Assembly Resolution No. 1516

BY: M. of A. Rules (Woerner)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of the State of New York to set aside
certain days of commemoration to recognize and honor those activities,
endeavors, and historical contributions that have significantly enriched
the heritage and vitality of the State; and

WHEREAS, The horse is a living being of indisputable historic and
economic significance to the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Horses were critical to the development of New York City's
construction, transportation, law enforcement, and firefighting efforts
during the colonial era; and

WHEREAS, From 1825 until 1918, horses served as a primary power
source for the Erie Canal, which connected the Upper Great Lakes to the
Atlantic Ocean, fostering the establishment of cities and expanding
economic prosperity throughout upstate New York; and

WHEREAS, Among the State's nine racetracks, Saratoga Racecourse,
located in Saratoga Springs, is the oldest organized Thoroughbred
racetrack in the United States and has hosted the historic Travers
Stakes since 1864; and

WHEREAS, The recreational horse industry, including but not limited
to equestrian sports, county fairs, trail riding, and therapeutic
programming, plays a leading role within the equine sector, which is the
second-largest agricultural commodity in the State of New York after
dairy; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2023 Study of the U.S. Horse Industry by
the American Horse Council Foundation, the equine industry contributes
approximately $7 billion to New York State's economy and supports more
than 52,000 jobs; and

WHEREAS, These figures reflect substantial growth since the prior
study conducted in 2016, which reported a fiscal impact of $5.3 billion
and employment of 42,400 jobs; and

WHEREAS, Horses, and the New Yorkers involved in the equine
industry, deserve to be recognized and supported as integral
contributors to the State's historical legacy and economic vitality;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 13, 2026, as Day
of the Horse in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.