WHEREAS, according to the Rutgers Equine Science Center, about two-thirds of all horses in New Jersey are used for competitive/sport and recreation not directly connected to horseracing; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s horse industry also helps sustain multiple supporting economic factors, such as hay and grain producers, equine-equipment dealers and those who work in the horse industry; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey is surrounded by states that also have significant pleasure-horse sectors not directly tied to the horseracing industry; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s equine sector would be better positioned to compete against similar businesses in surrounding states if New Jersey adopted certain policies and laws aimed at improving that competitive position.  

NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the delegates to the 99^th State Agricultural Convention, gathered in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on February 5-6, 2014, direct the Department to support the efforts of the equine industry to find stable, sufficient alternative funding for important programs that promote and enhance equine activities across all segments of the equine industry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Department to pursue funding for research in support of the well-being and performance of the equine athlete and the sustainability of New Jersey’s equine sector.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Department to pursue all avenues to improve the marketing and enhancement of breeder programs and events in New Jersey.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support legislation that would exempt from the 7-percent state sales tax pursuant to the “Sales and Use Tax Act” the activities of “storing a horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny in a barn, stable, or other similar structure or facility by a person engaged in the business of boarding or stabling or otherwise keeping or holding horses, ponies, mules, donkeys or hinnies…”

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we support a provision in the same legislation that would exempt from the 7-percent state sales tax pursuant to the “Sales and Use Tax Act” the activities of “maintaining or servicing a horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny that is boarded or stabled or that is kept or held in a barn, stable, or other similar structure or facility by a person engaged in the business of boarding or stabling or otherwise keeping or holding horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, or hinnies…”