Today' the delima' of the horses' welfare is much like the delima of our economy of today. There are many people of yesteryear, as well as we today; who contributed to the present ill state of welfare of Equus. We the People" are the blame. An interesting note is; Horses and Politicians are some what alike, in that both require constant guidance, and continues overseeing. It is a known fact, that most' of both; will take advantage when given the opportunity.
There is however a difference, the horse doesn't lie, deceive, or euphamize, where as the politician is apt at all three.
The bottom line is; the welfare of Equus' is our problem, therefore it is up to "US in Equus" to resolve it. I have down loaded a concept' of a long range welfare for all horses in the united States. It would be interesting to hear responses from NKHN members and others in the horse community about the idea. in addition, the further away the govt. stays away from this project, the better off for "US and Equus", except for what ever legislating, US in EQUUS would ask for.
The National Equine Retirement Fund
Non-Government participation
Author: Jack Vance, Project conception: Summer 2004?
859 630 4435
Jackvance1@juno.com
N.E.R.F. will require much to do, but there will be time to do it all! And all will get done in it’s time.
Through those of us with “Horse in the Heart” N.E.R.F. will evolve into the Parliamentary House of Equus” where assemble for consultation and deliberation will produce legislation and prudent business practices for the Humane welfare of all horses in the United States.
This is a rough draft concept of a method of funding a retirement facility for any and all equines in the United States. It is so common sense correct; all it takes is the right leadership” and the rest of us will follow. “US in Equus” are 1.9 million owners but we are Thirty Five Million strong in activist enthusiasts and financial supporters and we spend a bunch of money in the world of horses: and that is a lot of power.
Ref American Horse council
ahc@horsecouncil.org
The industry has a $102 billion impact on the U.S. economy when the multiplier effect of spending by industry suppliers and employees is taken into account. If one includes off-site spending of spectators the result figures is even higher
We have “Horse in the Heart” that is why I think this movement will generate such interest and support, that people will be saying I want tot see this happen how can I” help.
Privatizing Mustang, Wild horse & Burro program:
US in Equus” do not need the Government to ordain or direct the welfare of Equus. It is my opinion this project will generate sufficient funds that will allow N.E.R.F take over the management of the Mustangs and Wild horse burro program along with (In part) various select holding facilities with related equipment and turn them into Satellite station. N.E.R.F. would of course be monetarily compensated (without strings) by the government (You the tax payer) for saving us money. That being expenditures for the care and maintenance of the present Mustang, Wild horse & Burro program.
Other than this particular aspect; N.E.R.F. does not want government to be apart of this project, simply because we have seen the way Government mismanages and wastes money due to their lack of prudence of business. It is this same reasoning which tells me N.E.R.F can get along very nicely with Government help.
There are 9.5 million horses in the United States with 1.9 million owners (Equestrian Land Conservation Resource). There are more horses today than at any other time in the history of this county. Included in the count are 30,000 Mustangs and a very miniscule number of Wild horses/burros.
With Thirty Five Million of “US in Equus” we spend a bundle of money with service and product providers. The list of service/product providers who donate money to the welfare of Equus is small as is their pittance.
(* Pittances at end of these writings)
Their profits come from the consumer which is YOU and I, as individual single horse owners or owners of large multi horse operation.
You and I always pay corporations for their cost of doing business and we recognize very little in return. With N.E.R.F. established we will all pay our fare share and know where it is going. For example; I don’t care how much or how little money you have; how could anyone complain about 5 cents of the cost of a bag of horse feed going to a fund that will guarantee the welfare of your horse(s) for the rest of their life?
With the N.E.R.F. logo (TBD) prominently displayed on a product or service, I firmly believe when a consumer is looking to buy a service or product they will buy that product which supports the welfare of Equus. It is the most sensible and viable concept for the welfare of all horses in the United States. Industry will recognize, promote and support it as will the horse owners.
Promotional considerations:
I am sure there is not ONE (1) celebrity who if asked would refuse to support and speak for N.E.R.F. and do so with out monetary compensation, once they become aware of the Mission Statement of N.E.R.F. and that the money is destined for the welfare of all horses in the United states.
Funding:
The funding is very simple. If one generates income from any service or product with in the World of Horses there is a pittance (Tax deductible) attached to it?
Collection:
Each service or product provider has a Bar Code on their product within that Bar code there is a marker. This marker electronically directs pittances through the financial system of the service/product provider to a national N.E.R.F. account.
Tax Deductions:
Individual owners and/or service or product manufactures would keep track of their expenditures in support of N.E.R.F. and deduct it from their taxes.
Monitoring:
Through out the year electronic deposits from the providers are recorded. At the end of the year theses deposits are matched against the list of providers. N.E.R.F. then sends the participants a letter of appreciation noting the specific amount. Along with inviting them to participate in N.E.R.F’s yearly national convention where through booth space they can present their products, new items and opinions
Public Awareness:
There is a yearly convention by N.E.R.F. where we publicly acknowledge and thank those service and product providers. In addition other activities and supporters are recognized at this time. It is at this convention we post and publicize that list of service/product providers (As well as through the year). This convention can and will have many positive aspects to it. One of which is informing “Thirty Five Million” of “US in Equus” about the service and product providers who support N.E.R.F. So where do you think we will spend our money.
Put up or Shut up:
We are always touting that our relationship with Equus is a Partnership, but I have never seen anyone including myself harnessed next to Equus laboring for him as he has labored for us. Here is the opportunity to prove to Equus and others we are worthy of him.
Alternative Funding:
Environmental, Industry & Corporate Satellites:
Because this project is about preservation, one of the Satellites desired would be for observing, studying, and affecting a positive impact on the land with regards to horses & Wildlife.
I would think most all large product suppliers of equine need (Drug co. Feed, Supplements, farm/ranch equipment trucks, trailers and other suppliers would fight (Bid) and pay handsomely for the rights to build a satellite for their business on a location at the ranch. Such a satellite would give them opportunity to prove their product to US in Equus and at the same time be supporting of N.E.R.F.
Those wishing to acquire such rights would be required to submit a proposal with among other things their Mission statement, Building plans and time frame for the commencement and completion of construction. Upon receiving the rights to participate they would be offered a number of locations to choose from upon which to build their project.
There would be an intimate working relationship between all satellites companies and the ranch management as well as the ranch BOD. Obviously the arrangement would be for a number of years, with rigid guide lines of humane activity and conduct with in their program and participation in Ranch activities. All renewals would be subject to out side competition.
Bequeathals:
This would ensure that those with “Horse in the Heart” could bequeath monies or other assets to the welfare Equus through N.E.R.F.
Grants:
Requests for grants would also be a source for funding.
Tour groups:
This is yet another source of funds and an opportunity for people to see just how much we care about Equus, and yet another opportunity for bequeathals and other manner of financial support.
Logistics
With the monies the National Equine Retirement Fund would acquire (purchase” as this concretes the foundation and removes or lessens opportunity for outside interference) a large tract of land approximately 500 000 acres TBD strategically located (TBD). The cost of purchase would be approximately $100 Million dollars? This concept would generate more than enough funds for such an acquisition. In addition there is more than enough land in the United States to facilitate this project.
NERF Homestead:
The Main Ranch for equine retirement would facilitate and be opportunistic for both needed and desired industry research of product and service.
Equine acquisitions:
Perhaps four satellites in strategic locations across the United States
If some one wanted to relinquish their ownership of a horse all they have to do is bring the horse to one of the N.E.R.F. satellite facilities and prove ownership or sign a document which states they own said animal and furnish required ID. There would be no inquiry as to why and we of N.E.R.F. will be proud and humble to accept responsibility for that horse.
Humane resources:
Management:
Board of Directors
Ranch staff:
The ranch staff would have among others, a wrangler staff where the wranglers would monitor the horse in the wild and should they observe and have concern for the welfare of a certain animal, they could from a distance video the concern of a certain animal and transmit it to the ranch where a staff of vets could determine the best way to have a positive affect on the concern. If it is decided to terminate the animal it would have to go before the appropriate members for approval.
Internships:
There could easily be an internship for vet, Vet tech, farrier, horse trainers and other industry human resources
Labor force:
The ranch would also be a proving ground for needed help in the horse industry. The various activities of work taking place on the ranch I would think it would produce experienced employees for many aspects commercial horse business. N.E.R.F. would become a source industry would look to for experienced labor.
In addition the Ranch would maintain an operations and maintenance crew their job would be to maintain the structures build and maintain fences. Special services such as electric and some plumbing would be outsourced.
Volunteers:
It is said: “not much would get done if the Volunteers stayed home” that is why there is a volunteer program. This program is where persons would come to work at the ranch for a period of time perhaps three to 6 months TBD and on a daily bases. The volunteer would be afforded living Quarters and food only, perhaps a pittance to cover their travel expenses.
Care & Sharing Program:
Private horse rescues and sanctuaries presently provide a needed service and are over loaded. Therefore because the funds generated from this concept would be so great it would allow N.E.R.F. to financially support those agencies who want to continue the welfare program of Equus but need additional financial support. If these facilities applied for the Care & Share program They would have to open their books to the N.E.R.F’s auditors. If their system didn’t show past or present misuse of funds they would be in line for financial assistance. If they would not open their books; then the best N.E.R.F. could do would be to offer to pick up their horses and transport them to the Ranch” with N.E.R.F. bearing the cost of transport.
Public Monitoring:
N.E.R.F. would open their books to any agency that is a member and can show cause and concern as to the way funds are dispersed. Maintaining a sound and impeccable accounting system is in fact the greatest challenge. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people who claim to have “Horse in the Heart” but if not closely monitored; will fund their own idea of equine welfare with money destined for N.E.R.F. Misdirection of funds buy govt. Is another reason to keep Govt. out of this venture?
Concerns & Exceptions:
Yet TBD:
Dreams" are easy but require hard work to materialize
With 1.9 million (Equestrian Land Conservation Resource) horse owners and Thirty Five Million of “US in Equus” in the United States we should have no trouble making this a reality, if we “Just do it”
Pittances Projection:
Below are numbers on processed hay for a single horse over a twelve month period multiplied by a mere ½ a penny per pound, Carried out to the number of horses in service.
1). 1200 pound horse
Food: Hay
Daily allowance: 18 pounds
Yearly allowance: 6570
Pittance attachment: ½ penny per pound
Yearly pittance: $30.00 per horse
Projecting 6 million horses on hay, the pittance would be
$180 million dollars
One can quickly see the money accumulated from the vast service/product providers in the world of horses would be awesome. Still yet any one person will be paying a miniscule amount for full retirement for all their horses regardless of the number of horses any one person owns.
Jack Vance
Trainer/Horseman
859 630 4435
jackvance1@juno.com
