Des Moines Register columnist Richard Doak wrote on Monday about how Iowa is trying to become more equestrian-friendly.

“Horses are a big deal in Iowa, probably much bigger than is generally realized. Embracing the possibilities of equestrian recreation could be one of many ways to make our state the wonderful, livable place it needs to be to attract more people and businesses.

“Making Iowa more equestrian-friendly certainly won't cure the state's economic woes, but, as part of a broad push to enhance all kinds of recreational opportunities, it might deserve to be near the top of the list (along with bike trails and cleaning up the rivers).

“Lots of people enjoy horses, and lots of them live in Iowa already. There are no hard numbers, but it is estimated that more than 30,000 Iowans own horses, and by all accounts the number is growing. The economic impact from raising, feeding, grooming, showing and equipping more than 200,000 horses in Iowa might run more than a billion dollars.”

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge recently appointed a task force that is attempting a census of horse ownership in Iowa and assessing the economic impact.

“The hope is that the numbers will impress policy-makers with the importance of horses to the Iowa economy and lead to more support for development of equestrian trails, show parks and other venues,” Doak wrote.

“In addition to its value in enhancing Iowa's quality of life, consider its potential in helping to stem the depopulation of rural Iowa. A few thousand more families living on equestrian acreages could make a difference in whether some rural school districts and small towns survive.

“Move over, Kentucky.”

Speaking of Iowa ...

The American Quarter Horse took center stage during the breed demonstrations at the Iowa Horse Fair April 8-10 in Des Moines. Sue Voss, director for District 1 of the Iowa Quarter Horse Association, was the chairperson for the IQHA Horse Fair Committee and put together a special performance for their appearance.

 Voss put together a choreographed demonstration to John Philip Sousa march music for some really outstanding horses and their volunteer exhibitors:

• Marc Chapman and Tally Cool Sparkle showed the ever popular halter horse.
• Anna Voss and Sugar Kate Canary and LuAnn Evans and Sonnys Lil Wrapper demonstrated western pleasure gaits.
• Mike Davis and Olena Lite demonstrated the reining horse.
• The special guest at the event was Leonard Reed's retired racing gelding Bold Six Chick (who just happens to be the all-time winner of any breed at Prairie Meadows Racetrack).

The crowd cheered and applauded loudly for Davis when he reached forward to remove the bridle from Olena Lite and performed reining maneuvers bridleless, really showing off the American Quarter Horse's mind and ability.

The Iowa Quarter Horse and the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing associations had a booth in the horse fair’s trade show to provide information to the attending public on their activities and the American Quarter Horse.

Both associations wanted to send out a “big thank you” to everyone who helped with this year's horse fair. These volunteers are true ambassadors for our breed and our organization.