Orange County Horse Council

Welcome to the Orange County Horse Council!

Our Mission

The Purpose of the OCHC is to establish and maintain a corporate organization encouraging cooperation and participation among people who are interested in preserving, promoting and improving the overall equine industry in Orange County, New York with emphasis on education programs, hands-on experiences in the various equine disciplines.

Membership is open to any individual who is interested in the equine industry. Annual dues will be set by the NYSHC Board of Directors and shall accompany each membership application.

The goal of the New York State Horse Council is to be New York's Equine Umbrella organization devoted to creating a forum in which horsemen of diverse interests can use their "horsepower" to guarantee a future of horses, horse sports, and horse-related businesses in New York State.

We are especially interested in existing organizations joining us in a recognized capacity. The more we band together the stronger our voice will become.

Council Successes:

· Horse boarding declared an agricultural pursuit which facilitates tax advantages.
· Law mandating humane transport of horses to slaughter.
· The New York 100 Mile Competitive Trail Ride for 27 successive years.
· Expansion of NY Trail System.
· Support of Cornell's Diagnostic Lab and Equine Facility.
· Standardized Road Signs.
· Law limiting landowner liability for equestrian usage.
· Requirement for Equine Rabies Vaccination for State Fairground Events.

We facilitate grass roots efforts to educate and influence New York State Legislators regarding the tremendous economic impact provided by the horse industry. These Include:

· The New York horse industry produces goods and services valued at $2.4 Billion annually.
· The national industry has a $4.8 Billion impact on the New York economy.
· 258,100 New Yorkers are involved in the industry as: Owners, Service Providers, Employees,
Volunteers and Spectators.
· The Industry provides 35,773 FTE jobs in New York.
· Over 200,000 horses reside in New York and 70% are involved in showing and recreation.
· New York is the home of 9 Racetracks with long seasons and numerous OTB facilities.
· Six of the 40 National Horse Shows of 1996 were held in New York.
· The median income of the average horse owner is $36K to 60K per year.

We also focus on such things as establishing a breed development fund, linkages between racing and non racing people, trail use development & standards, zoning, and the promotion of research into horse health and nutrition. We work in tandem with a number of affiliated organizations to make sure your needs are met.
President's Note: Your continued membership support is extremely important to the success of the NYSHC. These funds are utilized to continue our work in the state on your behalf. We are offering Equisure $1,000,000.00 Excess Equine Personal Liability Insurance through Saddle Partners of America. To provide this benefit we are raising the dues to $55.00 per general membership and insurance is included for one adult and all children in a household under 18, a one-page document with the coverage highlights. A Family membership is $75.00 and insurance is included for two adults and all children under 18. If you have questions about the NYSHC insurance through Equisure/Saddle, please visit NYSHC and see application attached.