[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GLORIA AUSTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Floridian, 
an internationally recognized leader in the equestrian world, founder 
of the Florida Carriage Museum, and the president of the Equine 
Heritage Institute--Ms. Gloria Austin of Weirsdale, Florida.
  Ms. Austin has been justifiably credited with being responsible for 
educating, celebrating and preserving the history of the horse and its 
role in shaping world civilization and changing lives through the 
creation of the Florida Carriage Museum and Equine Heritage Institute.
  Ms. Austin brings to her passion for all things equine an astute 
understanding of how beneficial involvement with horses can be to those 
who have development and/or physical disabilities. She has a long and 
storied history of actively advocating for this needy population with 
both financial and therapeutic support.
  She has recently expanded her support into the area of providing 
assistance to include helping physically and mentally challenged 
service veterans. Her willingness to give back to those who have given 
so much has been justifiably lauded by numerous veterans groups as 
commendable.
  I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Ms. Austin has been 
involved with the equine world for almost 7 decades. I have stated many 
of her outstanding accomplishments, but perhaps her greatest legacy to 
equestrian society will through her establishment of meaningful 
educational programs offered in the partnership with leading collegiate 
educational institutions, and the creation of the highly acclaimed 
Florida Carriage Museum. These attributes will have a lasting impact 
well beyond the lifespan of Ms. Austin.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring this outstanding leader and 
benefactor for her humanitarian accomplishments in the equestrian 
world.

                          ____________________