A note from Beth...
This is the spot for YOUR stories.  I started this with the hopes that we can continue to form a community.  A community that is
made up of horse-minded people who are similar to each other in some ways and still very different in others.  We’ll learn from
each other, laugh with (and at) each other and offer encouragement when it is needed.  Everyone has a story to tell.  We own
horses because they bring something special into our lives.  We have them in our lives for different reasons. For some, it’s the
thrill of competition and the challenge of honing our skills. For others, it’s a lifelong dream that is finally a reality. Some have
had horses all their lives and it just “is”.  You may have gotten into horses because a horse crazy girl in your life caught you in
a weak moment—you wallet magically opening at every turn.  Whatever the reason we are (usually) a community of like minded
souls.  We strive to help others improve their horse relationships, we lend a hand (and tack) when needed, we offer
advice…always well meaning.  

So don't be shy, send us you stories. Share your tales, your triumphs and your challenges.
Central Ohio Horse.com
Tales from the Trail
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New Ohio License Plate to Benefit Horse Rescue

The following is a press release from April regarding the new horse license plate available soon in Ohio.  The
Ohio Coalition for Animals was instrumental in turning this idea into reality.  You can view what the new plate
looks like here.

Date: April 30, 2007

Contact: The Ohio Coalition for Animals

Julie Bertani 614-736-1447 ~ www.horseplate.org ~ horseplate@mail.org


With over 307,000 horses in Ohio, more so than even Kentucky, and over 200,000 horsemen and women, the Ohio's
Horse license plate hopes to take a chunk of the 5- million dollar purse the Ohio specialty plates bring in annually. The
image of a horse on license plates of cars, trucks and trailers will add horsepower, literally!

The plate passed the Ohio Legislature today just in time for the Kentucky Derby this weekend. On Saturday May 3rd Beulah
Park will host Derby days and race fans will have a chance to sign up to buy the plate when it becomes available. “The
issue of unwanted horses is an important and challenging issue and it effects all breeds and activities in the equine industry”.
says Charles Ruma, owner of Beulah Park. I'm happy to help get the word out that the Ohio's Horses license plate is
available. The much needed funds from the sale of the "Ohio's Horses" license plate can't come soon enough to help deal
with the multiple issues facing the struggling horse industry in Ohio”.

Horse owners facing economic constraints lead to unwanted horses. Not including the cost of veterinary care and farriers,
the minimum yearly cost to keep a horse is $1,825. Veterinary and farrier costs as well as boarding one horse can easily
reach $5,000 a year.

Horse Rescuers take in record numbers amid drought, hay prices. The drought plagued summer of 2007 caused
skyrocketing prices of hay with a dwindling supply.

More horses, fewer donors challenge equine groups. No government funding exists for rescue and adoption groups who
depend solely on the publics support. The downturn in the economy, skyrocketing fuel and other living costs are claiming
dollars that might have previously gone to horse nonprofits as charitable contributions.

Federal legislation bans slaughter for human consumption leaving between 80,000 to 100,000 horses nationwide in
neglectful situations or being transported to antiquated slaughter facilities in Mexico. Affordable, accessible and humane
ways to dispose of unwanted horses in Ohio is lacking.

The future is grim for Ohio's race horse farms with wagering down more than 30% since 2001,and so are the purses paid
out to winning horses and their owners. Finding financial means to operate farms is becoming harder all the time leading to
more unwanted horses.

The Ohio Coalition for Animals is a nonprofit organization who will use the money generated by the sale of the Ohio's Horse
license plate to fund educational, charitable and other statewide programs that will help horse owners.

The Ohio's horse license plate will soon be available for purchase at the BMV, www.oplates.com ,costing the owner of a
car, truck or trailer an additional $30 annually. The Ohio Coalition for Animals will receive $20 from every plate sold. Funds
will be dispersed throughout the state to assist with the challenges facing the horse industry of Ohio.