Horse Business Spoken Here

by Lisa Derby Oden

November 5, 2011

Do you like this?

This photo may not look very exciting – but it is actually all horsepeople, and they are involved in the political process. They all came together at a hearing related to the ELA statute – and so many came that the hearing had to be moved to the largest auditorium at the state house.

This photo may not look very exciting – but it is actually all horsepeople, and they are involved in the political process. They all came together at a hearing related to the ELA statute – and so many came that the hearing had to be moved to the largest auditorium at the state house.

No, I don’t mean the kind often referred to in the show ring. I mean the kind of politics that happens with our local and federal government representatives. I mean the kind of politics that are necessary when dealing with equestrian interests, such as open space, multi-use trails, zoning, nutrient management, taxation issues, and other industry concerns that may pose a threat to our passion for horses. Let’s talk about effective lobbying for equine issues.

First, take this Horse Industry Literacy Quiz.

1) What is the economic impact of horses in the US?

2) How many horses are there?

3) How many people participate with horses?

4) How many full-time jobs does the horse industry support?

5) What are the total taxes paid (local and federal) by the horse industry?

6) What percent of US horses are used for recreation? Showing? Racing? Other - police, ranch, farm, rodeo, polo?

The answers to the quiz can be found throughout this article. A few people can answer one or two of these questions. Most people start writing these numbers down as I read off the answers. The point is, if we ourselves don’t know these answers, how can we be effective when trying to explain our issues and concerns to someone outside of the industry? We can’t.

Consider this example. You’ve heard that you’re going to need a license to keep your horse at home. The process is going to involve: $1262 initial fee, proof of ownership, a list of individuals living within 300’, environmental information form, building evaluation, location and site map permit review. If approved you’ll also need an annual site inspection, $208 for up to 2 horses, and $22/additional horse. If this sounds far-fetched to you, it’s not as far as you’d think. This was introduced in San Mateo County, California in the late 90’s. What would your response be? You’d probably want to call your representative.

Scenario One: Hi, this is Ima Horse Lover. There’s something happening that I want you to fix. Why? Because I love horses, can’t imagine living without them. Isn’t that good enough?

Scenario Two: Hi, this is Ima Lot Smarter. I belong to the State Horse Council with 500 members, and one of your constituents. There’s an issue I’d like to speak to you about and request your support on. Why? Because our industry supports 1.4 million jobs, has an economic impact of $102 billion, pays $1.9 billion in total taxes.

The impact that scenario two has is certainly more credible and has enough important data to get our representatives attention. Our representatives are more than willing to listen; after all it is their job. They deal with many hundreds of issues in any one year, and look to the industry to educate them about the issues. Without any information to go on, they are left in the dark. There is a saying that all politics are local, and there is much truth to that. That means that grass-roots efforts are still very effective. In New Hampshire where I live, our representatives have said that if they hear from one constituent the issue is controversial; two means the issue is a priority; three means it’s a landslide; and four means that its mandate from the people and they vote accordingly.

Myths explored and exploded

Reasons given for not addressing our issues by different individuals are many.

Myth 1: I don’t have time.

Not good enough. Take ½ hour each week (that’s right, even if it has to come out of your riding time) to learn about the issues and contact someone who can help resolve the issues.

Myth 2: Someone else will do it.

Not true. If you don’t care enough about it to get involved and help, why would someone else?

Myth 3: There is strength in numbers.

Not if the numbers aren’t known, aren’t available or are invisible. The figures given earlier are national figures from the Economic Impact Study prepared for the American Horse Council Foundation in 2005. Yes, we know that there are 9.2 million horses in the US, and that 4.6 million people participate nationwide, but it’s even more effective if you can give these figures for your own state or region. When organizations such as Agricultural Statistics or horse councils try to capture local and regional data by conducting surveys, they often indicate that they have a low response. I’ve heard many horse people say that if they count us, they’ll tax us. To the contrary, a silent majority has never been effective. There is no void left by us trying to hide or keep quiet. Someone else with other interests and a louder voice will make their point.

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by Lisa Derby Oden

November 5, 2011

Latest Comments

  • Politics and Horses

    As an acutal rescue sanctuary operator, my days are more than full and am often tempted to push aside requests to write, FAX or call members of Congress on various issues that impact horses because the care and keep of those under my stewardship (36) leaves very little time to sit down at my computer. However, when people like Laura Allen of the Animal Law Coaliton, who ride point for us on these matters, ask for help, I some how make the time. We can't complain about government action or inaction if we don't participate in the system, no matter how fruitless it may seem at times. Those of us who do the actual rescue are on the frontlines of horse welfare and it is only right that we stand up and be counted when given the opportunity. What happens to horses is not a theory for us, it is our daily reality. Thanks for running this article, Maryr!

    Posted by Allen Warren, Horse Harbor Foundation November 08, 2011 09:31:05

  • The "other side of our message"

    I am a bit puzzled about Lynn Baber's comment referring to the "other side" of our message. I assume she is a fan of Senator Baucus and that she is implying we are politically biased. In fact, we care only about a politician's support of equine welfare.

    For example, we invited senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle to speak at the IEC.

    Ed Whitfield (R-KY) gave a memorable talk. He was the sponsor of our legislation the one and only year it got a vote in the house. He let us use his office as a base during the run up to the vote and got us passes to see the actual vote. It never got heard in the Senate unfortunately.

    We gave the award for legislative accomplishment (2011) to Jim Moran (D-VA) for his fight to keep defunding language in the Ag budget earlier this year.

    We received a wonderful letter of appreciation from Dan Burton (R-ID). He is a fantastic friend of the horses. And Senator Landrieu's (D-VA) aid Elizabeth Weiner gave a presentation on her behalf.

    We have always enjoyed bi-partisan support and we cherish every one of them more than they can know. However, we don't intend to play sweet with people who have sold out to the dark side.

    Posted by John Holland November 07, 2011 21:53:15

  • The other side of the story...

    Good basic commentary on how politics works. Unfortunately the bottom line in politics is power. Money is important but is really just a vehicle to deliver power. Any issue has two sides, as do most horse issues. The number one problem facing us is that of unwanted horses. National issues of transportation and licensure flow from that problem.

    Politically speaking, the money is on one side and horse lovers with common sense are on the other side. In a perfect world we would meet in the middle -- but this is not a perfect world.

    Bottom line: The horse world is no different from any other. Political power is used to further one's own opinion which always differs from that of someone else. Like some material published by the Equine Welfare Alliance, if you examine the "other side" of their message it is quite revealing... Read their release dated 9-14-11 posted on this site, "Senator Baucus dons his horse slaughter suicide vest."

    Fanaticism makes for ugly words, most of which have nothing to do with reality.

    Posted by Lynn Baber November 07, 2011 08:10:32

  • Your voice does count

    Great article, Lisa. One person can make a difference. So many assume political action only comes from money (campaign donations). Honestly, I've found quite the opposite to be true in my rural community. Many serve because they're passionate about being a voice for a minority and are interested in giving back. But, as you state, no legislator has the time to read the tomes produced as bills these days, let alone research issues they're not familiar with. A single constituent (I'll vary with you here a bit on the 2 makes a priority) can alert a politician about a problem they may have never considered. Doing this in an informed and supportive way (give them what they need to argue the case) can lead to law (or not - most laws proposed tend to do more harm than good where the horse industry, or business in general, is concerned). Thanks so much for covering this one. Let's hope it makes more realize they can make a huge difference with little time.

    Posted by Nanette Levin November 05, 2011 21:34:58

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