Purina Feed Recall - Ohio is not involved - read more

Message from the President  - We've just concluded another very successful Equine Affaire with 58 out of 60 counties represented.  The booth looked great and many positive comments were received. - So now it's time to for you to get out and support the All American Youth Show.  The sign up sheet has been posted and we need volunteers to open and close the gates for this event.  Here's your chance to show your support for the youth and we need you. This event is coming up fast, so sign up now....  sign-up sheet  

Equine Affaire Thank You and Pictures

Reminder - OHC Trail "Grant" Deadline May 31-  The state organization has set aside a small amount of seed money to help individual chapters with their projects. Applications must be for an equine use project and should be submitted to Rick Patterson by the Chapter president before May 31st.  Applications should include 1) a description of the project 2) number of users affected 3) cost of the project.  The Executive Cabinet will meet in June to review the applications.  Chapter presidents should see their regional representatives for more information.

Mind your manners - Your trail manners that is.... Now that we're all thinking about getting back in the saddle, it's time to remember a few common sense rules.

1. Stay on the designated trails - We've already had reports that riders are making new 'short-cuts' and going off trail at Great Seal State Park.  This creates problems for everyone and puts us and the land managers in a bad position.  Going off trail causes erosion problems and could force land managers to close trails that we have fought so hard to keep open and negatively impacts our ability to open new trails.
2. Stay out of the mud - Evaluate trail conditions before riding, if conditions are such that you are going to damage the trails by riding them - then wait.  It might be an inconvenience not to be able to ride when you want to now - but it will ultimately save us work later - and help keep the trails open.  Remember that there is a lot of volunteer labor which goes to maintaining the trail systems in Ohio - and there is only so much time/money to go around.  If there are not enough resources to maintain them properly then they will be in danger of being closed.  Don't create tomorrow's problem by riding when you shouldn't today.
3. Control your pets - Dogs must be on a leash in state parks.  Pets should be under control at all times.
4. Be considerate of other trail riders -All trail riders are not created equal.  Some riders have more experience/skill than others. Do not put other riders at risk by assuming that they can control a situation that you create. Make sure that all riders in the group are mounted up before leaving.  When meeting on a trail - stay to the right.  Proceed single file on crowded trails.  Avoid cantering on busy trails.  Do not lope past other riders.
5. Be considerate of other trail users - Horses should have the right of way when meeting hikers or bicyclists on the trail, however you may meet someone who is not aware of the rules of etiquette or the nature of horses.  Ask other trail users to make their presence known to the horse by talking (letting the horse know that they are indeed "human"). All people in the party should step off to the same side of the trail to give the horse room to pass.  Make sure that the horse has seen the other users.  Proper trail etiquette is based on common sense and safety for all concerned.  Sometimes it may be safer for the horse to yield rather than the other way around.   Be cordial, use your best judgement, and communicate with those involved.
6. Respect the environment - Pack out what you pack in and pick up after yourself on the trail and at the trail-head. Leave the natural environment natural for the next group to enjoy.    (posted 4/29/08)

                                                                                                                                                         (posted 4/4/08)

Ohio Trails Partnership completes another successful annual work weekend establishing new trails at Pleasant Hill Lake Park.  This multi-phase project will ultimately include a new horseman's camp at Pleasant Hill Lake and will create a 70-mile loop of trails connecting the trails at Mohican State Forest, Pleasant Hill Lake and Malabar Farm.   more                                                                                                   (posted 4/17/08)

2007 Trail Mileage Reports are now posted on the Forms & Info page.  Check them out!

Congratulations to Morgan County, Washington County and Patricia Matthews!

Attention All Counties - if you have not sent your 2008 officer information in - PLEASE do so now.  It should go to:   Kristin Green, 2705 West Pekin Rd., Springboro, Ohio 45066, 937-743-5530, email

 Check out the New Additions!   Purchasing Package - An exciting benefit for Ohio Horseman’s Council members.  This members-only package allows you, our members, to purchase goods and services from major manufacturers and dealers at a great discount.  For details click here.

2008 State Ride Schedule - Get all the dates and info on this flyer!

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Self defense tips for Trail Riders - While we would all hope to never be in a compromising situation, personal vigilance and awareness can help keep you out of potentially dangerous situations.  View a short video clip produced by Scot Hansen (retired mounted police officer) for self-defense tips which can be used when trail riding at www.horsethink.com   (posted 1/14/08)

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USDA Releases Draft NAIS Business Plan - "A Business Plan to Advance Animal Disease traceability" detailing recommended strategies to achieving optimal disease tracing capabilities...more   (posted 1.7.08)

Senate passes Farm Bill - Senate Farm bill includes provisions beneficial to horse owners.

AHC submits comments to USDA - regarding changes in regulations governing commercial transportation of equines for slaughter.  See the Legislative page for the latest info.  (posted 1/8/08)

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Need Hay??? - Your local county extension office may be able to help,  Some extension offices have put together formal lists to try and help those in need find those who have and vice versa.  Here's a link to a list of the county extension offices.  Extension List   In addition, we will maintain a list of OHC members that have hay available. See  Hay Links  (updated 8.27.07)

OSU Equine Newsletter -  Check out this months informative article on equine first aid kits. Go to Links   (updated 5/8/08)

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FMI:   Contact Rick Patterson, OHC State President