Equestrians are unrepresented at key public policy meetings. We know, because we go, and see groups like Coastkeepers there, but we are not. We can't have meetings among ourselves and decide something- we have to create a plan of action, and demonstrate it, and then take that information, data, test results, and detailed plans to those charged with protecting public health and natural resources. What has been missing up to this point is horse specifc data. We are lumped in with chicken, pigs, cattle and dairy. While they all are kept in large numbers and fed grain and hay, the way they are kept is as different as wild herd on a prairie and private school kids in a one to a dorm rooms. If we make one key factor a centerpiece of our designs, we are no longer part of the commercial livestock herd, as far as policy is concerned. That is our mission- to look out for our horses collective status as citizens of the modern world. And we have found efficiencies and a special status, if we attach ourselves to emerging trends in landscaping, and agriculture. We can transform our identity from messy pets of the wealthy to two kinds of natural resources, that help us understand, protect and regenerate all the others. Your membership gives you access to learn about all this, and support our efforts to guide policymakers and keep us out of the courtrooms or the need to pay lawyers and fines. We are creating a community which helps all of us, and gives those interested a career path in conservation, and the industry a network to slash one of our highest costs, at your barn. Welcome to Earth-riders! ma