Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

The bill asks the Governor to proclaim December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse to honor the historical and economic importance of horses in New York.

ADOPTED

Summary of Bill K 1516 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

The bill is a memorializing resolution urging the Governor to proclaim December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse in the State of New York.

Its central aim is to recognize the historical and economic significance of horses to New York and to honor those involved in the equine industry.

Key provisions

Memorialization of Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a proclamation designating December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse.

The resolution outlines the historical and economic importance of horses in New York, providing context for the recognition (historical roles in construction, transportation, law enforcement, firefighting; use of horses for the Erie Canal’s power supply; Saratoga Race Course’s status; and the broader recreational and therapeutic horse industries).

It cites economic figures to justify significance:

The equine industry contributes approximately $7 billion to New York State’s economy (per the 2023 American Horse Council Foundation study) and supports more than 52,000 jobs.
By comparison, a 2016 study reported $5.3 billion in economic impact and around 42,400 jobs.

It references New York’s nine racetracks, notably Saratoga Racecourse (oldest organized Thoroughbred racetrack in the U.S. and home to the Travers Stakes since 1864).

The resolution emphasizes that the recreational horse sector (equestrian sports, county fairs, trail riding, therapeutic programs) is a leading component of the equine industry and a significant part of the state’s agricultural economy.

Who/what would be affected

Effective impact would be ceremonial and symbolic: Governor’s proclamation recognizing December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse.

Broader impact includes heightened visibility for the horse industry and its economic and cultural contributions within New York.

No new statutory obligations, funding, or regulatory changes are proposed in the text of the resolution itself.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill is a memorializing resolution (not a law imposing duties or appropriations).

Legislative history for this item shows:

Referred to the Calendar on May 28, 2026.
Adopted on May 29, 2026.

Once adopted, it directs transmission of a copy to Governor Hochul, requesting the proclamation.

Practical implications

The proclamation, if issued, would add publicly acknowledged recognition of December 13, 2026, as Day of the Horse.

It may serve to promote awareness of the state’s equine heritage and economic sector, potentially benefiting related industries and events.

Overall, the measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment intended to honor the historical and economic importance of horses in New York and to request a formal proclamation from the Governor.