TITLE: Commending the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum for its commemoration of the National Day of the Cowboy.

SUMMARY: Commending the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum for its commemoration of the National Day of the Cowboy.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum commemorated the National Day of the Cowboy in Amarillo on July 22, 2017; and WHEREAS, Launched in 2004, the National Day of the Cowboy is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of our Western heritage; organizers of the campaign seek to establish the event as a permanent fixture on the national calendar to honor cowboys and cowgirls for their vital contributions and their courageous, pioneering American spirit; and WHEREAS, The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum marked the occasion with many meaningful activities; the opportunity to ride an American Quarter Horse is always a highlight of the annual event, and over the past seven years, more than 1,200 children have experienced their first such ride during these festivities; in 2017, the introductory rides dovetailed with the American Horse Council's 100-Day Horse Challenge, which increases awareness of the benefits of equine pursuits; and WHEREAS, Other activities at the festival included barrel races and charro demonstrations, readings of cowboy and cowgirl poems and stories, and the chance to meet horses and actors from the outdoor musical TEXAS;children also enjoyed making stick ponies and cowboy trail mix and creating their own cattle brands; in addition, a history interpreter acted the part of an 1890s cowboy while teaching visitors about frontier life; and WHEREAS, The importance and broad appeal of this observance was highlighted by the number of local organizations that partnered in its presentation, among them the Amarillo Convention and Visitors Council, the Amarillo Public Library, country music station 97.9 KGNC-FM, the American Charro Association, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Center City, and the Southwest Cowboy Poet Society; the event delighted, informed, and engaged all those who took part, and it is indeed appropriate that the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum be honored for its outstanding work in staging this grand celebration; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum for its commemoration of the National Day of the Cowboy and extend sincere appreciation to all those who participated in this noteworthy observance; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Price Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 388 was adopted by the House on August 15, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House