Equestrian Land Conservation Resource Advancing the conservation of 2007 Annual Report land for horse-related activities.
An Report BLK v5.indd 1 5/21/08 11:18:37 AM 5/21/08 11:18:38 AM
Catherine Bishop 2007 Annual Report An Report BLK v5.indd 1 “This is a pivotal time for land conservancy in this country. The land we protect in the next 20 years will determine the face of the American continent for all time.”
—Rand Wentworth, President Land Trust Alliance 2006
2007 Annual Report Catherine Bishop Catherine
An Report BLK v5.indd 2 5/21/08 11:18:39 AM From the President
Dear Friends of ELCR,
2007 was our tenth year, and in many ways it put the whole Throughout the year, our office was able to manage rapidly organization to a test. We began with the physical move of growing demand from individuals for guidance on land our office from Illinois to the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) protection, redesign the website (begun under Kandee’s in Lexington, but minus our dedicated, seven-year Executive leadership and which has just won an award from the Director, Kandee Haertel, who chose to remain in Illinois. American Trails organization), attract interest and new Our initial 2006 search for a new CEO yielded several offers of support from the equestrian industry, redesign and excellent candidates, none of whom worked out. review various ELCR publications, respond to many more requests to speak at annual meetings (including USEF’s), From January to December, 2007, ELCR’s story starred two provide articles for magazines, even be part of a two-minute women and a loyal audience – you! segment of a radio show!
Carolyn Orr, a retired agriculture professor from Berea In short, although the hour is late, the horse world IS College, Kentucky, stepped in to facilitate our move to waking up to the crisis all around it. The year was a KHP and keep the doors open until we found a CEO. She success because our board members took a stand for that faced three empty rooms, no telephones, no computers, no outcome, by their generosity of thought, time and financial furniture except for a card table and two folding chairs, not support; because you, our members, supporters and donors even any closets or cabinets for storage, with scores of boxes contributed your belief in the mission and the dollars to of paper files from the Illinois office. Undaunted, she set up help us achieve that mission. a functioning office and began the process of introducing ELCR to the KHP community. She initiated what has And although I experienced a few “OMG” moments, there become a monthly gathering of executive directors and were many more “Really? How wonderful!” moments, as CEOs from the 31 horse organizations located in the KHP, support showed up and results became apparent – from at which discussion of common challenges can happen, across the spectrum of long-term “true believers,” to new and a sense of community is slowly being built. This, in donors, to the growing number of horse organizations microcosm, is what needs to happen across the country; that are Equestrian Partners (this group has grown by across all breeds, across all disciplines and biases, horse 16% in 2007) to well-known horse industry names. A people need to come together to deal with the overwhelming marvelous and timely challenge grant from the Hamill challenges that loss of land and access pose to the future of Family Foundation motivated many to increase their annual all horse sport, recreation and industry. support, and inspired all of us to continue to work harder. The momentum is clear, but so is the challenge. Together, we Secondly, in July, during a further search for a CEO, Deb in the horse world can make a difference. Balliet showed up. Deb was the unanimous and enthusiastic choice of the search committee, impressing us with her Thank you for being a part of this mission. strategic vision, fund-raising experience and background with nonprofit organizations. Deb has a passion for the Sincerely, mission, is a horse owner, an ardent trail rider and loves a challenge! She moved to Kentucky and began work October 15th, with Carolyn staying on long enough to provide continuity. Georgiana Hubbard McCabe ELCR President and Co-Founder
2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 3 5/21/08 11:18:39 AM Hamill Family Challenge Met; Resources Leveraged for the Benefit of the Equestrian Community!
Thank you to the Hamill Family Foundation and everyone who responded to the Hamill Challenge in 2007. We are delighted to report that we received 34 gifts of 1$ ,000 or more, which resulted in a $125,000 matching grant from the Hamill Family Foundation.
All of us at ELCR are grateful to the challenge grant participants. We appreciate your commitment to ELCR’s mission, and understanding of the importance of funding for our outreach and programs. With your support, we were able to multiply our resources in order to extend our reach including additional awareness-building and educational opportunities for equestrians regarding land conservation in their communities.
“I have always been taught to be a good steward of the land and what we have been blessed to have.”
—Christine G. Hayworth, after signing a conservation easement on her 130-acre Tennessee horse farm
2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 4 5/21/08 11:18:40 AM C o n t r i BU t o r s
Mountain Conservationist Bob & Lisa Bezzeg Alfred C. Griffin, Jr. John Strassburger Janet Nestrud ($25,000 and over) Cornelia Bonnie Tricia Haertlein Dale Thiel Karen Nocella Hamill Family FoundationThankMagalen O. Bryant Judith Hamill Tully Cross FarmYou LLC Sarah A. Nunneley Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran Larry E. Byers Douglas C. Hancock Stephanie Warrington Lisa Derby Oden Maude G. Carr Julia D. Healy Wendy Wergeles Judith & Carl Pagter Foothills Guardian Susanna Colloredo-Mansfeld Marilyn Ball Heaton Anne A. Williams Carol L. Parker ($10,000 - $24,999) Virginia Fout George L. Helwig Cee Cee Wilmanns Emsie M. Parker James & Elizabeth Bramsen Sandra Frazier Loris Henry Ellen Wittenbrink Carol L. Patterson Jerome & Rebecca Broussard Helen K. Groves Suzanne F. Huff Betsy Wobus Martha H. Pieper Georgiana Hubbard McCabe Joyce Martin Hampton Anne H. Husted Helena duPont Wright William G. Prime Nancy Hamill Winter Susan M. Harding Idaho Horse Council Merle J. Richmond Lake County Forest Preserve Terrence & Tracy Jarman Meadow Defender Dr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Rogers Countryside Conserver District Keith Taylor Memorial Fund ($50 - $99) Laura Ruby ($5,000 - $9,999) Frances H. Leidy (U.S. Pony Clubs, Inc.) Richard D. Abbott M. A. Ruley Buchanan Family Foundation Mary Ellen Litter Allithea E. Killeen Alice Burrows & Robert Robin Sahner East Tennessee Foundation William & Karen Petrauskas Creed Law Arnett Carol A. Schmelz Anne E. Eldridge Racine Community Stephen T. Lecuyer Hollace B. Brockman Lynn Sengstack Mr. & Mrs. C. Martin Wood, III Foundation William F. MacLaren Sheila J. Brown Theresa L. Stefanidis Christine G. Hayworth Austin C. Smith Elizabeth M. Madison Diane H. Brunson Albert G.S. Stewart Donald & Melanie Heacock Dun Foundation Jane Nicholson Mangrum Cahaba Pony Club Ivey Sumrell Lightner Sams Foundation Mary Pianelli Manzi Suzanne Y. Cannavino James & Cheryl Thomas Mars Foundation Valley Preserver Michael L. Marcus Sherry Cantrell Sara M. Thompson ($100 - $499) Michelle M. Martin Leslie E. Cashel, MD Charlotte G. Tieken Range Protector Mary Barbara Alexander Patricia A. Mattingley Jack Cashin United Ways of New England ($2,500 - $4,999) Daniel R. & Patricia Baker Kathleen McCullough Laurie Chapman-Bosco John J. Vierthaler Corwith Hamill Deb Balliet Mrs. K. Ira Polcyn McEvoy Farnham F. Collins Allison Dean Walker Joan H. McIntosh Joanne Balling Deborah S. McKechnie Georgia B. Compton Sylvia J. Wilson Ann Mactier Al Barron, Jr. Reed & Bobby McNutt Robert O. Costello Millicent H. Wesley Coates F. Bateman, Jr. J. Patrick Michaels, Jr. Lisa Dudash R.J. West Plains Champion Bay Area Barns & Trails James B. Miller H. Benjamin Duke, III Susan A. Williams ($1,000 - $2,499) Zohar & Lisa Ben-Dov Ranlet & Elizabeth K. Miner Christine Ehlers Samuel & Pauline Willis Carol Ann Atterbury Constance B. Berto Shade Murray, Jr. Liese C. Farless Beverly H. Willsey Helen Ayer Gail Bowden Roberta W. O’Dell Mary Farr Roger M. Yike Beardsley Family Foundation Steffanie Burgevin Holly H. Orlando Julie I. Fershtman, Esq. Sophie H. Pirie Clifton & Charles A. Chapin Ann Pembroke Marla Foreman Field Steward Roger L. Clifton Richard A. Check Pamela M. Peters Dr. Traci M. Freeman (Up to $49) Wendy L. Cochran Kem S. Courtenay Ben C. Pierce Christie Gard Many Anonymous Donors Anida H. Johnson Cohen George B. Compton Deirdre H. Pirie Nancy Garred Harold Berenson William & Andrea Ferguson Paige Cumming James G. Powers Claire J. Harmon Barbara L. Bornstein Betsy & Leslie Fink Marisa Morgan Dallman Donna E. Prendergast Hazel Green-Toney Saddle Robert Brewer Pamela Bliss French Frederica M. Davis Courtney B. Ramsay Club Sarah Brown Nancy K. Haaren Billie D. Deam Georgia C. Rea Grace T. Hiter Judith A. Canavan Jamee & Marshall Field, IV Jean P. Derrick Craig Rice Julie A. Jackson Chukkar Farm & Polo Club Elizabeth Johnson J. Allen Dick, Jr. Judith H. Richter Peggy B. Johnson Jean Cibula Norma Peden Killebrew Tria Pell Dove John A. Robbins K. Skiff Kane, DVM Designer Deck & Fence, Inc. P.A. (Tony) Leahy Susan A. Dunn John Martin Rogers Anne Kulak Bonnie Detzel John Love Margaret H. DuPrey April L. Sage Margo Payne Leithead Foxfire Farm Jane MacElree Tim Durborow Greg Schlappi John Limbocker, Jr. Karen Gaddis-Philips Louisa McKown Michelle Egli Lee Schnupper William F. Lorek Judith L. Gendron Tad & Cindy Piper Fiona Farrell, Esq. Albert & Joel Schreck Stacy M. MacDonald Greenhill Park Equine Center Seymour S. Preston, III Kathleen Faulkner, MD Richard L. Schwab Laura J. Marsh David & Kandee Haertel Holly Bea Rothschild Michael & Ellen Fitzgerald Christene Sellers Edward E. Marshall Debbie Hanson Mrs. Anson W.H. Taylor, Jr. John Fritz Craig R. Smith Malcolm Matheson, III James T. Hendrick Richard H. Thompson Jane Morriss Garland Eleanor C. Smith Joanne M. McEldowney Don Housman David B. George Roger Smith Emily Frazer McHugh Jane E. Howard Trails Keeper Alena R. Golding Harlan J. Spiroff Monterey Horse Park Becky Kalagher ($500 - $999) Henry H. Graham, Jr. Elizabeth K. Stanley Robert A. Moore D. Jane Killian J.E. & Marjorie Beardsley, Jr. Judy Gregg T. Garrick Steele George Naas Donna Lee Koski
2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 5 5/21/08 11:18:40 AM Margaret Long Mary Hoover Sheila Wickstrom Lea Purcell Lisa Ferlaino Ludwigs Corner Riding Club Bethany Horsemen Will County Trail Riders Paul & Jean Warren Judy Flaherty Misty Isle Farms -Thomas Robert L. Hunker Floyd Wine Samuel & Pauline Willis Debra Fritter Stewart Elaine Echeverria Infager Jaye-Allison Winkel Bonita Gerdes Elizabeth C. Moore Michael R. Jaffe Connie C. Wooten In Memory of Anson W.H. Pamela Gibson James F. Nealon Kathleen A. Keady Christopher Wright Taylor, Jr. Patti Greene Richard A. Perez Steven D. Keim Ann L.B. Yellott Carol Ann Atterbury Sharon Grip Paul E. Pizza Christa Kemp Roger M. Yike Larry E. Byers Colleen Halupa Lea Purcell Eileen M. Kirsch Mary Sue Younger Ann Getchell Sarah Hassan Elsie Anne Schollenbarger Amber Knight Kandee Haertel Miriam Hauss Rhonda K. Sherman Susan L. Koso Foundations Donald & Melanie Heacock Sonya Heilmann Carolyn R. Simmelink, DVM Anne Kulak Beardsley Foundation P. A. (Tony) Leahy Jane Hendron Tyrone Farm Betsy LaBelle Broussard Charitable Robin Lightner - Lightner Christy Herring Darlene Wells Susan B. Laux Foundation Trust Sams Foundation Christine Hescock Shirley S. Winer Jean & David Lawrence Buchanan Family Foundation Georgiana Hubbard McCabe Ging Howington-Mantsch M. Jean Ligon, Esq. Dun Foundation James & Linda Miller Dawn Imler Individual Members Larry & Cynthia Lippon Ray & Christine Hayworth John Strassburger Leanna Jarman Richard D. Abbott Ludwigs Corner Riding Club Charitable Fund of the East Mrs. Anson W.H. Taylor, Jr. Timothy Johnson Stephanie L. Abronson Susan Lundstrom Tennessee Foundation Nancy Hamill Winter Zenaida Johnson Karen Alexander Many Ponies Outfit Hamill Family Foundation Linda Killin Nancy W. Ambrosiano Karen Marshall Hamill Family Endowment Honorariums Jill King Neil Anderson Antonia D. Mayer Fund of the Community In Honor of Leon Chesler & Brittney Klein Ark International Group Emily Frazer McHugh Foundation of Western NC Nancy Davis Matthew Knock Alice Burrows & Robert Susan Gerbi McIlwain Edward E. Hood, Jr. Alice Burrows Sharon Knopic Arnett Mike McNeely Foundation Michael Kopcinski Kathleen M. Baska Jane Meggitt Jamee & Marshall Field In Honor of Ken & Dagni Leon LaVigne Danielle Bingham Mary J. O’Connell Foundation Harkema Linda Lonabaugh Paula Brand Maire E. O’Neill Lightner Sams Foundation of Alice Burrows Lisa Maness Pamela A. Breeden Patti M. Otto Wyoming Michael Marks Hollace B. Brockman Susan M. Overstreet Luminescence Foundation In Honor of Beth Miner Casey Marsh Colleen D. Burgh Warren Packard Mars Foundation Ranlet Miner Michelle Martin John & Joanna Caldwell Valerie Palluzzi McIntosh Foundation Virginia Martin Sherry Cantrell Carol L. Parker Racine Community In Honor of Nancy Hamill Geraldine McCann Alice K. Charkes Karen L. Pate Foundation Winter Randolph McClain Barbara J. Chatman-Royce Claudia Shellar Pawlowski William Howard Flowers, Jr. Max & Cookie Cohen Dawn Morgan Katherine A. Clark Phyllis C. Pillard Foundation. Inc. Melissa Mullins William Z. Compton Reddemeade Farm Honorarium and Memorial Michael O’Donnell Katherine Cooper Laura S. Reed Corporate Sponsors & In Honor and Memory of Kathleen O’Keefe Sarah Cowen Riding Club of Barrington Matching Gifts Virginia Horne Victoria Osborn Grete Karen Miller Crawford Hills Bit of Britain Saddlery Georgiana Hubbard McCabe Carrie Palmer Paige Cumming Angela Roark Breyer Horses Lanette Palmquist Frederica M. Davis Lindsay Robbins Equine Network: Combined Federal Jodi Patterton J. Allen Dick, Jr. Julia Sauer Dressage Today Campaign Tracey Penland Susan Domonkos Carol A. Schmelz Equisearch.com Ryan Alexander Alexandra Perez Julie Drown Brian & Lisa Schoenrock Equus Michael Allen Ross Poppenberger Thomas Elliott Roberta Folonie Schuetz Horse & Rider Dawn Angell Patricia Potts Judith Ellis Susan Settler Practical Horseman Deborah Armentrout-Ayers Timothy Radford Anne C. Estall Teresa Shaft W.W. Grainger, Inc. Claudia Bennett Alice Rice Beulah B. Fehr Show-Me Missouri Back Kennicott Minerals Company L. Bireley Christina Rider Julie Fershtman, Esq. Country Horsemen Land O’ Lakes Purina Feed Lisa Bockelman Aaron Romine Mary Fleming Finley, M.D. Eleanor C. Smith Debbie Bouchard Lawrence Schreiber Kate Fitzgerald Mary Sorenson Memorials Alison Breene Lawanda Scott Michael & Ellen Fitzgerald Elizabeth S. Spencer In Memory of Eve Fout Cheryl Broshious Michelle Settle Thomas Foley Jari Sullivan Virginia Fout Michelle Brouillard Thomas Shaffer Gay K. Frame Rebecca Thayer Shirley Callahan Rhonda Sherman Nancy Garred Donna Thomas In Memory of Paul R. Fout Megan Callan James & Lorena Thompson L. Gail Gartside Vicki Thurber Eve Fout Lee Ann Cappuccio Margaret Tippie Sherry A. Glatzer Elizabeth W. Tukey George Cassidy William Trautmann Peggy L. Gomez Elaine Turski In Memory of Roy L. Rector Edward Chacon Laura Unglesby Linda Green Sally S. Vaun Coates & Barbara Bateman Sharon Chilson Brooke Walker Nona Green Virginia Horse Center Tim Durborow Nia Clark Jennifer Warzecha Green Mountain Hounds Foundation Ann Petris Griffith Matthew Collins Denise Wilson Victoria Halliday Madelon Wallace Grace Hiter William Coop Margaret H. Hetrick Judith A. Ward Nicholas & Mary Manzi Denise Dost Vicki Hittson Paul & Jean Warren Edward Marshall Deirdre Dove Katherine Holman Millicent H. Wesley Earle & Julia Miller William Drummond
Every effort has been made to make this list accurate. Please contact us at (859) 455-8383 if an error has been made and we will correct our records. Thank you.
2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 6 5/21/08 11:18:41 AM S UCC e s s s t o r i e s
Paint the Town Horse-Friendly posts, paddocks and a stabling facility in the Master Plan update. The officials requested that we organize our group The famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh, once said, “I dream as a land conservancy, do a horse census, document a horse my painting and then I paint my dream.” We would all like history and provide an equine economic impact study. We to be visionaries and capture our ideas with the simple had no clue what an “equine economic impact study” was or stroke of a brush. But, sometimes we lack the tools to get the how to begin to fulfill that request. vision, the paint and the purpose from the palette to the canvas. It was a daunting task. Giving up would have proven the easiest solution. Instead, we contacted Michigan Horse Back in 2002, a small band of equestrians in Highland, Council and were provided valuable information—just the Michigan wanted to bring attention to the interest and right “paint” for our palette. They also provided a contact at benefits of horses in the area. We were invited to present Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, Kandee Haertel. ideas to the Planning Commission and Township Board. ELCR provided the support, direction and impulsion for us Our quiet little downtown has only three retail businesses: to accomplish our goal. They had the brushes—the tools and a party store, tack store and feed store. With revitalization the push that we needed to get our ideas on canvas. efforts underway, the goal was to keep our hamlet horse- friendly by encouraging the township to include hitching After five years, the Master Plan for Highland Station is now complete (March 2008). The final document includes hitching posts and a stabling facility, making our downtown the first Oakland County Main Street Program in the Historic National Trust that is horse-friendly.
Although the plan is underway, this artistic creation won’t be complete until the paint is dry and we stand back to see the finished piece in place. The Highland Equestrian Conservancy is already prepping a new canvas for the next masterpiece, the next vision. We’ve submitted a formal written request for a community horse park with conservation easements, greenways and bridle paths. Perhaps, it is time for other equestrians to add a splash of equine creativity to paint their town horse-friendly, too.
We are grateful to ELCR for supplying the artistic know- how—the tools to make our little version of a Van Gogh a reality!
—Sharon Greene, Highland Equestrian Conservancy Highland, Michigan
2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 7 5/21/08 11:18:41 AM A Decade of Hard Work Brings Progress
What a difference ten years makes! Since we started ELCR, equestrian land conservation has gone from a tiny blip on the radar of most horse organizations to a major concern for the largest (and the smallest) equine groups in the country. After years of repeating our message to impress upon equestrians the importance of the land-loss issue, we have seen a quantum leap in the awareness, concern and action on the part of horsemen to protect land for horse activities. Equestrians finally“GET IT”—that loss of land is the greatest single threat to the future of their sport, recreation and industry.
Horsemen are regularly: • learning how to save land and putting their knowledge into practice. • sharing ideas through ELCR-provided internet networking and teleconferencing. • working with land managers to make sure that access to public lands is maintained and expanded. • helping private landowners with stewardship and conservation concerns. • getting involved in land-use decisions in their counties and states.
ELCR is providing many of the resources and networking opportunities that are bringing successful equestrian land protection projects to fruition throughout the country. It is gratifying to see such advances in our work.
Melanie Heacock ELCR Co-Founder and Director Emeritus Melanie Heacock and her husband, Donald
2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 8 5/21/08 11:18:42 AM 2 0 0 7 E QU e s t r i A N P A r t n e r s
ELCR Equestrian Partners are equine, equestrian and conservation-related organizations that have joined in the active pursuit of land Thankconservation for horses and horse–related activity. This rapidly growing You membership group, representing over 500,000 concerned individuals nationwide, is a network of organizations that receive, discuss and act on expert and timely information on equestrian land conservation issues provided by ELCR. To have your organization become a member, visit www.ELCR.org.
Premier Partners • Equestrian Partners in Conservation • Maryland Horse Council • Southeastern Association of • American Quarter Horse Association • Essex County Trail Association • Michigan Horse Council Distance Riders • Equestrian Services, LLC • Expert Equine Research Center • Muttontown Horsemen’s Association • The National Drive • Masters of Foxhounds Association • Farms & Barns Real Estate • National Association of Competitive • Trail Management Services, LLC • United States Eventing Association • Foothills Equestrian Trails Association Mounted Orienteering • Tryon Hounds • United States Pony Clubs, Inc. • Fox River Valley Hunt • Nevada All-State Trail Riders • United States Dressage Federation • Garden State Horse & Carriage Society • New England Equestrian Land • United States Forest Service, Equestrian Partners • Granby Regional Horse Council Management Conservation Corporation Eastern Region • Advanced Biological Concepts • Green Properties • New Hampshire Horse Council • United States Polo Association • American Driving Society • Green Valley Farm • New Jersey Horse Council • Virginia Horse Council • American Endurance Ride Conference • Horsemen’s Council of Illinois • Norco Horsemen’s Association • Virginia Thoroughbred Association • American Saddlebred Horse Association • Idaho Horse Council • North American Trail Ride Conference • Waimea Equestrian Trails Association • American Trail Horse Association • Illinois Trail Riders • North Carolina Horse Council • Wayne Area Conservancy Foundation • Arizona State Horsemen’s Association • Indiana Trail Riders Association • Oregon Equestrian Trails • Wayne DuPage Hunt • Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead • Indiana Whips and Wheels, Inc. • Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association • Wisconsin Arabian Horse Association • Bay Area Barns & Trails • Iowa Horse Council • Parker Trail Riders • Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc. • Bay State Trail Riders Association • Kansas Horse Council • Pendleton Area Saddle Club • Wolcott Mill Trail Association • Bridle Path Conservancy • Kentucky Horse Council • Pennsylvania Equine Council • Bull Valley Riding Club • Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & • Radnor Hunt Pony Club • Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association Breeders, Inc. • Sam Houston Forest • Connecticut Horse Council • Knapp Friesian Foundation, Inc. Equestrian Association • Cornwall Hounds • Las Vaqueras Riders • Shore Riders Pony Club • EasyCare, Inc. • Los Angeles Trails Project • Somerset County • Equestrian Civil Rights Union • Lifetime Lumber Products Horse & Pony Association
American Driving Society Supports ELCR’s Efforts Nationwide
Like foxhunters, eventers, endurance and trail riders, drivers need access to land, trail systems and the proverbial “country road” to pursue their passion. Only ELCR represents equestrians’ land conservation and access concerns at the national level, ensuring that we have a fighting chance against the onslaught of development and careless planning.
Pat Cheatham American Driving Society Pat Cheatham 2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 9 5/21/08 11:18:42 AM From the Heart
ELCR is a model that invites us to work as community. In solving our common problem of preserving land for equestrian uses, we create new, exciting ways to flourish together. What a bonus.
Horsemen, like dog lovers, joggers, tourists, city dwellers and others, need a healthy partnership with our undeveloped land tracts in order to build a well-rounded life. When we disregard our obligations to preserve land for our horses, we cheat ourselves out of more than just a convenient place to ride. We are closing doors to the inspirations and joys these lands provide and the opportunity to get to know and work with our neighbors in making the world a bit better. Susan Mills ELCR has recognized the value of keeping land available for all equestrians and horses, without bias to breed or sport. The ELCR initiative is unselfish, generous, kind and optimistic. It educates, offers resources, and provides encouragement and support in both good times and Regardless of Breed… bad. ELCR bridges differences and builds partnerships that contribute to a brighter future for us all. ELCR demonstrates “I strongly believe that preserving our green space is the the best qualities of the equestrian industry. cornerstone of the future of the Thoroughbred industry in this country. We need our farms, hay and grain fields, and Through ELCR and the issue of land preservation, horsemen even the land on which our racetracks sit to be preserved by have the opportunity to speak and act as one voice, from the protecting them from the sprawl, economic pressure, and heart. Isn’t it heart that brings horses and people together in zoning changes that have closed off millions acres of land to the first place? Thank you, ELCR. horse activities. ELCR is the only organization founded for the sole purpose of promoting access to and conservation of Susan Mills, Founder land for equestrian purposes and it should be supported.” EASE Initiative
Glenn Petty, Executive Director Virginia Thoroughbred Association Mark Llewellyn
2007 Annual Report 10
An Report BLK v5.indd 10 5/21/08 11:18:43 AM Vermont Trail Trotters Moving Forward
The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is a fantastic resource for securing public and private lands for the future of equine activities. One day, out of the blue, I called the organization and Deb Balliet, the CEO, answered the phone, giving me lots of good info about how to proceed forward with our club. She immediately mailed me ELCR’s book on organizing a club, right down to goals, bylaws and a mission statement. She told me who to contact for resources, and even provided info on erosion and manure issues, species conservation and trail maintenance. Deb continues to send me info from other organizations she feels would be helpful, Becky Young as well as grant information that we might be able to use in the future. Vermont Trail Trotters is a very small horse group and she treats us like we are a major, special equine group. It is amazing how her help and ELCR have pushed us forward and made us realize that we are not alone in our plight and that we will see fruition in our endeavor.
Lorraine Thurber Founder, Vermont Trail Trotters
EasyCare Cares About the Future
“Loss of trails and accessibility is a big issue facing equestrian trail users and EasyCare wants to support ELCR’s efforts in trail preservation. Their mission, advancing the conservation of land for horse activity, is very important and is one of the most pressing issues that equestrians have. We all need to work together so that future generations will be able to enjoy all the benefits of being able to ride their horses on trails.”
Karen Chaton Lorraine Thurber Marketing Manager, EasyCare, Inc.
11 2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 11 5/21/08 11:18:44 AM r e V e n U e s A n d E XP e n s e s 2 0 0 7
ELCR’s IRS 990 Report is available online at REVENUE www.elcr.org by clicking on Focus on ELCR. Our 2007 audited financial statement is available for review upon request.
REVENUE
Individual Contributions $249,525 82% Equestrian Partner and Individual Memberships $13,369 4% Grants $11,000 4% Publication Sales $3,87 % Other $3,76 % Transfer from Reserves $24,835 8% Expenses TOTAL $306,369 100%
Expenses
Constituent Services* $220,063 72% Administration $39, 3% Fundraising $16,963 5% Equestrian Partners $15,004 5% Transition to Kentucky $14,340 5% *Constituent Services include individual technical assistance, national/regional presentation, development/dissemination of TOTAL $306,369 100% educational materials and articles.
2007 Annual Report 12
An Report BLK v5.indd 12 5/21/08 11:18:44 AM Connecticut Horse Council Assists Public Land Managers: Volunteer Trail Patrol Flourishes
The Connecticut Horse Council partnered, in 2003, with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to create the Volunteer Horse Patrol (VHP) for the purpose of riding and serving in state parks and forests under management of the DEP. The establishment of the patrol came at a critical time, when cuts in the state budget required reductions in DEP staff overseeing and working in the parks. Since that time, the VHP has filled part of the gap Connecticut Horse Council left by staff no longer there to patrol and maintain trails. The patrol has expanded to include several land trust areas, town goodwill ambassadors for the equestrian community. All parks and town open spaces. volunteers participate in a training program to learn the rules and regulations of the parks and forests they will patrol, Connecticut’s VHP is patterned after the Maryland public relations techniques, trail etiquette, communication Department of Natural Resource Mounted Patrol Program skills, first aid and CPR. Once this is completed, members and the National Park Service’s Volunteers in Parks hit the trail with their equine companion, logbook and Program. Its primary responsibility is to serve as auxiliary identification as a VHP volunteer to assist visitors, make note eyes and ears – on the lookout for what is going on out on of hazards on the trail and identify when and where park and the trail. Volunteers assist DEP and land managers with forest rules are being ignored. nonenforcement tasks such as promoting trail etiquette on multiuse trails, sharing information about the park’s This unique program has flourished since its inception. The regulations, facilities, and features with visitors, as well as program offers many benefits for all involved. It keeps trails repairing and maintaining trails, freeing the limited DEP open that might otherwise be closed due to lack of funds and staff for other tasks. Mounted volunteers also assist with creates goodwill among equestrians, land managers, and the municipal programs and special events, as well as serve as general public.
Special thanks to our friends at:
Equine Network and its fine family of equestrian magazines: Equisearch, Horse & Rider, Equus, Dressage Today, and Practical Horseman
13 2007 Annual Report
An Report BLK v5.indd 13 5/21/08 11:18:46 AM r e FL E C t i o n s
From an ELCR Co-Founder Congratulations to our new CEO, Deb Balliet, for her visionary leadership and to the current board of directors, Today, I am encouraged by the inevitable maturation of the which is taking the Resource into this tumultuous but Resource. It enters its next decade located in the capital of hopeful millennium with renewed commitment and the American equestrian world, with its new headquarters remarkable talent. They are well-suited to address the in Lexington, at the Kentucky Horse Park. There, it is threats and opportunities at hand. ‘Well done’ to everyone positioned to act on behalf of a broad constituency in who has been involved with the Resource over the years, defense of the relentlessly pressing threat of sprawl. Its as well as to those who do the tough work to protect their central presence at KHP’s National Horse Center is more horse lands by maintaining the green infrastructure in their than symbolic of the Resource’s pivotal role in carrying local communities. They are a tribute to the existence of the the message and mounting an even better organized, more Resource, proving its value as a force for the protection of adequately funded response to the greatest challenge to the the American equestrian landscape. May we always live in a future of every horse sport and industry organization in nation which has plenty of room for riders and drivers of the the nation. noble horse.
Obviously, without the many individual donors, foundations, Richard A. Jorgensen equestrian partner organizations and corporate sponsors ELCR Co-Founder which the Resource has relied upon to provide financial and moral support, none of what has been achieved over the past ten years would have been possible. But, I sincerely hope, as we establish our vision for the next decade, which many are now referring to as “the build-out decade,” we will encounter a unified leadership commitment on the part of every aspect of the equestrian community. Small businesses and large corporations alike must eventually address the potentially grave consequences of what may already be happening to their markets as a result of the loss of riding grounds, hay fields and pastures, and the stresses of competing uses on the public and private lands currently available to horsemen. These threats to competitive and recreational riders and the businesses which they support can only be countered by the kind of organized, informed, engaged, empowered, grassroots efforts the Resource fosters to preserve the key land resources on which all horse-related activity relies. As parents think about their children’s and grandchildren’s futures; as breeders think about improving the bloodlines of their mounts; so too must equestrians and entrepreneurs look to the future and protect the land-base which is critical Richard A. Jorgensen to their continued and shared passion involving the horse.
2007 Annual Report 14
An Report BLK v5.indd 14 5/21/08 11:18:46 AM Equestrian Land Conservation Resource Non-Profit Org. 4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite #120 U.S. Postage Paid Lexington, KY 40511 Lexington, KY Permit No. 589
E QU e s t r i A N L A n d C o n s e r VA t i o n r e s o U R C E
Board of Directors Advisory Council Staff
Georgiana Hubbard McCabe P.A. (Tony) Leahy Denny (Edward) Emerson Deb Balliet President Illinois & Georgia Tamarack Hill Farm Chief Executive Officer Virginia Vermont & North Carolina Patsy Mattingley Wanda Hines Nancy Hamill Winter Washington Julie I. Fershtman, Esq. Administrative Assistant Vice President Zausmer, Kaufman, August & Caldwell, PC Illinois Stephanie McCommon Michigan Jessi Jump Texas Administrative Coordinator Sophie H. Pirie Clifton Susan M. Harding Secretary James B. Miller Equine Network Debbie Kelly North Carolina Virginia Maryland Equestrian Partner Coordinator
Larry E. Byers Dan Rosenberg Ben Pierce Karen Marshall Treasurer Kentucky The Nature Conservancy Web & Editorial Assistant South Carolina Montana John Strassburger Anne W. Eldridge California William J. Price, V Massachusetts & Charlotte Steeplechase Association North Carolina Ward Stutz North Carolina Texas Libbie Johnson Rand Wentworth North Carolina Melanie M. Heacock Land Trust Alliance Director Emeritus Washington, DC Maryland James R. Wolf United States Equestrian Foundation New Jersey Graphic design by the Arion Group
An Report BLK v5.indd 15 5/21/08 11:18:47 AM