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

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.