Aims and Objectives of the Pennsylvania Equine Council
The overall goals and aims of the PEC is to make it easier, more affordable, safer and more enjoyable to own equines and participate in equestrian sports in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Among recent accomplishments:
- The PEC has spearheaded introduction of a bill in the
state legislature to limit equine liability, and is
shepherding the bill through the legislative process.
Equine liability legislation would create a competitive
insurance market and result in improved access to horses,
fewer barriers for new people entering the world of horse
sports, less risk and more peace of mind for horse owners,
and growth for the state's horse industry. Legislation
introduced eleven years in a row died in committee ten times.
The first hearing ever was held on HB 896 in October, 2003.
For the first time, it appears this beneficial legislation
may have a chance. Similar bills have passed in 44 states,
and 66 members of the PA House of Representatives have
signed on as co-sponsors
- The PEC has organized two events for state officials, Rock
the Horse World in October, 2003 and a Legislative Reception
in February, 2004 to bring horse related issues to the
attention of state legislators. Both were well attended and
succeeded in expanding awareness of the needs of horse
owners in the state.
- The PEC has taken the lead in trails issues, working with
land managers and training trail riders as well as other
non-motorized trail users to "Leave No Trace" and
in the process ensure that access to trails will continue
for generations to come. Land managers across the state are
welcoming horse owners as partners in the ongoing challenge
to build and maintain a sustainable trails system.
- The PEC has trained numerous fire departments how to deal
with the special situation of horses caught in a barn fire.
- The PEC has assisted Penn State with the Economic Impact
Study which showed that the equine industry has a value to
the state of $10 billion.
- The PEC gathered experts to educate horse owners on a
variety of topics from nutrition to manure management at
Pennsylvania Horse World Expo.
- The PEC has provided help, support and information to
countless horse owners facing challenges of all kinds, from
legal to employment.
To be effective, the PEC needs to hear from, garner support from and be able to communicate with all the state's horse owners. Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the United States in numbers of horses -- our numbers are large and impressive. If we work together, we can ensure a healthy industry with the infrastructure, laws and protection we need to make Pennsylvania a great place to own and ride horses for generations to come.
We can't do it without your membership, support, ideas and participation. Join the PEC now.
The Mission of the Pennsylvania Equine Council
- To represent and promote the interests of the entire equine community and industry in Pennsylvania.
- To provide educational programs for the equine community and the general public that lead to more effective management, safety and opportunities for equestrian activities.
- To enhance communication among all equine enthusiasts.
- To protect and preserve the equine heritage in Pennsylvania.