CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 22, 2009

HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Napa Valley Horsemen’s Association on the occasion of their 70th anniversary. NVHA was organized by a dedicated group of horse lovers to promote horses as a form of recreation in the Napa Valley. On October 17th, 2009, the Association is celebrating this milestone at their clubhouse in Southwest Napa.

The Horsemen’s Association has a long and storied history. NVHA held its first meeting on October 11, 1939, at the Napa Fairgrounds in the Home Economics Building. From there the club grew to 82 charter members by January 1940. On November 19, 1939, the club held its first event, consisting of races, roping, horsemanship classes and jumping.

NVHA purchased the 32 acres at its present location on Foster Road in Napa in 1948. The site was a working dairy, and upon purchase the club members refurbished the milking barn to operate as a clubhouse and spent the next few years holding fundraisers to build the arenas and horse barns.

NVHA has been involved in supporting local equestrian events throughout its history and continues to do so today. The club boasts members who participate in all disciplines of riding, along with many members who simply enjoy horses. In addition to offering numerous shows, cattle events and speed events, NVHA also hosts educational clinics aimed at improving training, feeding and the keeping of local horses. In recent years, NVHA has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to host adoption events for mustangs and burros. The club boasts an active youth group and also gives out annual scholarships to four local high school students who are studying equestrian or agricultural topics.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor the Napa Valley Horsemen’s Association’s illustrious history and numerous contributions to equestrianism in the Napa Valley. The Association continues to improve and thrive today, and I commend past and current board members for their commitment to this cause.