Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
Virginia Day of the Horse
WHEREAS, horses have historically contributed, both economically and culturally, to society in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, horses were the backbone of the first Virginia colonies, helping plow fields, moving food and supplies into rural areas, herding livestock in ranches, providing support in battle and hunting, and transporting goods and people; and
WHEREAS, Virginia has a rich history of breeding and racing thoroughbred horses, including the Triple Crown-winner, Secretariat, the greatest racehorse of all time, from Caroline County; and
WHEREAS, the industry directly contributes over $1.3 billion to the state’s economy; and
WHEREAS, the horse industry provides 29,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and has a very positive effect on recreation, tourism, and retail sales; and
WHEREAS, 600,000 acres of land in Virginia is used for horse-related purposes, and the Commonwealth ranks as the 7th most horse populated state with six horses per square mile of land; and
WHEREAS, Virginia ranks 12th in the nation for number of horses with about 240,000 horses owned; and
WHEREAS, on average, 700 equine events are held in Virginia each year, attracting over 800,000 participants and spectators who spend more than $167 million at these events; and
WHEREAS, horses not only provide economic benefit to Virginians, but they serve as therapy animals, helping people with issues such as anxiety and PTSD; and
WHEREAS, Virginia is home to two herds of around 150 wild horses who live on Assateague and Chincoteague Islands; and
WHEREAS, the success of the horse industry means more farms remain economically viable, which in turn, makes it easier to maintain and conserve productive farmland throughout the Commonwealth;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize December 13, 2024, as VIRGINIA DAY OF THE HORSE in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
