Polk County Economic Development will host the upcoming&bsp; North Carolina Horse Council Regional caucus meeting Tuesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m.&bsp; at the Columbus campus of Isothermal Community College. The regional caucus meetings across the state are designed to gauge interests and hear discussion on issues facing North Carolina horse owners.

Previous western region caucus meetings held at the Western Ag Center in Fletcher discussed priorities and issues that the region felt were paramount in the continued growth of the states $1.9 billion equine industry. They include:

1) The western region would like to focus on educational programs and the need to support those in place already with additional funding.

2) Investigating the possibility of procuring state money to support local/regional equine complexes such as Blowing Rock, the NC Western Ag Center, Harmon Field, FENCE, the new Green Creek Equestrian Park, and other sites in the region beyond grants

3) Increase NCHC membership throughout the western region.

4) Increase trails, their use, and maintenance throughout the west.

5) Increase educational opportunities.

Other issues identified by the Council that affect the states industry:

Legislative and Regulatory Issues

a. Present Use Value and other taxation issues

b. Agricultural Definitions: Livestock

c. Federal Issues of Unwanted Horse

d. Federal Issues on Transportation of Horses for the purposes of Human Consumption

e. Inclusion in Farmland Preservation Program

f. Water and Nutrient Legislation

g. Land Use: Trails, open space, conservation

Education and Welfare Needs

a. Standards of Care and Management of Horses (fencing, feed, space, housing) (State Horse Councils question on Certification of Welfare/Rescue Facilities)

b. Agricultural Extension Agents: Needs of Equestrians, programs, etc.

c. Building the Industry for our Young Riders: Developing programs to bring people into the industry

d. Safety Issues: Equine Safe Farms (Equine Accidents are the second most common on our farms)

e. Health Issues of our stock

f. Training for our Equine Professionals: Vet School, Farriers, etc.

Facilities

a. Conditions and Usage of existing facilities

b. Development of new facilities

Marketing and Growth of the Industry

a. Travel and Tourism

b. Recreational needs

c. Promotion of Equine Businesses

d. Development of Racing

Other Issues

a. Therapeutic Riding Programs and Insurance

b. Life skill development and rehabilitation programs for riders

For more information and directions, contact Kipp McIntyre at 828-894-2895.