News you can use – a new Illinois state law was passed in 2018 that creates a “Day of the Horse” in Illinois. RCBH member Elaine Ramesh secured a Governor’s Proclamation for a day to honor horses each year from 2016-2018 while she was the Chair of the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois Legislative Committee. To avoid having to re-file a Proclamation request to obtain a special day year after year, she wrote and advocated for a change in Illinois state law to make the commemorative day a perennial celebration by amending the State Commemorative Dates Act. The effort was successful, and horses now have March 5 every year as their special day, as recorded in Public Act 100-1033. Keep March 5 in mind as a meaningful date to hold an educational event, showcase or a fundraiser to support your favorite horse rescue organization.
(5 ILCS 490/195 new)
Sec. 195. Day of the Horse. The fifth day of March of each
year shall be designated as the Day of the Horse, to be
observed throughout the State as a day to encourage citizens to
honor and celebrate the role of equines in the history and
character of Illinois, and to recognize the benefits of the
equine industry to the economy, agriculture, tourism, and
quality of life in Illinois.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
becoming law.
Effective Date: 8/22/2018