” she said.

She recalled one experience when she entered a six-horse hitch in the draft horse show at the Wisconsin State Fair, and a rear wheel of her cart clipped a steel gate post entering the Coliseum.

“That noise was enough to send the lead team racing across the Coliseum,” she said. “We rounded the corner and stopped with the wagon banked up against the sidewall. The right lead horse went up the wall of the show ring and came back down. We didn’t hit anybody and no one was hurt, but it put a scare into us and people in the audience.”

Swedberg also occasionally uses their 115-acre farm near Oconomowoc to give people sleigh rides on crisp winter evenings. Continued on next page...



Keeping Traditions Alive

“To me, that is as close as I can get to being my grandparents or great-grandparents, sliding over the rolling ground through the trees without a trail,” she said. “If you were going to church, you made your own trail if you had a sleigh. It’s magical to me. I never tire of it.”

Swedberg said one of her favorite memories is of a sleigh ride just a couple of days before Christmas, with the snow falling slowly at dusk.

“I felt like we were in a snow globe, it was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “The only thing you heard were the horses going through the snow and the crunch of the sleigh gliding along. I’m grateful for the sleigh rides because I go out on days when I otherwise wouldn’t take myself out.”

Swedberg recently added part-time help when a retired farmer joined her team. Chris Winkelman has been helping around the farm and with special events for about three years.

“She’s not afraid of big horses and she’s willing to learn,” Swedberg said. “She’s great with people and has an awesome sense of humor. She has good patience and loves being out in the country. She expanded the things that are happening here on the farm.”

Swedberg’s favorite team of horses, Bud, 26, and Bob, 25, full brothers and Percherons, have been working with her for many years, but she is worried about how much longer they will live.

“Mid-20s is the life expectancy of Percherons,” she said. “It will be a sad day when something happens to one or both of them.”

Swedberg said there used to be more of a prejudice against the idea of women driving draft horse hitches, but that has changed over time.

“That kind of attitude only exists now in old, cranky guys who couldn’t do it themselves or never got there,” she said. “There are women now who own hitches and there are many more driving hitches. You don’t often see women driving sixes on the real competitive circuits, because you’re talking six tons of horses and potentially even more. It takes someone who’s seriously got some strength to hold onto those lines and be able to drive those horses.

“All of the wagons I have here on the farm, two horses can easily pull. I still occasionally hook up four abreast for some parades, but otherwise, I do almost all of my jobs with a two-horse team.”

Swedberg was recently hurt when one of her 2,000-pound horses crowded her against the wall of a stall, but she isn’t letting her injuries slow her down for long. She is making plans to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa in February.


Upcoming Events 2017 November November 2 Amateur Night, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 5pm-8pm, $60, Learn the steps and take the time to embrace your passion with you and your horse, for more details visit www.Lstables.com November 2 4-H Program, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 5pm-8pm, $60 for each session and each rider, 4-H members assigned a horse for the year, learning all aspects of care and show their own horse, www.Lstables.com November 2-4 Janet Foy Dressage Clinic, Touchstone Farm, Brooklyn. Contact: [email protected] or www.wdcta.org November 3 WHC District 5 Tack Sale, Club 16 Sparta, Hwy. 16 across from Walmart, 9am - 2pm, $20 per table, “Equine Nutritionist” demo and vendors, Contact Mike (715) 284-9112 or Deb (608) 847-6783 November 3 Ready For The Ring Practice Open Shows, Heartland Equestrian Center, 7510 Deer Road, Custer, WI 54423, heated facility, food available on grounds, Contact Sam Smith (715) 305-4606 SANCTIONED November 4 Tack Sale, Hartford Town Hall, Hartford, WI, Contact Toni (262) 623-7570, $1 admission, www.menomoneefallssaddleclub.com November 4 Daylight Saving Time Ends November 6 Election Day November 9 Amateur Night, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 5pm-8pm, $60, Learn the steps and take the time to embrace your passion with you and your horse, for more details visit www.Lstables.com November 9 4-H Program, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 5pm-8pm, $60 for each session and each rider, 4-H members assigned a horse for the year, learning all aspects of care and show their own horse, www.Lstables.com November 10 Banquet Silent Auction to benefit the Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association projects, The Amerahn Ballroom, 9480 Hwy. 45N, Kewaskum, WI, Social Hour at 5pm, Buffet Dinner 6-7pm, tickets $25 and available through 10/31/18 online at nkmhta.org or contact Val Ruelle (414) 412-5220 or [email protected] November 10 Holiday Tack & Craft Sale, 9am - 2pm, Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center, Contact (920) 979-9181 November 11 Veteran’s Day November 11 “Blue” Horse & Pony Experience, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 1:30pm-3:30pm, $65 for first time rider and other young children, learn the basics of horsemanship and get comfortable on the farm, www.Lstables.com November 12 WHC District 4 Meeting, 6:30pm, Culvers, Edgerton November 16 Amateur Night, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 5pm-8pm, $60, Learn the steps and take the time to embrace your passion with you and your horse, for more details visit www.Lstables.com November 16 4-H Program, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 5pm-8pm, $60 for each session and each rider, 4-H members assigned a horse for the year, learning all aspects of care and show their own horse, www.Lstables.com November 16-18 Dressage Clinic with Jen Truett, Heartland Equestrian Center, Custer, WI, Contact Judy (715) 572-0410 November 17-18 Body Awareness Clinic with Jennifer Kotylo, Lindinhof, 4246 Schneider Drive, Oregon, WI, Contact Megan McIsaac (608) 445-8531 or [email protected] November 22 Happy Thanksgiving! November 23 “Turkey” Holiday Day Camp, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 9am-3pm, $100 per day for 5 - 17 year olds, holiday camps are fun filled days of learning horsemanship, games, crafts and making friends, www.Lstables.com November 23 Horse & Pony Experience, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 10am-Noon, $65 for first time rider and other young children, learn the basics of horsemanship and get comfortable on the farm, www.Lstables.com November 24 “Turkey” Holiday Day Camp, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 9am-3pm, $100 per day for 5 - 17 year olds, holiday camps are fun filled days of learning horsemanship, games, crafts and making friends, www.Lstables.com November 28 WHC District 3 Holiday Meeting, 6:30pm, Bublitz Family Restaurant, Lomira, D3 will provide appetizers November 30 Horse Crazy Holiday Market, MN State Fairgrounds, Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, 1784 Judson St, St. Paul, MN 55108, Free parking, 12pm-8pm, equine-inspired, free-spirited marketplace with over 100 vendors, artisans, makers & exhibitors featuring goods, gifts and services for horse lovers and those who love horse lovers, www.horsecrazymarket.com

December December 1 Horse Crazy Holiday Market, MN State Fairgrounds, Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, 1784 Judson St, St. Paul, MN 55108, Free parking, 10am-6pm, equine-inspired, free-spirited marketplace with over 100 vendors, artisans, makers & exhibitors featuring goods, gifts and services for horse lovers and those who love horse lovers, www.horsecrazymarket.com December 1 Ready For The Ring Practice Open Shows, Heartland Equestrian Center, 7510 Deer Road, Custer, WI 54423, heated facility, food available on grounds, Contact Sam Smith (715) 305-4606 SANCTIONED December 7 Pear Harbor Remembrance Day December 15-16 Riding Clinic with Jeremy Steinberg, Lindinhof, 4246 Schneider Drive, Oregon, WI, Contact Megan McIsaac (608) 445-8531 or [email protected] December 21 Winter Begins December 24 Christmas Eve December 25 Christmas Day December 26 “Elf” Holiday Day Camp, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 9am-3pm, $100 per day for 5 - 17 year olds, holiday camps are fun filled days of learning horsemanship, games, crafts and making friends, www.Lstables.com December 27 “Elf” Holiday Day Camp, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 9am-3pm, $100 per day for 5 - 17 year olds, holiday camps are fun filled days of learning horsemanship, games, crafts and making friends, www.Lstables.com December 28 “Elf” Holiday Day Camp, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 9am-3pm, $100 per day for 5 - 17 year olds, holiday camps are fun filled days of learning horsemanship, games, crafts and making friends, www.Lstables.com December 28 “Rose” Horse & Pony Experience, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 10am-Noon, $65 for first time rider and other young children, learn the basics of horsemanship and get comfortable on the farm, www.Lstables.com December 29 “Jewel” Horse & Pony Experience, La Fleur Stables, 3440 Meadow Rd., Verona, WI 53593, 1pm-3pm, $65 for first time rider and other young children, learn the basics of horsemanship and get comfortable on the farm, www.Lstables.com December 31 New Year’s Eve

* FOR MORE EQUINE RELATED UPCOMING EVENTS, click on this link to be redirected to WalkTrotGo.com or Wisconsin Horsemen’s News.

WHC Horsemen’s Calendar of Upcoming Events


FOR SALE:

Harley is a 9 year old 10hh American Shetland Pony. Harley's confirmation is more like a miniature horse, a 10hh Arabian, than the typical Shetland Pony. Harley has a mildly dished face and refined features. He is a gelding and is coffee brown in color with milky coffee highlights in his mane and tail. He has a lush mane and tail. Harley was ridden by a family of little boys in his early years, and has given pony rides while I led him during the time I have owned him. Harley LOVE kids! Harley received all his vaccinations, a clean coggins test, and had his teeth floated in mid May of 2018 so he is all set through April 2019. Harley has his hooves trimmed every six weeks and has never foundered. If you buy Harley and need him delivered, I can do that for an additional fee. Please call and make a date to come visit this sweet, handsome guy. Margo @ 715-249-3329 (O/N/D)

CLASSIFIED ADS EXCLUSIVELY for WHC MEMBERS ONLY! FREE CLASSIFIED ADS in OUR NEWSLETTER!

Ads will be posted for 3 consecutive newsletters. Subject to editing to fill space. Ads must be personal for your horse and equine related items. Not for commercial/business advertising.

WHO IS IN YOUR BACKYARD?

By Karen Kroll, WHC Awards Committee

We are looking for outstanding equestrians and equines, and they just might be in your own backyard. These are people and equines that are making or have made a difference in the horse industry in Wisconsin. It is time to pull these people and equines out of the backyard and put them in the spotlight and recognize their achievements. Do you know someone you could nominate for:

* Horseperson of the Year – award based on the person’s leadership and contributions to Wisconsin’s equine industry * Lifetime Achievement – award based on a lifetime of service to Wisconsin’s equine industry

* Special Achievement – award based on a major accomplishment related to Wisconsin’s equine industry

* Judge of the Year – award based on contributions to the Wisconsin equine industry as a show judge

* Equine of the Year – award recognizes an equine who has enriched the life of one or more humans or been in the spotlight for outstanding acts, creating a positive image for equines and our equine industry

People and a horse chosen for these awards will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony at the Midwest Horse Fair in April 2019. However, they must be nominated and chosen in advance of MHF. Please visit our web site at www.wisconsinhorsecouncil.org and under the Programs tab drop-down menu, click on the Awards tab and download a nomination form. Complete and send forms to the WHC Office in Columbus. The deadline for nominations is fast approaching. We need your help to find the stars in your backyard!

Wisconsin Horse Council SPECIAL CUT & FOLD SECTION!

SPECIAL CUT & FOLD SECTION! Wisconsin Horse Council

District 3 includes the counties of: Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago

District 4 includes the counties of: Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, and Waukesha

District 5 includes the counties of: Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Richland, Sauk, Trempealeau, Vernon, and Wood

District 1 includes the counties of: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor and Washburn District 2 includes the counties of: Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Shawano, and Vilas

Districts

www.wisconsinhorsecouncil.org

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WHC District 1:Contact - OPEN

WHC District 2:Contact - Marilyn Krueger [email protected]

WHC District 3:Contact - Katie Bachhuber 920-539-0601 [email protected]

WHC District 4:Contact - Karen Kroll [email protected]

WHC District 5:Contact - Mike McGowan [email protected]

CounciLetter Deadline The deadline for articles, upcoming events and

advertisements for the WHC CounciLetter is:

January Issue: December 15th noon

Articles must be equine related, may not be for commercial benefit and must be sent to us in a timely fashion. The

Editor reserves the right to revise or refuse articles. Ads and articles are best sent in electronic format

(prefer MS Word or Adobe Acrobat) to:

[email protected]

Office hours: Monday-Friday - 8am-4pm

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Important Dates to Remember:

November 3 WHC District 5 Tack Sale November 6 Election Day November 11 Veteran’s Day

November 12 WHC District 4 Meeting November 22 Happy Thanksgiving! November 28 WHC District 3 Meeting & Holiday Party December 25 Merry Christmas! December 31 New Year’s Eve - HAPPY NEW YEAR! * Please check out our Calendar of Upcoming Events, which is included in each issue of the CounciLetter as well as on the WHC website, for shows, fundraisers, clinics, tack sales and more!

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