We will have a general meeting in the morning followed by committee / breakout meetings in the afternoon.

You will have the opportunity to become as a Horse Council Liaison for your district and contribute to the committee of your choice.

Come and be heard! Let the Horse Council know how they can work best for you and the Equine Industry of Arkansas!

We will have a picnic lunch and get to know all our fellow horse people from around the state.

Picnic arrangements are in the works, so please R.S.V.P. to: Membership@arhorsecouncil.org

February 2010 was an unusually busy month due to the Felony Cruelty case at Mountain View and Michael Steenbergen taking over as President of the AHC .

The AHC congratulates Sheriff Hudspeth, Judge Fowlkes, and the prosecutor's office for expediting the return of Mrs. Malott's horses and their offer to reduce charges from 25 Class D Felony charges to one count of misdemeanor. Dave Duquette, of Oregon, Executive Director of the United Horsemen's Front and Michael Steenbergen were instrumental in getting that ball rolling on this case. They will continue to monitor the situation and give assistance as needed.

The hearing for February was canceled at the last moment which was turned out to be a very good thing. We had a meeting the evening prior to the proposed hearing date with a large number of Mrs. Mailott's local supporters and representatives of animal groups from various cities. Special thanks to Fred Stafford, President of Arkansas Farm Bureau Madison County and members of Arkansas Cattlemens Association for financial contributions. Since the following day was free it gave ample time for visits to the local law enforcement, judiciary and others.

A fury has arisen at HSUS headquarters in Washington, D.C. today and they are scurrying around trying to disconnect themselves from the case. I have received two emails from them as I am typing this one. It is good to see that they are busy and concerned.

We had a wonderful meeting in Fayetteville at Soul Restaurant. Excellent food and even better camaraderie. Guests were Judge Joanna Taylor, candidate for Circuit Judge in Washington and Madison Counties (Joanna is also a rancher's wife and the family is involved with cattle and horses), John Brochu, Equine Dentist and Representative Jim House. Most of the discussion covered the items that the AHC is considering for legislative action in the coming session and expressed the importance of having folks with agricultural backgrounds in elected positions.

Cindy Pharr reported on the activities of NWARC which are phenomenal in this area. Jacci Perry gave a report on the huge success of the Black Stallion Literacy Program in Northwest Arkansas and said that the first grade program would be started with the fall session. Rebecca Gilpatrick is actively promoting the marketability of the Choctaw Horses and would like assistance from individuals or groups that would like to participate in a public relations campaign for these very special horses. Other attendees and directors contributed to a productive gathering.

Independence County residents would like to have an equine rescue in their area and we are asking for volunteers to form a committee to work on this effort. If you would like to help and live in or near this county please email me, Betty Jones, bjahc@madisoncounty.net.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Inspectors for checking on the horses without Coggins (who are usually starving, too). They are our first line of immediate attention and can get owners to call a vet to the premises faster than most humane societies. Also, in cases of carcass disposal violations they are of great service. Call Richard Jackson, Compliance Director, his phone number is 501 907 2400 or email rjackson@alpc.ar.gov. He will get the proper inspector right on the problem.

Please remember to contribute to the Legal Defense Fund for Denisa Malott. It's not over yet!

Bank of Izard County
Legal Defense Fund for Denisa Mailott
09 50 900 611
702 Sylamore Avenue
Mountain View, AR 72560