Hear Ye Hear Ye
Folks – this is a great idea- turn the huge proposed Greenvest development area near Aldie (widely opposed and now bankrupt) into a new state
park.  There are now no such state parks in Loudoun and we need more.  And, this would be a great use for this open land.
Please go to the link and sign on to this petition and add any comments you wish to.
If you have specific questions about the proposal, please contact Steve Hines at SHines3243@aol.com
http://www.myonlinepetition.com/petition/231/Create+a+State+Park+in+Loudoun+County/
Caroline


Fauquier County Equestrian Facilities Petition
Please forward this to fellow equestrians and friends, and urge them to please fill out the survey as soon as possible.  You do not have to be a Fauquier
County resident to participate.
There is a REAL need for public equestrian trails and a public equestrian facility here in Fauquier County.  Think how many of us trailer to private
facilities to use their trails and facilities  (I was at at Kelly's Ford earlier this week) and trailer to public trails (Lake Ann, etc).  Fauquier County still has
miles and miles of great trails and ride out, but they are predominately on private land.  Let's all push for more public trails and facilities open to all
and help preserve some of Virginia's best horse country.  This is a real opportunity for the Virginia equestrian community to make our voices heard now.
Thanks for your help!  --Jinx
From: Mary Schmidt maryschmidt1@mac.com
Support Needed NOW for Covered Arena in Fauquier
Hello All,
The Fauquier Equestrian Forum has recently made a very well received presentation to the Fauquier County Parks and Recreation Board of Directors,
asking for their support in the creation of a covered riding arena and trails in Fauquier County.
The County is now asking us to provide data which proves need for such a facility. To this end, we have posted a link on our website to a brief survey
that will demonstrate this need.  It is not necessary to be a Fauquier resident in order to participate.
Our website is:
www.ridefauquier.com     http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qhQPY9E1QYsHpGpC6Fnoxg_3d_3d
We have also left petitions at the registers of the following businesses:
1.  Tri County Feeds (Marshall)
2.  Booth Feeds (Warrenton)
3.  Warrenton Farmer's Co Op (CFC)
4.  Marshall Farmer's Co Op (CFC)
5.  Horse Country (Warrenton)
6.  Old Habit (Marshall)
7.  Saddlery Liquidators ( Haymarket and Middleburg)
These petitions will only be out until Sunday, that's less than a week.  FEF meets back with Parks and Rec on Monday, November 16th.  I am asking
each of you to PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR VOICE IS HEARD.  Now is our opportunity to make this happen.  Please take a moment to answer the
survey and sign the petition.
Also, I would very much like to get more petitions placed, particularly, in the southern end of the County.  Could anyone who knows of a good
location, please call or email me with that information.
Thanks so much for your prompt attention to this matter.
Mary Page
President
Fauquier Equestrian Forum
(540) 341-2143
PETITION TO Gov. Kaine  --  Create a State Park in Loudoun County
If you have a chance to take a look and, hopefully sign the petition...
http://www.myonlinepetition.com/petition/231/Create+a+State+Park+in+Loudoun+County/



USERL - The $5 Difference
Greetings!
The state of the economy has severely depleted the resources available to USERL this year, yet we continue to rescue horses at a record rate, with a
waitlist of even more animals needing help.
While we have many needs, funds are the most critical.  Funds are used to pay for medical care, farrier care and basic supplies, such as feed, hay,
shavings, and other items that are not luxuries, but necessities in equine care.  With a donation of even a few dollars, you can help rebuild the pool of
resources that allows us to provide care to horses who so desperately need it.
If every person receiving this donates even $5, we'll be able to make it through the end of the year.
That's it.  $5.  That's all we're asking.
$5 and you can make a difference.
The success of USERL is the result of committed people working together.  People are our greatest resource, for everyone involved with us understands
how small individual actions make a huge collective difference.
Please give $5 and make a difference today. www.userl.org/
If you are considering USERL for your annual charitable contribution, of course we'll accept any funds you'd like to send.  We'll be happy to provide tax-
deduction receipts for any amount over $25 (otherwise the receipt you receive at checkout from the online store serves as proof of your donation).  You
may use any of the above links to access the donation area of our website.  If you prefer to submit your donation by check, it can be mailed directly to
USERL at:
USERL
9660 Falls of Neuse Road
Suite 138 Box 300
Raleigh, NC  27615
Thank you,
Jennifer Hack
United States Equine Rescue League, Inc.
The United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) is a 501©(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the compassionate care of equines.  Our mission is
to rescue, protect and rehabilitate abused, neglected or abandoned equines in need.


Forwarding - any support you can give to these great organizations, US Trail Ride, Tri-State Riding Club and the Loudoun Horse Association, would
be greatly appreciated. Donations will be supporting the building of a public riding facility at Franklin Park in Purcellville, Va.
Dear Members and Friends,
As you many of you know, we have been working very hard to develop a public equestrian facility in Loudoun County.  We are focused on the
installation of a riding arena at Franklin Park in Purcellville, VA.  The County is home to the largest equine population in the state of Virginia.  Sadly,
Loudoun County does not currently have any public riding facilities, save a few trails, to serve this vital population.  As all of us are painfully aware,
there are budget shortfalls, cutbacks, and other priorities that preclude the County from directly developing the equestrian facilities at Franklin, or any
other park in the County at this time.
US Trail Ride, Tri-State Riding Club and the Loudoun Horse Association have raised $8,500 towards constructing a riding arena at Franklin Park.  The
business community has been incredibly supportive and responsive.  We have donation commitments for a large portion of the materials and labor
required to install the arena.  However, a gap of about $1,000 still remained.  On September 22nd we were informed that in order to begin grading
the site, silt fencing must be installed.  Silt fencing was not anticipated and adds more than $2,000 to the construction cost.  Now we have a shortfull
of $3,000.
We are on the eve of moving forward with this project but we need your help.  We hope to begin constructing the arena at Franklin Park this fall so that
the facility will be ready for public use by early next spring.  We cannot proceed unless we have the funds in hand, and urgently need your donation to
move this effort forward and complete the first ever public equestrian facility in Loudoun County.  150 donations of $20 would close the gap.  300
donations of $10 would close the gap.  No amount is too small or too large.  With your support we can do it, and we will demonstrate that we are
determined to have public equestrian facilities in Loudoun County.
The money we have raised thus far has been placed in a fund administered by the United States Trail Ride, Inc.  USTR is a 501c3 Tax Exempt
organization, run entirely by volunteers so every dollar donated will directly fund the completion of this project.  Donations to USTR are tax deductable
and you will get a receipt.  Please send whatever you can, with a memo that the money is to be used for Equestrian Facilities, to:
USTR
P.O. Box 2749
Leesburg, VA 20177
Thank you so much for your support.
Yvonne Wheaton                     Leslie Gottesman                          Mary Terpak
US Trail Ride                            Tri-State Riding Club                    Loudoun Horse Association
Mary Terpak
mlterpak@earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.


Even if you don’t live in Delaware, please respond to this survey.  We need all the help we can get opening up more state land for equestrian use.
Brenda
Subject: Horse trails -time sensitive
Hello
We have a trail survey put out by the state, last time only 7% of equestrians responded, hence in a DNREC meeting our trails
people were told, no response says no trails needed for horses and they wanted to stop all equestrian use of DE State Trails!
So we need to ask ourselves as equestrians ..... Do we need and want trails? Yes we do! Please do your part and do the survey
and get this info to everyone 10 years old and older and you do not have to be a resident! You have a voice use it!
go to and click on http://www.delawareequinecouncil.com/News.htm
If you do not have computer use, call Peggy Koster 302-629-5233 for paper copy!


Hi everyone
This is just a reminder that Dove season began on Saturday. Please keep
this in mind when you are trail riding.
Remember: No riding on the state owned Wildlife Management Areas during hunting hours. These properties are designated for hunting and are
funded through hunting and fishing licenses. We don't want the hunters complaining about horses interfering with hunting because it could jeopardize
our use of these lands for riding.
Dove season date are listed below. You can check the seasons for all game by going to the DGIF website http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/
WMA Rules can be found in the brochure posted on the website as well.
http://www.dgif.virginia.ov/hunting/regulations/ wmarules.pdf
DOVE Season:
September 5 - September 26
Hours:
12:00 noon until sunset.
Hunting permitted on Labor Day, Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
Season:
October 7 - November 7
December 25 - January 9
Hours:
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Hunting permitted daily except Sundays.
Sally Aungier
Boards:
Virginia Horse Council
Trails & Greenways Task Force, Virginia Outdoors Plan
Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC)
Powhatan Riding Association
Friends of Powhatan State Park
Keep up with current trail events by joining VaHorseTrails. To subscribe
just click on this link: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vahorsetra ils/>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vahorsetra ils/



Certain Recreational Activities in Virginia's State Forests Will Require
A State Forest Use Permit Beginning July 1, 2009
Trailriders
This is just a reminder that the new law which allows the Virginia State
Forest system to charge a recreational user fee for horseback riding and
biking is now in effect. Please be sure to purchase your licenses so that you are in compliance. The link for on line purchases is embedded in the
press release below. They are being sold as an add-on to the state hunting and fishing licenses. Note that a $1 surcharge has been added so the
actual cost is $16, not $15 as mentioned in the press release. This has been done because the Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries is administering the
program for the Dept. of Forestry (DOF).

Please be sure to select the special license box "Virginia State Forest Use Permit" as shown below. The state will be able to track how many of these
are sold so that we will be to obtain an impact analysis at the end of the year. You can make your purchase either on-line or at any location that
sells hunting and fishing licenses. The special licenses will help the DOF to develop a small funding source for trail and trailhead improvements.
This effort will by no means replace the trail volunteer efforts that are already established in the many of the Forests.
Sally Aungier
Boards:
Virginia Horse Council
Trails & Greenways Task Force, Virginia Outdoors Plan
Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC)
Powhatan Riding Association
Friends of Powhatan State Park
News Release
For Immediate Release
June 29, 2009
Contact: John Campbell 434.220.9070 or 434.989.0665 VDOF
09022
Certain Recreational Activities in Virginia's State Forests Will Require
A State Forest Use Permit Beginning July 1, 2009
During this year's legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed a new law requiring certain recreational users of the Commonwealth' s State
Forests to purchase an annual permit. This law goes into effect Wednesday, July 1st. The State Forest Use Permit is required for anyone 16 years and
older who hunts, fishes, traps, rides mountain bikes or horses in one of Virginia's 19 State Forests. Anyone walking, hiking or canoeing will not need the
Use Permit.
The new Use Permit replaces the state forest license that used to be required of those hunting or trapping on the state forests. Obtaining a Use
Permit is a new requirement for those who fish or ride horses or mountain bikes in the state forests. The State Forest Use Permit is valid for all
five activities. This State Forest Use Permit does not apply to our national forests, national parks, state parks or state-managed wildlife
management areas.
The Use Permit, which costs $15 annually, is good for one year following its purchase. All funds generated by the Use Permit will go toward enhancing
recreational opportunities on the State Forests. Since the founding of Virginia's first state forest (Prince Edward – Gallion
State Forest) in 1919, the state forests have been self-supporting entities – meaning they receive no tax dollars. Now, with 19 state forests in the
system and increased demand for recreational use by Virginia's citizens, the system cannot rely solely on the sale of timber on just the three largest
forests to provide enough funding to operate, maintain and improve the entire system of 19 state forests – hence the need for the new Use Permit.
The State Forest Use Permit is available online at http://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/horf/ or at authorized retailers who
sell the Virginia state hunting license.
Copy of amended regulation:
CHAPTER 297
An Act to amend and reenact § 10.1-1152
<http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe? 000+cod+10.1-1152> of the Code
of Virginia, relating to forestry permits to fish and ride mountain bikes and horses.
[S 1473]
Approved March 27, 2009
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 10.1-1152
<http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+10.1-1152> of the Code
of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 10.1-1152 <http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe? 000+cod+10.1-1152>
. State Forester may require permits and fees.
A. The State Forester is authorized, with the approval of the Board, to require any person who hunts, fishes, or traps, rides mountain bikes, or
rides horses on any of the lands described in § 10.1-1151
<http://leg1.state.va. us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe? 000+cod+10.1-1151> to obtain a special use permit or special use permits. Permits to hunt. A special
use permit to engage in these activities on any such lands shall be issued for a fee, not to exceed $15 annually for each permit, as fixed by the State
Forester. Permits to trap on such lands may be issued in combination with the hunting permits, or separately, at a fee not to exceed $15 annually for
each such permit, to be fixed by the State Forester.
B. The State Forester is also authorized to enter into an agreement with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries under which the Department of
Game and Inland Fisheries will include permits required under subsection A in its program for the sale of permits and licenses by the means and to the
extent authorized by § 29.1-327 <http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe? 000+cod+29.1-327> .



Action Alert: AHC Seeks to Document Equestrian Access Issues on Public Land
The American Horse Council has launched a new effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The
center piece of this effort is an AHC online form riders can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails and federal lands that have been
closed to them or other access issues.  This online form is located here https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.
Efforts to gain support for legislation to protect equestrian access to public land have been hampered by a lack of information regarding the
reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of public lands to horses and pack animals.  This new initiative will allow the recreational riding
community to report when they are forced off a trail or are fighting to stay on a trail.  This information will be used to clearly demonstrate the extent of
the problem and the need for action on the part of Congress or the federal land agencies.
The online form can also be used to document any successes riders have had keeping a trail or area open to horses.  Such information is needed as
well.
The AHC is requesting that its member organizations help spread the word about this new program by placing information about it on their websites
and or in their organization newsletters.   More information about this initiative and the form to report access issues can be found here
https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.
Attached is a press release that can be used by your organization on your websites or in your newsletters.  Please feel free to change it for your use.
If you have any questions please contact Ben Pendergrass at (202)296-4031.
1616 H Street NW 7th Floor  •  Washington, DC 20006  •  Office: 202-296-4031  •  Fax: 202-296-1970
Email: ahc@horsecouncil.org  •  Web Address: www.horsecouncil.org



Virginia Horse Council Needs You!
Forwarded message from Debbie Agnew who sits on the VHC board and works tirelessly for us.
I need your help please, or rather the Virginia Horse Council does.
Please encourage folks to join the Virginia Horse Council. We need to increase our membership so that when we go to the General Assembly to speak
to our Legislators about issues concerning horsemen here in the Commonwealth, they will realize just how many folks (voters) are being impacted by
their decisions.  The VHC has very low membership fees. We are working hard to be the voice for all horsemen in the Commonwealth and would  
greatly appreciate their support through becoming a member. The website is: www.virginiahorsecouncil.org You may join online.
Thanks so much for all you do!!! As horsemen, we need to speak up individually as well as collectively if we want to "Keep the ride alive".
Best regards,
Debbie Agnew



Horses stolen in Florida slaughtered.
http://www.netposse.com/Florida_ horse_theft_ slaughter.html



While this information is not about a Va trail I know that many of you live close to NC and ride the trails there as well.
Please see the information below about a new trail that is proposed down by New Bern. (close to the
beach) They are seeking comments until Apr 6. For a map of the National Forest District click on this link
http://www.cs. unca.edu/ nfsnc/recreation /croatanrecmap. pdf
Sally Aungier
Horse trail could be ready by fall in Croatan National Forest
http://www.enctoday .com/news/ trail_44702_ nbsj__article. html/croatan_ national.html
<mailto:sbook@freedomenc.com> Sue Book
March 31, 2009 - 8:08PM
HAVELOCK - The U.S. Forest Service's first equestrian trail in the Croatan National Forest could be ready for riding this fall with a bicycle trail soon to
follow.
The 16-mile trail is planned for the Pinecliff Recreation area of the southeastern Craven County part of the Croatan. It would parallel the
Neusiok Trail and cross it twice. The Forest Service will decide whether to approve the horse trail after receiving a biological review and getting
public opinion.
Pinecliff is a Croatan Forest recreation area on the Neuse River off N.C. 101 and N.C 306 near the Cherry Branch Ferry landing. It now has walking
trails and a beach, picnic area, and public parking and toilets. The riding trail and a parking lot for 20 trucks with horse trailers and 50
cars would be in the Cherry Branch community, where stables and horseback riding areas are already visible from the roadway.
Those expected to use it, however, will come from all over the state and country, said Dennis Foster, assistant forest ranger in charge of the
project.
The first money for the trail is already in hand - a $71,000 grant from the North Carolina Recreational Trails System which the U.S.D.A. Forest
Service will match, Foster said. "But we are short of funding for this and we will be asked to show them that there would be use to justify it."
Comments supporting broad-based interest in the trail are beginning to pile high, "all positive so far. Everybody likes the idea," Foster said. The
deadline for official comment is April 6. "Trails are not very controversial, " Foster said. "They are not big impact
projects like making a camp ground. Most people think they are good ways to get people out to enjoy the ecosystem."
Foster identified key leaders in the effort including Dave Wright, a retired recreation program manager for the Forest Service in North Carolina;
Amy Andrews of the Craven County Cooperative Extension Service, who coordinated volunteers advocating for the trail; and Daryl McBain, a leader
in the state Recreation Trails Program.
He credited Wright for "his diligence in guiding the Croatan into the modern age" and said his list was in no way all-inclusive: "The beauty of this
project is that there are so many people involved. It is really neat seeing everybody get together."
Andrews, who leaves the Craven County Cooperative Extension Service this week after eight years, rode the future trial on Monday with members of the
local group of BITS, Benefiting Intercoastal Trails Systems, an organization dedicated to preserving and developing trails for equestrian use in Eastern
North Carolina.
She said an estimate of potential trail use, using BITS members and those of REINS, Regional Equine Information System, operating through N.C. State,
is an average of at least 30 riders a day. Even without a trail in place, riders have used the area often, including for annual education trail rides
of more than 100 riders.
"The attraction is water, being along the shoreline," said Andrews. The trail is close to the pinecliff bordering the Neuse River in some places
and, in places, follows Hancock Creek which separates the forest from the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point.
Andrews said that storms, like Hurricane Ophelia, have often moved the cliffs back, so the Forest Service trail plan moves it back about 50 feet
"to be on the safe side."
The price tag for the project, including the parking lots with access to the riding trail, Neusiok Trail, and a bike trail, is more than $250,000, Foster
said. He said preliminary biological and archeological surveys show no threatened or endangered plant, animal, or aquatic species "that would be
game stoppers" for the trail through "one of the prettiest areas in the Croatan."
"It is an opportunity to see and experience the most visual areas of the forest, with a pine plantation, a pine forest and a hardwood range," Foster
said. "I see it becoming a major attraction to the Croatan."
Comments should be directed to the Croatan District Ranger, Croatan National
Forest, 141 East Fisher Avenue, New Bern, NC 28560; (252) 638-5628 or fax
(252) 637-9113; or
<mailto : comments-souther-north-carolina-croatan@fs.fed.us>
comments-southern-north-carolina-croatan@fs.fed.us.



From the Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/15/homelessness-hitting-horses/
Maryland horse owners are "dumping" their unwanted livestock at 10 times the rate of last year, and the horses they're shedding are not just
backyard ponies, according to informal statistics from rescue organizations.   Horse-rescue operators are wrestling with a staggering number of
horses in need of homes, a byproduct of the region's crumbling economy, struggling racetracks and the closure of U.S. slaughter plants.
Kathy Howe, president of the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, keeps records of every call the farm receives from owners trying to surrender
horses.   In February 2008, Days End received eight calls involving eight horses.  In February 2009, Ms. Howe recorded 17 calls involving 101 horses - a
tenfold increase in just one year.  Of the 101, 47 were thoroughbreds.
The majority of callers say they're surrendering their horses for financial reasons, Ms. Howe said. About one-third of the callers gave that reason in
2008.   Other rescue operators also have seen a dramatic increase in owner surrenders.
CAPITAL NEWS SERVICE photographs Organizations such as the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Md., are reporting a surge in the number of
unwanted horses.   "I turn away five to six horses a week, and it used to be five a month," said Elle Williams, executive director of HorseNet Horse Rescue
in Mount Airy. "Within the last year, it's gotten really bad."   "Most of the equine rescues are filled to capacity, and I get calls at least twice a week," said
Pat Douglas, founder of the Pheasant Hill Equine Foundation in Adamstown.  "I would definitely say the economy has something to do with the amount
of horses needing homes."
Kathy Howe, president of the Days End Farm Horse Rescue, blames the economy for the tenfold increase she has seen in the number of owners trying
to get rid of their horses, many of them thoroughbreds.   Rescue horses come from different backgrounds. Some are pets or riding horses that people
can no longer afford to keep.   But Nicky Ratliff, executive director of the Carroll County Humane Society, thinks many are racing or show horses no
longer wanted in the industry for financial or performance reasons.
"Any time that you are using animals for any kind of competition, a certain percentage of those animals will never be able to compete on the
necessary level," Ms. Ratliff said.  "You're only going to take the cream of the crop.  You see how they perform, and the ones that don't, don't have
another use."   
The thoroughbred industry is so prominent in Maryland that several horse rescues focus only on those castoffs, including Summerwinds Stables in
Warwick.   Founder Elena DiSilvestro said there's been a huge increase in the number of horses brought to her attention just within the past three to six
months.   There almost has to be a level of responsibility that starts with the race industry, where they say, 'Hey, eventually this horse is not going to be
able to race anymore,'" Ms. DiSilvestro said. "I think they have to say, 'When this horse's racing career is done, what is his future?'"
Some measures are now being taken at a national level.  The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is implementing new standards for its
member racetracks that would, among other things, require them to have a program in place to assist with the aftercare, or second career, of
thoroughbreds, according to spokesman Eric Wing.   "We've got to do more on that front to successfully transition the thoroughbreds off the track," Mr.
Wing said.   Horse racing is a troubled business in Maryland.
Major setbacks in recent months have dealt serious blows to the state's racing industry.   Magna Entertainment Corp., owner of Pimlico Race Course
and Laurel Park, filed for bankruptcy protection March 5.  On Thursday, an Anne Arundel County Circuit judge barred the latest attempt at a slots
license for Laurel Park. Slots revenue was seen as possibly the best chance at securing the solvency of Maryland tracks.
The scenario is not unique to Maryland, said Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association President Daniel Metzger. Kentucky has also been trying,
so far unsuccessfully, to get slots legislation passed, and it's affecting the industry there.
"Horse owners might love their horses, but at the same time in a tough economy, if you have a horse that's not successful at the racetrack, you might
need to find a way to get rid of it," Mr. Metzger said.



Posted On March 25, 2009
PETA Killed 95 Percent of Adoptable Pets in its Care During 2008
Hypocritical Animal Rights Group’s 2008 Disclosures Bring Pet Death Toll To 21,339
WASHINGTON DC – Today the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) published documents online showing that People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals (PETA) killed 95 percent of the adoptable pets in its care during 2008. Despite years of public outrage over its euthanasia
program, the animal rights group kills an average of 5.8 pets every day at its Norfolk , VA headquarters.
According to public records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, PETA killed 2,124 pets last year and placed only
seven in adoptive homes. Since 1998, a total of 21,339 dogs and cats have died at the hands of PETA workers.
Despite having a $32 million budget, PETA does not operate an adoption shelter. PETA employees make no discernible effort to find homes for the
thousands of pets they kill every year. Last year, the Center for Consumer Freedom petitioned Virginia ’s State Veterinarian to reclassify PETA as a
slaughterhouse.
CCF Research Director David Martosko said: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of
society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters
building?”
Martosko added: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical
research, or taking children to the circus?”
CCF obtained PETA’s “Animal Record” filings since 1998 from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Members of the public
can see these documents at PetaKillsAnimals.com.
In addition to exposing PETA’s hypocritical record of killing defenseless animals, the Center for Consumer Freedom has publicized the animal rights
group’s ties to violent activists, and shed light on its aggressive message-marketing to children.



FRAUD/SCAM ALERT!  from Virginia Equestrian Newsletter  info@virginiaequestrian.com
Hi Everyone. Just to let you know, there is a scam email being sent to many if not all of our registered users. This email seems a little more legitimate
than most scammer emails (like the ones from Nigeria), but know that it is definitely not someone who is actually looking to buy a horse. Please be
aware of this! Thanks!
HERE IS A COPY OF THE EMAIL:
Greetings,
How are you and the horse doing today? I am sure you all are doing fine.
I am urgently interested in buying your horse for my loving family, Send me an email with your price and pictures.
I would love to tell you more about my family, so you can be convinced that your horse is coming to a loving and caring home " Just like your own
family "
My wife and I are blessed with 3 children.
We have 2 Boys (25 Years old & 22 Years old) and our last Girl (18 Years old).
I will like you to know that my family is such a joyful, sweet, lovable and caring family (We love giving attention to our pet).
My wife and I have been riding horses since we were little.
Concerning the payment:
Payment would be sent to you through a US Certified Cashiers Check and my shipper ( Who is also a vet doctor ) will personally come to your location
for the pick up of the horse .
Before I talk more about payment, my family would love to know more about your horse .
Please send me an email with:
(1) How much is your last price for the horse you have available for sale ( Either Male or Female )
(2) Do your horse love being around children and adults?
(3) How old is your horse ?
(4) Do you have any HORSE TACK for sale.
(5) As your horse been Vaccine or Registered?
(6) What is the name of your horse ? (We don't intend the change the name)
I await your soonest reply with this above details concerning your horse .
Thank you for making my family so happy.
My regards to your horse.
SEND ME YOUR MESSAGE ONLY TO : tracy_williams_baby@yahoo.com
I await your soonest reply.
Mr. John & Tracy Williams.



American Horse Council - Funding for Trails in Stimulus Bill
MEMORANDUM
To: AHC Organizations
From: American Horse Council
Re: Funding for Trails in Stimulus Bill-An Opportunity for
Riders
Date: March 4, 2009
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009. This bill appropriated over $1.7 billion for the
National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) that can be used for the maintenance and construction
of trails and other infrastructure improvements on public land.
Recreational riders must work with these organizations to ensure that
equestrian trails are among the projects to benefit form these funds.
. The U.S. Forest Service will receive $650 million for capital
improvements.
. The National Park Service will receive $ 750 million for
operations, trails and maintenance.
. The BLM will get $320 million for management and construction.
The AHC has urged these federal agencies to use a significant portion of
these funds for maintenance and construction of trails and other facilities
that are open to equestrians. The NPS, USFS, and BLM have yet to finalize
spending plans for this recently appropriated money.
Right now an opportunity exists for equestrian groups to provide input to
land managers in their states and communities on how this money should be
spent and what projects are important to them. Competition among projects
for this funding will be intense and there is a limited window of time
before final decisions are made.
The AHC encourages its member organizations and individuals who use these
public lands to contact their local Ranger Districts, Forest Supervisors,
BLM field or District offices and NPS Superintendents and work with them to
identify projects beneficial to riders in their area. Doing this will
ensure recreational riders are part of the planning process.
If you have any questions regarding this, please call the AHC.
1616 H Street NW 7th Floor . Washington DC 20006 . 202-296-4031 . Fax
202-296-1970
Email: AHC@horsecouncil. org . Web Address: www.horsecouncil. org



PRESERVE BEACH ACCESS:
Please , Please, Please... take the time to go to the website www.preservebeachaccess.org and click on the upper right hand corner on "Act Now" and
register yourself as a free and open beach access supporter.  This is how the politicians will be able to show numbers of supporters. The more people
registered, the more documented supporters.  It doesn't matter where you live.. you can still help increase the number of supporters and please foward
this email to everyone you know and get them to support this issue too..



Cat Rescue Inc. NEEDS outdoor homes to help relocate healthy rescued cats! WE HAVE RECENTLY RESCUED 6 CATS THAT CANNOT BE INDOOR
DOMESTICATED CATS BUT ARE HEALTHY AND SPAYED/NEUTERED.
These cats are adults and have been born and grown up outside in a parking lot and will have little or no chance to be domesticated and adopted
out to be “indoor cats”. THEY NEED YOUR HELP!
THEY NEED OUTSIDE/FARM OR BARN FOREVER HOME. (You can accept one or more. These cat will make great "mouse hunters", a natural alternative to
pest control! PLEASE HELP US HELP THESE CATS! These cats can go in multiples. pairs, or individually. Please contact us if you are interested.
Unfortunately, there are more cats were these came from.
WE NEED YOUR HELP FINDING A MORE APPROPRIATE “OUTSIDE HOME” FOR THEM TO BE RELOCATED-before our foster our volunteers can rescue the rest!
As a non-profit group, these volunteers don’t have the financial capacity to help these cats nor or do they have a place for them to go once they are
caught and fully vetted WITHOUT YOUR HELP!
If we don’t trap, spay/neuter the rest of this colony that is living in a mall parking lot they will multiply again every six weeks! Our colony of 13 cats and
kittens will double and triple within the next 6 months!
WE WILL TRANSPORT TO YOU (ANYWHERE IN OR AROUND HAMPTON ROADS AREA)
All cats have been fully vetted (spayed/neutered, all shots/Feline Leukemia and Aids negative) and are waiting for safe forever/outdoor homes.
Do you have room in your heart, but not in your home for a cat?
Cat Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), home based, No-Kill cat rescue group dedicated to finding safe & loving homes for as many cats as we can
throughout Hampton Roads. In 10 years, we have placed thousands of homeless cats, and those saved from animal controls into forever homes.
Please contact Lynn @ 757-642-8700; Shawne @ 757-237-6112; or Lisa @ 757-966-2972 if you can help. This rescue project also needs any monetary
donations and a variety of donated goods- to see a list, please visit our website:
www.catrescueinc.org. Cats and kittens that are available for indoor homes are placed at the Greenbrier/Chesapeake Petsmart every Saturday
afternoon.
Location: Hampton Roads
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1037497784



[Vahorsetrails] Shenandoah River "Raymond R. Andy Guest" State Park Passing this on to all you Trailblazers out there.  Several of you were involved in
building the original equestrian trails at this park.  If one of you would like to follow up on this to see what Trailblazers can to do help, please contact
me.
Karen
540-349-1412
kcorl@comcast.net
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Vahorsetrails@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Vahorsetrails@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of dr_vinson
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2009 9:04 PM
To: Vahorsetrails@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vahorsetrails] Shenandoah River "Raymond R. Andy Guest" State Park
Hello all,
I just wanted you all to know that we have not forgotten about our equestrian friends. Despite how we feel about the cabin and RV
campground construction in the park, we are genuinely sorry that it has impacted equestrian access to our trail system. There is not a
single existing equestrian trail that has not been impacted by the construction. We are trying (and have been trying) to correct that
situation right now.
I have been working with trail building professionals to design and implement a major reworking of the parks trail system. Our first
priority is to reopen equestrian access to the park. To avoid areas impacted by construction, new trails will be necessary. We have
already broken ground and completed approximately half a mile of one such trail.
Making new trail is lots of hard work, but totally worth the effort. The park is pretty limited this year in manpower as we have lost a
full time position and are not able to hire many seasonal help, either. The help and support of volunteers will enable us to get new
trails opened up so much faster.
I am hoping that you all in the horse community can help spread the word that Shenandoah River is working as fast as we can to open up
equestrian access, and that we will also be needing as much volunteer help as we can get to make these new trails a reality.
There are benefits to volunteering. Aside from the camaraderie, you can learn new skills, network, meet people, have fun, and get free
passes to the parks! 25 hours nets a one year pass to this park, 100 hours gets you a one year pass to all VSP's!
For you internet people, I have started a Facebook group devoted to volunteer trail work in the park. Please join if you want to help out.
I will post updates, photos, and future trail work dates there.
This is the site:
http://www.facebook .com/profile. php?id=137964861 3#/group. php?gid=60711432 520
If you can help, or know someone who can, please get in touch with me,
Doug Vinson, at 540-636-4630 or email, douglas.vinson@ dcr.virginia. gov
Thank You,
Doug Vinson
Park Ranger
Shenandoah River State Park



From: CHS9@aol.com
Subject: Fairfax County Voting debate for election Feb 3; hunting bill
Date: Monday, February 2, 2009, 7:28 PM
I was just sent info on WTOP debate of candidates:
WTOP Radio 1 hour candidate debate -January 30 2009  can be clicked upon at the following address:
http://www.decarloforlowertaxes.com/cd/default.asp
Chris DeCarlo, cdecarlo@fairfaxpropane.com
****************************
Subj: Please contact you State Representative and oppose HB2669  
Date: 2/2/2009 5:52:46 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: debra@debandken.com
Greeting fans of hunting with hounds!  There is a bill in committee which is seeking to chip away at our freedom to hunt with hounds in Virginia.  Mrs.
Fendley, MFH Casanova Hunt sent me this amazing link.    Click on the link and fill in the information and it will not only tell you who your
representative and senator are, it also allows you to email them right there.  It is quick and easy.  I urge everyone to please oppose this bill.  If you need
the full text of the bill, just email me and I will send it to you.  The Agriculture subcommittee is meeting tonight.
You may go to http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform for contact information for your representatives.
HB2669, the Humane Investigator Bill, is important if this Bill passes, regardless of amendments, hunting with hounds will be targeted.  The Ag
Subcommittee Committee will meet on Monday Feb. 2nd at 5:00PM in Richmond.  I urge you to take a moment and contact your representative right
away and Ask your representative not to support the passage of HB2669.  A brief email message is sufficient.  Members of Del. Orrock's House Ag
Subcommittee; they are delegates Bobby Orrock, Chairman Ed Scott, Danny Marshall, Matt Lohr, Charles Poindexter, Jim Shuler, Lynwood Lewis, and
Robert Mathieson.  This is the Sub Committee which will meet on Monday.    

NPSC Grants ELCR grant to develop National Trails Organization  
This is exciting news for Trailriders across the country. The formation of a national organization that can be a voice for trail riders and land access issues
has always been a topic at the forefront of the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC).  Rick Potts, Chief, Conservation and Outdoor
Recreation, National Park Service who heads up the program that made the grant to ELCR will be our keynote speaker during the Virginia Horse
Council conference on March 7.  Please plan to come. Rick is a not only an experience horseman, but he is an inspirational speaker who's message
reaches across all disciplines.    --Sally Aungier
National Parks Service Awards Grant to Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
Equestrian News Release
The National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS RTCA) has awarded the equestrian Land Conservation Resource
(ELCR) a technical assistance grant to develop a national equestrian trails organization. The terms of the grant include assigning an NPS RTCA staff
person to facilitate of process, identify issues and needs of trail riders nationwide, determine an effective organizational structure to represent horse trail
users; and provide a contact point for land managers to communicate with trail riders. The determination of the needs and appropriate
organizational structure will be developed by conducting a series of meetings with stakeholders in 2009.
An organizing meeting was held in 2008 at the National Trails Conference. In 2009, a series of in-person and conference call meetings are planned.
The plans also call for an on-line bulletin board to post the meeting agendas and notes. The on-line forum will also provide an opportunity for trail
users and trail organization representatives to share their comments. In addition to ELCR and NPS RTCA representatives, representatives from the
following organizations participated in the process: American Horse Council, Back Country Horsemen of America, Southeast Equestrian Trails
Conference, Ohio Valley Equestrian Trails Symposium, Pennsylvania Equine Council, US Forest Service, and the US Department of Transportation
Recreational Trails Program.
The project goals are to increase to the number of trails open to horses, promote good stewardship of the trails, enhance communication with land
managers, develop positive relationships with other trail users groups, and serve in an advocacy role on the above issues and other issues identified
during the grant process.
If your organization would like to join our national efforts to save land and trails for horses, visit http://www.ELCR.org, or call (859) 455-8383 for more
information.
About Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR):
ELCR, the only national not-for-profit organization assisting in the conservation of land for horses and horse-related activity, serves as a clearinghouse
and educational resource for land and horse owners on issues related to conserving land, preserving horse access on public and private lands, equine
economic development, community land use planning and zoning and good land stewardship
http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/parks-service-equestrian-land-conservation-01-09.html



Prince William County Trails Council  
In 2008, Prince William County passed a new Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan defining goals for preserving open space and establishing
recreational corridors with trails connecting parks and communities. As a part of this plan, a County appointed Trails Council is being established  to
advise on priorities, connectivity, construction, and other aspects of these trails.
The Council will be made up of two year appointees. The intent of the Park Authority Board and Supervisors is to have trail users from the different
districts, and disciplines make up the sixteen council members. If serving as a Council member would be of interest to you, and you would have the
time, and you reside in Prince William County, please contact your local Supervisor or Park Authority Board member and let them know of your interest.
It would be good to have an equestrian presence on this advisory council for future planning.
Please also pass this information to other equestrians you know who reside in Prince William County and may have an interest in serving as a Council
member. It is a great opportunity.


The following e-mail is addressed to "Trail Riders"; however, whether or not you actually "ride" the trails, we all need to help out somehow.   -Sue
************ ********* ********* ********* *
Subj: [Vahorsetrails] Trails in Virginia State Forests - SB 1473 (more info)
Date: 2/9/2009 7:29:50 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: saungier@mindspring .com
Trail Riders,
I spent a long time today on the phone with State Forester Carl Garrison and got more information on this Bill that I wanted to share with you.  The
version of the Bill pasted below was passed in the Senate today by a vote of 31 Yes, 9 No. The Bill as proposed to the Senate had mountain bikers
included in it, however, Sen. Chap Petersen (Fairfax) introduced an amendment on the floor of the Senate striking bikers from the Bill, and that is the
version that was approved without going back to committee. The good news is that the cap of $15 annually was added. I also learned that the
version of the bill that I originally pulled from the General Assembly website was incorrect and that the mistake was caught later.
Wednesday is crossover day in the General Assembly.  What does that mean?  It is the day that every Bill that was passed by the Senate or the House is
flipped over to the other for consideration, so there is a chance that the final Bill could be shot down by the House or further amended.  Now is the
time that you should communicate with your representative in the House, if you think the wording should be further amended.
As background - this proposal for permits on state lands is not something new.  We already have it in State Parks, and the Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries passes a similar bill years ago that covered all recreational users. They just haven't implemented the permit system because they didn't
have the staff to monitor it. With the department having to dig deep to figure out how to implement budgets cuts in this economy, they could start
charging all recreational users at any time.
The positive side of this Bill, if passed, is the permit revenue will go directly into a fund for trails and trail support on the State Forests.  Right now, there is
no money for any trails, trail development, or support staff because frankly the State Forest is in the timber business, not recreation.  Mr. Garrison has a
vision for the State Forest system that does include recreation which is something we all want.  He also knows that the support of volunteer groups to
help with clearing new trails and keeping up the existing ones is essential. As most of you know there are very few horse clubs helping with the upkeep
of the State Forest Trails.  Even if the fee is implemented, we are not talking about a whole lot of revenue.  Think about it, if 1000 of us bought permits
that would only be $15,000 to be split among all the Forests.  There are presently 355+ miles of trails, forest roads, and gate forest roads in inventory.  
We all know that won't work with that many miles already in the system, that $15,000 would not go far.
If you look at the fact that mountain biking was taken out of the Bill, I guess there are pros and cons to consider. The pro side for leaving the Bill as is
would say that the horse folks would have a bigger voice because we would be paying into the system equally to the hunters and trappers, and they
wouldn't.  The con side is that more permits equals more revenue for the fund, and that the bikers have built a whole industry essentially around trail
construction techniques (we all need that know-how to build good sustainable trails).
One other thing that Mr. Garrison and I discussed was the concept of a transportable permit that would cover you if you were riding a trail that went
back and forth between state park and state forest land.  I raised the concern that someone might have to pay both a state parks admission fee plus
obtain a State Forest permit for a single ride.  He is going to give that situation some thought and see what solutions can be reached.
I hope this update is helpful.  Everyone wants more and better quality trails, right!?!
Sally Aungier
PS if you or your club are involved in performing upkeep on a State Forest trail system at least 1 day per year, please let me know. The only club I know
of is the Powhatan Riding Association, which periodically has a work day on the Cumberland State Forest.
Bill Status link
http://leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? ses=091
<http://&typ=bil&val=SB1473">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? ses=091&typ=bil&val=SB1473>&typ=bil&val=SB1473
SENATE BILL NO. 1473
Senate Amendments in [ ] - February 6, 2009
A BILL to amend and reenact § 10.1-1152
<http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1152> of the Code of Virginia, relating to forestry permits to fish and ride
mountain bikes and horses.
----------
Patron Prior to Engrossment- -Senator Puckett
----------
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
----------
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 10.1-1152
<http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1152> of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 10.1-1152 <http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1152>
. State Forester may require permits and fees.
A. The State Forester is authorized, with the approval of the Board, to require any person who hunts, fishes, or traps, [rides mountain bikes,] or rides
horses on any of the lands described in § 10.1-1151 <http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1151> to obtain a special
use permit [or special use permits. Permits to hunt . A special use permit to engage in these activities] on any such lands shall be issued for a fee, not to
exceed $15 annually [for each permit] , as fixed by the State Forester. Permits to trap on such lands may be issued in combination with the hunting
permits, or separately, at a fee not to exceed $15 annually for each such permit, to be fixed by the State Forester.   
B. The State Forester is also authorized to enter into an agreement with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries under which the Department of
Game and Inland Fisheries will include permits required under subsection A in its program for the sale of permits and licenses by the means and to the
extent authorized by § 29.1-327  <http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+29. 1-327> .
************ ********* *
Subj: [Vahorsetrails] Trails in Virginia State Forests - SB 1473  
Date: 2/3/2009 8:04:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: saungier@mindspring .com
Trail riders,
Please note that a Bill, as shown below, has been introduced in the General Assembly this year.  It has already been accepted by the Senate but
remains to be considered in the House.  This Bill allows the State Forest to implement a $15 annual permit for trail use. I have asked for clarification
regarding whether or not these fees will go back into supporting trail development and maintenance but have not yet received a response directly
from the Forestry office. Unlike state parks, which were developed for recreation, the State Forests were created for the purpose of providing the state
with a renewable source of timber. Secondarily, they are managed for wildlife, water quality, and recreation, but they are not funded for trail
maintenance and development.
While I have not yet heard back directly regarding my question on whether or not the fees collected will be used for trail development, an article
published in the Virginia Pilot newspaper today indicates that Forester, Carl Garrison III, has said that the "money will help the Department of Forestry
expand and improve its trails and parking areas. The initiative is partly in response to requests from enthusiasts to do more with the land, he said. The
proposed fee would only affect state forests - not state parks."
If this is the case, and it will help support and develop new trails, $15 a year is a deal. My only concern is that the wording of the Bill does not specify a
cap for the special use permit, only those for hunting and trapping. I have emailed my Representative in the House and asked that a cap for the
special use permit also be defined in the code.
If you have an opinion on whether or not this fee should be implement you should contact your representatives in the General Assembly. This link to the
General Assembly website makes it easy to make this contact http://legis. state.va. us/1_cit_ guide/cit_ welcome.html
A list of the State Forests can be found on   http://www.dof. virginia. gov/stforest/ index.shtml
Sally Aungier
Bill tracking link
http://leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? ses=091
<http://&typ=bil&val=sb1473">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? ses=091&typ=bil&val=sb1473>&typ=bil&val=sb1473
SENATE BILL NO. 1473
Offered January 21, 2009
A BILL to amend and reenact § 10.1-1152
<http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1152> of the Code of Virginia, relating to forestry permits to fish and ride
mountain bikes and horses.
Patron-- Puckett
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 10.1-1152
<http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1152> of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:   § 10.1-
1152 <http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1152>
. State Forester may require permits and fees.
A. The State Forester is authorized, with the approval of the Board, to require any person who hunts, fishes, or traps, rides mountain bikes, or rides horses
on any of the lands described in § 10.1-1151
<http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+10. 1-1151> to obtain a special use permit or special use permits. Permits to hunt on
any such lands shall be issued for a fee, not to exceed $15 annually for each permit, as fixed by the State Forester.  Permits to trap on such lands may
be issued in combination with the hunting permits, or separately, at a fee not to exceed $15 annually for each such permit, to be fixed by the State
Forester.  
B. The State Forester is also authorized to enter into an agreement with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries under which the Department of
Game and Inland Fisheries will include permits required under subsection A in its program for the sale of permits and licenses by the means and to the
extent authorized by § 29.1-327
<http://">leg1. state.va. us/cgi-bin/ legp504.exe? 000+cod+29. 1-327> .


U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Recalls, Withdrawals and Alerts in the Last 60 Days
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html



Isle of Wight Horses Need your help;
Working on fund raising ideas and getting volunteers to assist for the 23 horses in Zuni, VA (Isle of Wight) that were forfeited by owners on Wednesday,  
January 21, 2009  with the help of many agencies including United States Equine Rescue League Regions in NC and VA.  
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/userl-tidewater/
Update and Corrections from the Media reports so everyone understands the situation correctly:  The Isle of Wight horses were voluntarily surrendered by
the owners following the investigation. There were 2 horses found dead and 2 more euthanized but they were euthanized by the owner’s vet with their
consent. There were 80 dogs but none seized...32 were donated to Chesapeake Golden Rescue. No charges have been filed at this time...  
Need to know who we can count on to help and get the word out via email, flyers and etc.  I am making a list of names phone numbers, raffle
donations, hay feed and door prizes needed and emails of those willing to assist.  So please email Michele De Vinney Schmoll directly to be put on this
list so once it is organized we can contact you directly via email or phone.  Email: devinefarms@hughes.net.
Hoping that we can find a venue large enough that will host a fund raiser and also obtain donations from this email since funds are limited as it is to
cover the costs that the USERL is already incurring.  Our hope is with radio and television media coverage plus the support of local horse and animal
lovers we can find the funds to rehabilitate these wonderful horses.   
Individual and corporate sponsors needed for these horses on a one time or monthly basis to cover the required extensive rehab and vet bills that are
already mounting. Remember this is tax deductible charity.
Tax deductible Donation may be made via check can be made out and mailed:
USERL, PO Box 1630 , Wendell NC 27591   In memo please write on the check for Isle of Wight horses
If you can assist in getting the word out to raise money and for the event location for fund raiser we are putting together let me know.  We need lots of
support.  If you want to donate funds now it would be appreciated.
Website article and video on wavy.com.  You can type in Zuni and it brings up article too:
http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_animal_abuse_investigation_20090121
Thanks you so much!  Please email me at email below.  
Michele De Vinney Schmoll (Killian)
Email: devinefarms@hughes.net
www.devinefarms.net
Email approved and cc’d:
Amy Woodard, Regional Director
USERL-NCNE & USERL-VATW



American Horse Council Washington Update
Input Is Still Needed In UHC Nationwide Survey
The Unwanted Horse Coalition's National survey to assess the magnitude of the problem of the unwanted horse will remain open until the end of
January 2009. This is your final chance to participate. If you wish to do so, please pass this notice on to anyone who may have an interest in the welfare
of horses. We want to give everyone a chance to participate.  
The Study on Contributing Factors Surrounding the Unwanted Horse Issue will be instrumental in filling factual gaps with actual data. We still need as
many people as possible to fill-out this 15-20 minute online survey.
To access this survey, go to http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.
Please help us get this message out to the horse community.  Time is limited.



Vahorsetrails] Long Distance Trail Planning in Va  
VaHorse Trail Members,
Comments are being sought through the end of January on the major trunk line indentified in the Va Outdoors Plan. At this point we have developed
a basic brochure that identifies the general corridor for each and inventoried what is already officially "on the ground." The detailed background,
purpose, and goals are outlined on the DCR webpage
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/trailsswprop.shtml.   I hope that you will visit the website to see what is in the long range plan for the
following trail systems:
. Beaches to Bluegrass Trail
. East Coast Greenway
. Great Eastern Trail
. James River Heritage Trail
. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
There is no doubt that it will take advocates in the individual communities to advance these initiatives at the local level. The brochures that you can
access from the website are designed for you to use to bring these plans to the attention of your county leadership. If your county is identified as a
corridor for one of these major trails and is in the process of redoing its comprehensive plan, now is the time to make sure the concept of the trail is
captured in the plan.
Instructions for submitting comments are included on the DCR website. We are especially interested in learning about potential partner organizations
and stakeholders at the local level, as well as potential corridors for the trails (should you know of interested landowners, utility easements, etc).
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sally Aungier   saungier@mindspring.com
Member, Va Outdoors Plan Greenways and Trails Task Force



NOTICE: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Martinsville, Henry County, Virginia  
If there are any VAHorseTrails members in this part of the state do you know if this section of rail corridor would be appropriate (or interesting) for horse
use? In looking at the maps on the proposal <http://tinyurl.com/7s5sm6> it looks pretty urban, however it could end up being a integral part of the
Beaches to Bluegrass Trail across the state.
Sally Aungier
From: Stephen Miller [mailto:stephen@railstotrails.org]
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 1:31 PM
Subject: NOTICE: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Martinsburg, Henry County, Virginia
Dear Trail Advocates and Local Leaders,
Recently, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) learned of an upcoming railroad corridor abandonment in your area. On or about December 17, 2008,
Norfolk Southern Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 4.20 miles of track within Martinsburg, Henry County, Virginia. We are providing you
with this information so you may take advantage of the opportunity to develop a real regional asset - a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers,
bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.
As you may know, there is already an extensive network of rail-trails around the country - more than 1,400 open trails, stretching more than 15,000
miles, and hundreds of miles of trail are being developed. None of the nearby communities wanted to lose rail traffic or the local economic benefits of
the railroad, but developing a community asset such as a multi-purpose recreation and transportation trail can help to replace this lost income to the
community. Trails such as these can improve the overall quality of life for people in your community by providing a safe place for children to ride their
bikes and for older people to recreate and enjoy life; by creating safe places for equestrians to ride; by encouraging older businesses to remain in the
area and new businesses to relocate there; by improving property values of landowners near the trail; and by providing a convenient location for all
area citizens to exercise, socialize and enjoy the outdoors.
If you believe this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge you, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action
now. You can file the following "boiler-plate" letter (found at <http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/resource_docs/RTC%20Fact%
20Sheet_Railbanking.pdf>  with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-290 (sub-no. 304x).
Filing this letter does not commit you (or the agency which files) to acquire this corridor; it merely gives you time to develop a rail-trail proposal and
undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, you have until January 26, 2009 to file this letter. Even if you
miss that deadline, there is probably still time for you to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of
the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important that you take prompt action. The STB
posts all abandonment decisions and filings at <http://www.stb.dot.gov/>
The filing for your area is posted at <http://tinyurl.com/7s5sm6>   A map of the rail corridor location can be found in this filing.
You should also know the STB recently imposed a $200 filing fee for all railbanking requests. Entities filing a railbanking request may request a fee
waiver or reduction, and government agencies will receive an automatic fee waiver.
Throughout the process, make sure your local government officials and citizen activists are kept informed of the project's progress. We also recommend
that you contact your state trails coordinator or your state bicycle/pedestrian coordinator:
Jennifer Wampler, State Trail Coordinator
Dept of Conservation and Recreation
203 Governor Street Suite 326
Richmond VA 23219-2049
804-786-9240; Fax 804-371-7899
jennifer.wampler@dcr.virginia.gov
-------
Jakob Helmboldt, AICP
Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 E Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-371-4869; Fax 804-225-4785
jakob.helmboldt@vdot.virginia.gov
Both of these individuals are knowledgeable about state laws and resources and may be able to assist your community with this rail-trail project. Also,
you may want to contact the abandoning railroad to add your name to their service list.
In addition, RTC's Web site <http://www.railstotrails.org/>  may provide valuable tools as you plan for a
rail-trail - like how-to manuals, <http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/resource_docs/tgc_secrets.pdf> Secrets of Successful Rail-Trails and
<http://www.railstotrails.org/whatwedo/railtrailinfo/resources/acquisition/index.html>  Acquiring Rail Corridors. You can explore these trail-building
resources at  <http://www.railstotrails.org/whatwedo/trailbuilding/index.html>
If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community.
For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the National Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy by visiting <http://www.
railstotrails.org/whoweare/contact/index.html>
Stephen Miller
Coordinator of Trail Development
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20037-1213
<http://www.railstotrails.org>
p: 202.974.5123
f: 202.223.9257
e:  stephen@railstotrails.org



BLM Wildhorse and Burro <whb-news@blm.gov>
I just wanted to share with everyone an article that is really awesome.  Our Mustangs are going to be \"strutting their stuff\" at the inaugural parade in
January.  Some of you may know that the U.S. Border Patrol, both North and South, are using Mustangs as their choice of the best "breed" for the type
of work; endurance, sure-footedness, sense of danger, etc.  There is an article on the national wild horse and burro website regarding the parade.
Please visit: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_ horse_and_ burro/news/ success_stories/ u_s__border_ patrol.html
or go to www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.  Then go to Newsletter and News (right navigation bar), click on Success Stories and you will find the article.  
It is the last one shown.
YEAH, for our Nation\'s Living Legends!
Thank you,  --Janet Neal, National Public Outreach Specialist
Janet_Neal@blm.gov     (775) 861-6614




INTERESTING DISCUSION ABOUT INSURANCE COVERING HORSE TRAILERS AND "HORSES ON THE MOVE"
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2007 12:17 PM
Beverly, Pat Orr now Pat Allard has US Rider insurance.  It will cover my horse  when mine is in her trailer.  On a highway last fall we had a flat rear tire
on the truck and pulled over into an exit lane and contacted US Rider.  Within one hour we were back on the road!  Highly recommend U S Rider
insurance.  (we were lucky enough to be in Northern Virginia where there are a lot of US Rider contracts with tow trucks, stables, etc.)
Better to go with usrider.org
Posted - 05/08/2007 :  12:56:47 PM   AAA RV Plus Insurance (does not cover horse trailers with living Qrt)
A couple of weeks ago, a group of my trail riding buddies went to Cumberland Forest (Near Farmville, VA). Cumberland is about a 3 1/2 hour haul of
us. We had a great weekend and beautiful weather, but on the way out of the park on Sunday afternoon, my friend Diane's truck broke down. She has
AAA and something called AAA RV plus, which is supposed to cover towing your truck and trailer. After hours of phone calls with AAA, a tow truck was
sent, the driver promptly told us that he could not tow her rig. To make a long story short, we ended up getting home very, very late that night after
leaving her truck and trailer and craming one of her horses in my trailer and the other in another friend's trailer.
The question is, does anyone have any experience with any of the companies that offer equestrian roadside assistance? One that I have heard of is US
Rider (usrider.org) , but I don't know anything about them.
We would like to have a better and more timely way of getting help when a truck dies than depending on AAA.
Please let me know any experiences you have had with any other companies.
Thanks a bunch!
Cody - Did they ever get help from AAA? I called and asked them about that RV Plus and was told that I would be given assistance if my horse trailer
has living quarters. I have been paying for the service but have not had to use it. I sure don't want to find out the hard way that I've been paying for
something that will not be there when I need it.
Did your friend's trailer have LQ? I'm glad you posted this...
Posted - 05/08/2007 :  2:33:34 PM       
Yes, my friend's trailer does have living quarters. She went round and round with AAA about whether it was covered or not and the verdict was NOT.
She was very upset because that is why she pucheased the coverage in the first place.
So far from what I've seen on usrider.org website they will tow your truck, trailer, send out a mechanic, send out a vet, find overnite stabling, and lots of
other services. Sounds really good, but I'm hoping someone on the board uses them and can tell me if they are any good.


FROM The Piedmont Environmental Council Uranium mining is an environmentally devastating practice and the General Assembly will consider it
Monday. Radioactive tailing dust is soluble in rainwater. In a state like Virginia with 42+ inches of rain per year, contaminated water can not be
contained on site. There are substantial deposits of uranium across the state and within the Piedmont. We are forwarding this urgent message from the
VA League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and urge you to contact your Virginia legislators using this link.



THE PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
Promoting and protecting the Virginia Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty.
P.O. Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188
540.347.2334
<mailto:pecnews@pecva.org>
http://www.pecva.org/
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Most of us for some time been aware of the anti-hunting Movement in the US. Now we have been informed of an amalgamation of three
organizations: The Humane Society of the US, The Fund for Animals, and the Doris Duke Animal League. Together they will be a $100 million
organization--- yes, you read that correctly, and they will have a 10 Million person membership. They oppose all forms of hunting, fishing, and
trapping. The HSUS wants to stop the use of animals for any purpose.. They are NOT a Humane Society caring for abandoned dogs and cats.
We are asking all of you to spread the word about this organization-tell everyone what it really stands for. We will be sending you more information
about it
Our legislative voice is the US Sportsman's Alliance. This Organization keeps track of the various forms of anti hunting proposals that the HSUS is trying to
get passed in the various state governments and works with clear-thinking legislators, government officials, and lay persons to get them altered of
rejected. Our recent and continuing close involvement With proposed changes to the Pennsylvania dog regulations has given us first-hand experience
with the great effectiveness of the US Sportsman's Alliance, which has played a significant role in forestalling what would have been a disaster for our
sport.
We feel so strongly that the MFHA and the US Sportsman's Alliance are critical to effective preservation of our Hunt that we have approved a
Centennial Year donation of $5,000 to each of these two vital organizations.
But the most effective and long term financial help must come from you. We urge you to get involved by joining and supporting the Sportsman's
Alliance Foundation. We believe you will find it very educational.
Sportsman's Alliance Foundation
801 Kingsmill Parkway
Columbus, OH. 43229   
PH.614-888-4868
As of Dec 09, all articles can be found on "Archives"
"Tire Art"
Made from old tires.