Can we say deep freeze again?

Have you checked your freezer lately? Did you leave the door open accidentally? I am wondering because it is below zero again where I live and it is expected to stay that way for a few days again.

The ponies stayed in today, we had 30 mph and gusty winds from the North. Even though the thermometer read 13 above, the windchill said -15. Fun? I think not.

So not too much got done today. I just played with the babies a bit, talked to each pony individually. Not much else. So I spent time on the internet reading articles about the equine industry and what laws are being passed by each state.

One disturbing article was from New Hampshire - they are going to try to pass a law that each horse has to have a rabies license. Not only that, the vet has to come out and administer the rabies vaccinations for each, which includes the rabies shot and possibly a certificate stating so. Which most likely will also have a small fee attached to it. Then each horse's record will have to be taken into the nearest municipality and registered and given a licensed tag. The cost will be $25 to start out with. So imagining - it will be $100 per horse to get its license all said and done.

I already have the vet come out and vaccinate on my place, we have discussed rabies shots, but my vet hasn't heard of a rabies case in horses in my area in all his years of practice. So what does that tell you? Does New Hampshire have some sort of rabies issue in the equine world we are not aware of??

Not only that I read another article regarding how the 2009 United States Congress and House will deal with the Equine Industry. Did you know we generate $102 Billion and add 1.4 million jobs to the economy? At one time the Equine industry was the 5th largest industry in the US.

Basically the article wonders if all the recent bills passed that helps the average equine business increase its business a bit by allowing $250,000 in tax deductions, but that had expired as of the end of 2008.

'The increase of the Section 179 expense deduction to $250,000, and the reinstatement of bonus depreciation, were included in last year's tax stimulus bill. Both expired at the end of 2008, but the American Horse Council thinks it is likely that Congress will extend both provisions in this year's stimulus bill.'

We'll see if this holds true. On another note, it is highly unlikely anything else gets tied up as the Ag jobs falls by the wayside in 2009 Congress. Surely there will be other legislation evolving and introduced, but....

'No matter what legislation is introduced in the coming months, it will be important for the new Congress to hear from members of the horse industry. This is why the AHC, in cooperation with its member organizations, has launched a new grassroots initiative called the Congressional Cavalry program. All individual horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, or anyone who desire to join the grassroots efforts of the horse community in Washington, are encouraged to join. Through this free program the AHC will let you know when legislation that affects the horse industry is introduced and when and how to contact your members of Congress. To sign up for this program call the AHC at (202) 296-4031.'

Let' s hope are voices are heard.