b'Check Out Our Latest ClothingNationaland Footwear! Day of the HorseN ational Day of the Horse is a day to remember the economic, historic, and cultural contributions that horses have made. Equine enthusiasts across the country will get together on December 13 to show their appreciation for these majestic creatures.December 13, 2019The domesticated horse we know today, also known as Equus caballus was introduced into North America by Spanish explorers. Escaped horses eventually spread across the American Great Plains.Interestingly, there is a debate about the origin of E. caballus. There have been recent mitochondrial studies of an ancient horse called Equus lamei. E. lamei once populated North America and died out more than 11,000 years ago. The studies suggest it is genetically equivalent to what we know as the modern, domesticated horse.This could mean that E. caballus is technically a native species and its evolutionary origin is North America.Aside from the anthropological debate, the horse has contributed greatly to the advancement of civilization in North America. From clearing forests for farmland and a form of travel bringing pioneers to the west to diversifying Native Americans hunting habits and rounding up livestock on ranches, the horse is embedded in American history and legend.The first National Day of the Horse was recognized by Congress in 2004. Sen. Bill Campbell (R-Colorado) submitted a resolution to institute National Day of the Horse on behalf of himself, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) on Oct. 7, 2004, and passed on Nov. 18, 2004. The resolution was designed to encourage Americans "to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States."The full text of the resolution reads as follows: Designating December 13, as National Day of the Horse and encouraging the people of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States. Whereas the horse is a living link to the history of the United States; Whereas without horses, the economy, history, and character of the United States would be profoundly different; Whereas horses continue to permeate the society of the United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards; Whereas horses are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion; Whereas because of increasing pressure from modern society, wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water, and shelter; and Whereas the Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the horse industry contributes much more than $100,000,000,000 each year to the economy of the United States:Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Senate(1) designates December 13, as National Day of the Horse, in recognition of the importance of horses to the security, economy, recreation, and heritage of the United States;HOURS (2) encourages all people of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, MonFri: 8am6pm and character of the United States; and(3) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and interested Sat: 8am4pmSun: Closed organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities.HOW TO OBSERVELOW PRICES & Take a trail ride or just go for a jaunt with your horse. Donate money or supplies to a reputable nonprofit horse rescue organization.FRIENDLY STAFF!Volunteer your time at a horse-related nonprofit. Consider therapeutic riding schools as well as rescues. Watch a horse movie.Wear a clothing item or piece of jewelry that shows youre a horse person. @Stockman Give your horse an extended grooming session.Feeds AZ 7315 W. Buckeye Rd.Update your horses tack. Post something positive on your favorite online horse forum, Instagram or Facebook group. We all know horse people are opinionated, and controversial conversations can get negative really quick. For this day, focus on the @stockmanfeeds_az Phoenix, AZ 85043 positive and offer your horse-crazy peers encouragement and support. Use #NationalDayoftheHorse to post on social media.Se Habla Espaol (623) 936-5549Share your horse with someone who otherwise doesnt have access to one. Horses and rural life are becoming more and more of a luxury and casual encounters with them happen less and less frequently. By inviting non-horse-people to meet your animals, youll give them an opportunity they may not have otherwise. stockmanfeedswesternwear.com ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2019 57'