LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 24, 2015, as Horse Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Horse Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of the contribution of
horses to the economy, history, and character of the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 24, 2015, as Horse Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Horse Day; and
WHEREAS, The sound is unmistakable: the thundering hooves of a running
horse; horses have been racing across the landscape for more than 50
million years, much longer than our own species has existed; but once
horses and humans encountered each other, our two species became power-
fully linked; and
WHEREAS, Humans domesticated horses some 6,000 years ago, and over
time, we have created more than 200 breeds, from the powerful Clydesdale
to the graceful Arabian; and
WHEREAS, As we have shaped horses to suit our needs on battlefields,
farms, horse racing, pleasure riding and horse showing, these animals
have shaped human history; and
WHEREAS, In addition, horses have captured our imagination and our
hearts; millions of people rely on horses as their spirited, dedicated,
much adored companions; and
WHEREAS, On the fifth anniversary of the first official National Horse
Day, horse enthusiasts are encouraged to celebrate the horse's contrib-
ution to the United States; and
WHEREAS, The horse is a living link to the history of the United
States; without horses, the economy, history, and character of the
United States would be profoundly different; and
WHEREAS, Horses continue to permeate the society of the United States,
as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards;
they are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States
and deserve protection and compassion; and
WHEREAS, According to the American Horse Council, there are 9.2
million horses in the United States, and 4.6 million Americans are
involved in the industry as horse owners and service providers; and
WHEREAS, Due to the increased pressure from modern society, wild and
domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water, and shelter;
and
WHEREAS, The Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the horse
industry contributes well over 100,000,000,000 dollars each year to the
economy of the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 24, 2015, as
Horse Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National Horse Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.