“STATE OF THE HORSE” EYE OPENING SUCCESS!

Lake View Terrace, CA: The 1^st Annual “State of the Horse” Convention & Equine Trade Show was enthusiastically
received by nearly 400 participants on Saturday January 28^th, 2006. 30 vendors, over 35 equine related groups &
organizations, elected officials and representatives from all levels of government participated in and enjoyed the programs.

Co sponsored by Valley Horse Owners Association, Vaquero Heritage Foundation (A National Heritage Foundation)
and The “New Heaven on Earth Ranch” Foundation (A National Heritage Foundation). Bringing together elements of equine
related activities, non profits, clubs and programs who were able to highlight their events and focus on critical trail issues.
A trade show showcased Los Angeles businesses that depend on the equine industry.

The morning session held at North Valley City Hall in Tujunga, constituted an impressive assembly of government, conservationists
and trail advocates. Four Congressional, five State Senate & Assembly and three Mayoral offices were represented.
Council Members Wendy Greuel & Alex Padilla were briefed on the importance of passing legislation for the Rim of the
Valley Trail Resource Study in Congress (H.R. 355).

Martha Crusius from the National Parks Service Pacific Headquarters and Teresa Lam from Representative Adam Schiff’s
office spoke regarding the study areas covering the Verdugo mountains, Tujunga Wash, Arroyo Seco, Griffith Park, Santa Susana
and Simi Hills. Attendees were shocked to learn most of the National Forest was already under study. The bill also prohibits
eminent domain. Supporters are encouraged to contact Adam Schiff’s office at 626 448-1271. The benefits of forming a Resource
Conservation District (RCD) and their workings elsewhere in California were then discussed by Ed Burton, USDA, Andrew Rush,
DOC and Tacey Curry CARCD, who flew in from Sacramento to participate.

The Afternoon session was held at All Nations Church in Lake View Terrace. An eagle from Wildlife Waystation opened the program.
Chuck Wagon Trailers provided the BBQ, slow cooking the meat in a hand dug trench at an authentic western camp site
with the chuck wagon as the centerpiece. A diverse group of vendors were set up offering their equine related goods,
services or promoting their groups.

Council Members Wendy Greuel & Alex Padilla and Assembly Member Cindy Montanez began the speakers program.
The “State of the Horse” for 2006 was discussed by representatives all across the foothills, San Fernando, San Gabriel,
Santa Clarita & Antelope Valleys, Santa Monica,

Malibu and Agoura.  California State Horsemen Association, Back Country Horsemen, Wild Horse Preservation Campaign,
ETI National & Local Corrals were among the participants. Cile Borman provided inspiration with the National Anthem and
Don Dunham with his traditional cowboy songs.

2006 will see the formation of the “Equine Chamber of Commerce.” The horse industry not only includes trainers, rent barns & stables,
but high end truck, trailers, corral/arena construction &

real estate sales. This will mark a historic turning point for equine affairs in the greater Los Angeles area.
Mark your calendar for the 2^nd Annual “State of the Horse,” at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank,
Saturday January 27^th, 2007. If you are interested in participating with the chamber or the next “State of the Horse”
please contact: Michael at 818 470-5235, lamikec@yahoo.com or Carol at 818 771-0156, president@vhoa.org.
Visit VHOA’s web site at: www.vhoa.org for the latest developments.