[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING NAPA VALLEY HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

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                           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.

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