New York State Horse Council gives Cattaraugus County leadership awards for preparing a new strategy for promoting the Equestrian Economy

September 28, 2005

L-R: Jerry Burrell, Chair Development & Agriculture Committee, Robert Pfohl, Vice President Western Region NYSHC, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Chair County Legislature, Crystal Abers, Vice Chair County Legislature, Thomas Livak, Director Economic Development, Planning and Tourism

L-R: Jerry Burrell, Chair Development & Agriculture Committee, Robert Pfohl, Vice President Western Region NYSHC, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Chair County Legislature, Crystal Abers, Vice Chair County Legislature, Thomas Livak, Director Economic Development, Planning and Tourism.

L-R: Terry H. Martin, Chief Planner, Janet Pfohl and Robert Pfohl, Vice President Western Region NYSHC

L-R: Terry H. Martin, Chief Planner, Janet Pfohl and Robert Pfohl, Vice President Western Region NYSHC.

The New York State Horse Council (NYSHC) held its 2005 Annual Meeting at the Elkdale Country Club on Saturday, September 24, 2005. This was the first time that the 20,000 statewide member Horse Council held its Annual Meeting west of Syracuse and Binghamton. The NYSHC gave Cattaraugus County two leadership awards, which are:

  1. 2005 Outstanding Equestrian Development and Leadership Award to Gerard "Jess" Fitzpatrick, Chairman, Crystal Abers, Vice Chairman, and Jerry Burrell, Chairman Development and Agriculture Committee, representing the Cattaraugus County Legislature, and Thomas Livak, Director of Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism. The award was given to Cattaraugus County for conducting the first ever County-level study on the equestrian economy in rural New York State, for promoting equestrian festivals and events, for planning a future countywide trails network, and for supporting the formation of the new Chapter of the NYSHC for Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties.
  2. 2005 Horseman of the Year Award was given to Terry H. Martin, for outstanding service as the County's project manager for the County's equestrian work during the previous four years. This service has encouraged the Equestrian Community in the Southern Tier West Region to improve their situation, and advertised Cattaraugus County to equestrians statewide. This award is notable because it is the first time that the New York State Horse Council has given this Horseman of the Year Award to a non-equestrian, in this case to someone who has been helping the equestrian community and the local economy.

The New York State Horse Council's three-day festivities and events centered on the Equestrian Park which is owned by the Little Valley Rider's Club, and the Elkdale Country Club in Little Valley. The Elkdale Country Club is located near the twelve-mile Pat McGee Trail and the Equestrian Park, just seven miles from Ellicottville's four-season resort and the Seneca Nation's new Casino in Salamanca.

New York State Senator Catharine Young was the Keynote Speaker. Over 50 well established equestrians (mostly from down state) came to Cattaraugus County for a "look around." The NYSHC's advertising, statewide newsletter, and word of mouth is expected to give our local equestrian economy much needed exposure and attract additional enthusiasts and investors from outside Cattaraugus County. Equestrian activities are growing in our local economy, as is snowmobiling (although in different seasons). Both activities generate revenues for our local businesses.

The Little Valley Rider's Club co-hosted the event with the Catt/Chat Chapter of the New York State Horse Council for Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties. Members from downstate enjoyed a variety of events including horse riding opportunities, horse clinics, nearby attractions in Ellicottville and Salamanca, and the Allegany State Park. The Cross Patch Ranch gave free wagon rides on the Pat McGee Trail.

George King, President of the New York State Horse Council, said, "This is a beautiful County, and it was a wonderful weekend to be outside and visiting with friends. We also met the political leaders who are helping equestrians in this part of New York State."