First ‘Summit of the Horse’ event set for Jan. 3-6 in Las Vegas
CHEYENNE, WY – United Horsemen, a 501(c)(3) educational and charitable organization that implements humane and realistic solutions to the excess horse problem, announces the first Summit of the Horse event to be held Jan. 3-6, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV, at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.
Dave Duquette, president and founder of United Horsemen, said the event is an effort to gather horse men and women with federal, state, tribal, and private land resource managers, conservationists and ranchers in a forum to address concerns about the sustainability and health of land; horses, both domestic and wild; native wildlife and the horseback culture and economy.
“The Summit comes from the perspective of experienced horse people who have the best interest of the horse at heart and seeks unification of our country’s horsemen and horsewomen in promoting horse welfare and the health of the horse industry,” he said. “We’re speaking with a unified voice for horses and horse people.”
Duquette, a professional working cow horse trainer based in Hermiston, OR, said the opening session will be devoted to “The Politics of Land and Horses,” and will include several legislators and Western state governors, who have either been at the forefront of the issues or facing challenges. Other Summit topics include: “The U.S. Horse Industry – Protecting Our Horseback Cultures and Livelihoods;” “Efforts to Provide Humane and Economically Viable Options;” and “Canadian and United States Connections in the Equine Economy.”
During the four-day event, the following are among invited speakers:
• Dr. Boyd Spratling, DVM, member BLM Wild Horse & Burro Advisory Committee;
• Brian Sandoval, new Governor of Nevada;
• Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior;
• Sylvia Baca, Undersecretary of the Interior;
• Don Glenn, BLM Wild Horse & Burro Director;
• David Martosko, HumaneWatch;
• Dr. Temple Grandin, author, Doctor of Animal Science at Colorado State University;
• Bill and Jann Parker, Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sale Managers;
• Ike Sankey, Sankey Pro Rodeos, PRCA stock contractor; and
• John Falen, President of Public Lands Council.
Participants are encouraged to register at http://www.summitofthehorse.com by Dec. 1 to receive an early rate discount. Current rates are as follows: horse industry professionals – $175; sponsoring organizations (horse, conservation, wildlife, resource management) – $500 and includes registration for first two members, $100 for each additional member from the same organization; $300 for all other full participation.
In addition, the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is offering Summit participants deluxe rooms at the rate of $50 plus tax per night.
For more Summit event information, contact Sue Wallis at 307-685-8248; Trace Bentley, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, 970-412-3386; or visit the Summit of the Horse Web site at http://www.summitofthehorse.com.
