WHC Mission Statement

The WESTCHESTER HORSE COUNCIL is a not-for-profit organization created to protect and enhance the interests of all horse lovers in Westchester County. Among its endeavors is a commitment to preserve the county's horse trails in the face of growing commercial and residential encroachment.

Through its diverse educational programs funded by private donations, grants and fundraising, the Council strives to inform, educate and expand public awareness of the vast array of activities and opportunities available for equine enthusiasts in the county.

In addition, the Westchester Horse Council:

• Sponsors educational lectures and demonstrations on topics such as nutrition, safety, first aid, and theft prevention,
• Sponsors events such as the Annual Saxon Woods Judged Pleasure Ride,
• Raises and contributes funds to support equine-related and humanitarian programs that benefit and render service to the people of Westchester County,
• Provides its members with current information on legal issues affecting horse and land owners,
• Informs public officials in all levels of government of the need for horse activities and business throughout the county, "
• Is a chapter member of the New York State Horse Council, thereby serving the interests of its members on both the county and state levels.

The Westchester Horse Council is committed to barn fire safety and has held equine fire safety seminars for fire fighters, police and other rescue personnel and has an ongoing interest in the education and instruction of horse and barn owners in Barn Fire Prevention. The Westchester Horse Council has also prepared an Equine Rescue Handbook for Westchester County. It contains a list of stables and barns that are willing to house displaced horses in an emergency situation, people willing to offer equine transport and experienced equestrians who are able to respond and assist in an emergency.

Future plans for the Westchester Horse Council also include the restoration and enhancement of the Greenway along the Hutchinson River Parkway and to revive the park aspects of the parkway. WHC is dedicated to restoring the equestrian trail that will once again connect lower Westchester County to the northern trail system. We hope to "have the way paved, not the park."

For more information, please contact Ms. Kristen Tregar (ktregar@yahoo.com).

To become a member of Westchester Horse Council, please contact Ms. Debbie Shecter (zyzygy80@aol.com).
To receive a copy of the Equine Rescue Handbook, please contact John Baruc at (914) 763-6781 or E-mail: jdbaruc@aol.com.