Issues
& Policies
Horse Park
The CHC supports the creation
of a Horse Park in the state of Connecticut. The
Horse industry within the state is large and profitable
enough to support such a site, and when not being utilized,
it may be used for other exciting venues. This would
not only be a benefit to the state and the town in which it
is located, but also would encourage more growth within the
horse industry, as it could be the premier site for New
England Equine events.
The CHC has been diligently
working with other groups over the last several years to
further this issue. Ultimately, we believe that a
Horse Park is a viable option, and we would like to see one
built here in Connecticut
Taxation
The CHC supports a repeal of
the law allowing taxation of horses in the state of
Connecticut. We believe that the current law is
arbitrary and discriminatory. A horse is defined as
livestock, and other livestock groups are not taxed on the
individual animal as horses are, and pets are not taxed on
their value either. Additionally, the majority of
other states do not have a state property tax on
individually owned equids.
Trails
CHC supports the preservation
of trails for equestrian use. We are against the
paving of trails through Greenways as has happened in the
past in the state. Rather, we would prefer to see a
natural surface on trails or as a compromise, the use of
Stone Dust or other such surfaces where paving must be
done.
Wherever possible, we will
work with other trail users or special interest groups to
preserve and maintain trails, and to ensure that all our
trails are protected from destruction or restriction of
access. We feel that horses can coincide with other trail
user groups.
Emergency
Preparedness
CHC believes that prevention
and planning are in the best interests of both horse owners
and the general public. We actively supported legislation in
2007 that directs municipalities in CT to consider horses
and livestock in their disaster plans. We have also created
educational and training programs for both horse owners and
first responders in order to facilitate safety and
awareness.
Zoning
In recent years, horse farms
have been under pressure from increased zoning issues. CHC
has actively participated in public hearings and meetings of
zoning boards to represent the interests of horse and farm
owners. Often, disagreements arise though misunderstandings
on the part of both horse owners and town officials. CHC
believes that following best management practices will often
alleviate many problems. To that end, we offer educational
materials to both horse owners and zoning board members to
assist in resolving conflicts.
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