Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) Named 2008 Beneficiary of Breyer's Annual Benefit Model Program

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(Pequannock, New Jersey – Nov. 8, 2007) – Where will you ride tomorrow? That’s the question that many equestrians face today as land available for equestrian use continues to wane. Whether for growing hay and grain, riding or pasture land, there can be no doubt that land use loss is one of the greatest issues facing horse owners today. That’s why Breyer Animal Creations® has partnered with the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) to create a special model horse from which a portion of the proceeds will create a fund that will help local conservation groups preserve open land. Breyer has pledged a minimum donation of $10,000 to the ELCR.

“The impending loss of open land for horse activities has reached crisis proportions,” says Deb Balliet, ELCR CEO. “Since 2000, economic, cultural, demographic and political forces have converted 13 million acres of rural land into subdivisions, malls, offices, roads, parking lots and resorts. In practical terms, what that means is that equestrians are losing 250 acres of open land per hour.”

“Loss of land use for equestrian activities is a pressing issue that affects everyone who loves horses,” said Stephanie Macejko, Breyer’s Vice President of Marketing & Product Development. “That’s why we named the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource as the beneficiary of our annual Breyer Benefit Model program.  We’re proud to work with ELCR to create funding for local conservation groups to help protect land for equestrian use.”
 
The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is the best place for horse people to turn for assistance when open land is in jeopardy. It acts as a clearinghouse of information – for horse people, towns, land trusts, and elected officials nationwide – on such topics as getting organized, securing land trusts and rights of way. It is a network that puts people in touch with those of similar need or experience, partnering with environmental and other interest groups, and other information to secure land for horse activities. “ELCR is much more than an organization; it is an amalgam of committed people who are making a difference to the entire horse world by working for access and conservation of riding, showing, and horse-keeping land,” says Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, president of the ELCR.