Axe to the Equestrian Tax

Today the New Hampshire horse community showed up in force at the Legislative Office Building in Concord to oppose House Bill 427. During the hearing before the House Committee charged with investigating the Bill, its sponsor-- Representative Skinner-- effectively withdrew the Bill from consideration. Specifically, she asked the Committee to declare that the Bill was "Inexpedient to Legislate." Informally, several Representatives were heard to say that the Bill was going nowhere. The Chairwoman of the Committee indicated that the horse community had effectively communicated their concerns which were heard loud and clear by House members.

New Hampshire Legislature Considers Annual License and Registration Fee for Horses-- YIKES

Attention all horse owners or boarding facilities. The New Hampshire Legislature is considering a new law that will affect all of us in a negative way. In general terms, each horse would need a license for an annual license fee of $25. Proof of rabies vaccination is required before the annual license can be obtained. The program will be adminstered in the town in which the horse resides.

I believe this will be first step that will empower local towns to take further adverse action against horse ownership. Many towns already are hostile to horse owners and this will provide tools to the municipality to take further action or impose further regulation and restiction. My wife and I oppose this and plan to contact our Senator and Representative to let them know.

Click here to read the bill

ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING AND REGISTER YOUR VIEWS

Public Hearing: 1/27/2009 1:45 PM Legislative Office Building Room 303, Concord

CONTACT COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO REGISTER YOUR VIEWS

Committee Members
Judith Spang; Frank Tupper; Henry Parkhurst; Marcia Moody; James Aguiar; Pamela Hubbard; Susan Kepner; Yvonne Thomas; Carol Williams; Jim McClammer; David Russell; Andrew Renzullo; Chris Christensen; Christopher Ahlgren; L. Mike Kappler; Jayne Spaulding; Peter Bolster; Thomas Howard; Jeffrey St. Cyr.

This is what our Democracy provides. Open forums in which the views of the governed can be heard. Please take advantage of this precious right.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland...

Who said horseback riding was just a fair weather sport? Not Alicia and Jess. They used the new powder to take Button and Jay out for a spin to make new tracks.