TITLE: Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Stock Horse of Texas Association.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Stock Horse of Texas Association.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Stock Horse of Texas Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2017, and this milestone in the organization's history provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on its many contributions to the economy and culture of ranching; and WHEREAS, Prized for their versatility and athleticism, stock horses are bred, raised, and trained to help ranch hands and cowboys handle and manage cattle; recognizing the significance of these invaluable animals, a group of horsemen, ranchers, and educators from across Texas met in Stephenville on March 7, 1996, to establish the Stock Horse of Texas Association; the organization began registering its first members in 1997, and by the end of the year, roughly 100 individuals had officially joined its ranks; and WHEREAS, Today, the SHTX boasts more than 1,000 members throughout the state and offers a number of educational clinics, competitions, and other events each year; the first collegiate stock horse competition was held in 2006 at Texas Tech University, and the event now regularly draws entries from such institutions as Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University, Sam Houston State University, and Stephen F. Austin State University; and WHEREAS, In addition, the SHTX has become a model for many similar associations; in recent years, the organization has entered into an industry alliance partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association, the world's largest equine breed registry, and the two groups work in tandem for the benefit of the industry; and WHEREAS, Horses and horsemanship are fundamental to the rich heritage of the Lone Star State, and for the past two decades, the Stock Horse of Texas Association has been an essential part of the state's equine and ranching industries through its efforts to "help people ride a better horse"; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Stock Horse of Texas Association and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Stock Horse of Texas Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Sanford Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 388 was adopted by the House on February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House