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SSB 1064

A joint resolution designating the American cream draft horse as the official state horse of the State of Iowa.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Designates the American cream draft horse as Iowa’s official state horse via a joint resolution (SJR 4); a symbolic recognition that raises awareness with no new funding.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SJR 4.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1064

Summary: SSB 1064 / SJR 4 — Official Iowa State Horse designation

Overview

  • Bill: SSB 1064 (introduced as a Senate Joint Resolution, later renumbered as SJR 4)
  • Purpose: Designate the American cream draft horse as the official state horse of Iowa.
  • Status: Committee report approving the bill; renumbered as SJR 4.
  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Primary Committee: Natural Resources and Environment

What the bill would do

  • Establishes the American cream draft horse as the official state horse of Iowa through a joint resolution.
  • The measure is a symbolic designation recognizing the breed and its ties to Iowa heritage. It does not create new programs or allocate state resources by itself.

Background and context on the breed

The resolution provides a detailed backdrop on the American cream draft horse, including:
- It is the only draft horse breed native to the United States.
- Traces its bloodline to a mare named “Old Granny,” believed to foal in Iowa around the turn of the last century, with records dating to 1911 in Hamilton County, Iowa.
- Recognized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture in 1950, following a 1948 recommendation by the National Stallion Enrollment Board.
- Origin of the breed’s organization: The American Cream Draft Horse Association (originally chartered in 1944 by C.T. Rierson and Karene Topp of Radcliffe, Iowa); in 1993, the organization amended its articles of incorporation to change its name to the American Cream Draft Horse Association.
- Distinct traits: Cream coat, pink skin, and amber eyes—traits associated with the champagne dilution gene.
- Genetic findings (1990): Demonstrated a distinct grouping within draft horses when compared with other drafts.

Who would be affected

  • The designation primarily affects state symbolism and public awareness of Iowa’s equine heritage.
  • Stakeholders likely to be engaged include:
    • American Cream Draft Horse Association and breeders
    • Equine enthusiasts, educators, and tourism/promotion entities
    • State agencies involved in cultural, historical, and agricultural education

Procedural and timeline notes

  • January 28, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
  • February 3, 2025: Subcommittee recommended passage; meeting held in Room 217 Conference Room.
  • February 3, 2025 (subcommittee meeting) and February 10, 2025: Committee report approved the bill and renumbered it as SJR 4.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Symbolic recognition can raise public awareness of Iowa’s equine history and breed diversity.
  • May bolster educational and tourism-related activities centered on Iowa’s horse heritage.
  • No explicit fiscal appropriations are described in the text of the resolution.

If you’d like, I can compare this designation to other Iowa state symbols or outline a proposed FAQ for educators and breeders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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