Rep. Vaupel offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 402.

            A resolution to declare December 13, 2016, as Horse Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The state of Michigan recognizes the role of equines in the economy, history, and character of Michigan, which can be traced back to when our forefathers used horses to build our great state, transport people and goods, clear and till the land, harvest and thresh grains, herd cattle, power mills, serve in the military, fight fires, and deliver mail; and

            Whereas, The horses of today are vital in assisting in police crowd control, providing therapeutic aid to veterans and disabled persons, continuing to work our farms, and are used for pleasure riding and racing at Michigan’s tracks; and

            Whereas, There are equine properties of all sizes in Michigan, including breeding farms, boarding and training facilities, riding schools, and showgrounds; and

            Whereas, Equine operations encompass many acres, making for a significant part of our land kept in open space, pasture, and forestland; and

            Whereas, Horses are the source of Michigan jobs for many of the state’s residents, both directly and indirectly. These include services such as veterinarians, trainers, farriers, chiropractors, grooms, stable hands, entertainers, carriage/sleigh/hay wagon drivers, jockeys, and sellers of goods such as lumber, hay grain, grass seed, bedding, tack, trucks, horse trailers, and more; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Horse Council helps promote and educate the public about the importance of horses in Michigan; and

            Whereas, There are many significant benefits brought to Michigan agriculture, tourism, and quality of life through the equine industry; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 13, 2016, as Horse Day in the state of Michigan. We urge our citizens to recognize the importance of horses to our security, economy, recreation, and heritage and to lend their enthusiastic support to Michigan’s equine industry.