Reps. Murphy, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Brandenburg, Brown, Byrum, Caswell, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Emmons, Farrah, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hopgood, Howell, Huizenga, Jamnick, Koetje, Kooiman, Law, Lipsey, Meyer, Milosch, Newell, Nitz, Pappageorge, Pastor, Plakas, Richardville, Rocca, Sak, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stahl, Stakoe, Stallworth, Stewart, Tabor, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Waters, Zelenko, Caul, Ehardt, Gieleghem, Kolb and Pumford offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 215.

A resolution to honor the Michigan Clydesdale Association as it celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Clydesdale horse in the United States.

Whereas, The Michigan Clydesdale Association is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Clydesdale horse in the United States, which was founded by the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A., in Illinois, in 1879.  This heavy draft horse was originally bred in Scotland to meet both agricultural and commercial transportation needs; and

            Whereas, The Clydesdale has sustained a long-term and prominent position among the draft horse breeds in the United States.  “Strength,” “agility,” and “docility” are the words most often used to describe this beautiful, majestic and flashy, and gentle giant in its white feathery trimmed hues of bay, black, tan, and brown.  The mature Clydesdale typically stands between 16 and 19 hands and weighs 1,600 to 2,200 pounds; and

            Whereas, The versatility of the Clydesdale is evidenced by the increasing number of equine events in which it is used, including as a team in carriage or wagon hitches in shows and parades, as well as pull competitions.  The Clydesdale is gaining prominence under the saddle in pursuits in dressage, hunter jumper, as a trail horse, and for therapeutic riding; and

            Whereas, In Michigan, the Clydesdale has played a major role in the Michigan State Fair for the past 100 years.  It now maintains a prominent role in the Michigan Great Lakes International Draft Horse Show held annually in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. The show is considered, by most, to be the best and biggest draft horse show in North America; and

            Whereas, Michigan currently ranks number two in the nation in total number of members in the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. with 81 members, several of whom have served as national directors.  Also, many members have held leadership roles that have impacted the equine industry in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Michigan is continually ranked among the top ten states in new registrations and sales of Clydesdale horses.  Michigan owners and their horses have distinguished themselves in national and world-class competitions; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor the Michigan Clydesdale Association as it celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Clydesdale horse in the United States; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Clydesdale Association and the Michigan Draft Horse Breeders Association.