OQHRA

Tuesday evening the smell of steaks on the grill drew horsemen and legislators to Heritage Place in Oklahoma City for the OQHRA annual legislative steak feed. This years turnout in terms of attendees was outstanding, with the largest crowd of legislators in recent years and an almost equal number of horsemen to share the great food and good conversation.

OQHRA served over 175 steak dinners and the group also devoured over 25 pounds of fresh gulf shrimp on ice. In addition to the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader, the State Auditor, and the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, there were a large number of both House and Senate members that mingled and visited with an almost equal number of horse men and women. The discussions focused on the need to financially support the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission as a revenue generating agency for the State, and the importance of recognizing the needs of the horse industry when considering matters such as the tribal gaming compacts, proposed changes in coggins or health certificate requirements, and even the need for good bio-security in light of the outbreak of EHV in New Mexico.

Debbie Schauf, Executive Director of OQHRA explained to the elected officials that they should be very proud of the legislation in past years that resulted in a very healthy horse industry in Oklahoma.... netting the State about $3.6 Billion in terms of economic impact, and over $100 Million annually in sales and property tax revenue. "Oklahoma is very fortunate to have a great working relationship with our legislature, but we have worked very hard to develop that relationship" said Debbie. "Some of these legislators were attending their 11th or 12th annual OQHRA legislative event, and we love it that they all look forward to coming and mixing with our horsemen." OQHRA has hosted this type of reception every year beginning in 1998.