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Thursday, March 31, 2005

Horse Trailer Permits Necessary

By Stacey Boyne
Mountain View Telegraph
    An East Mountains equine group has discovered that about 80 percent of its members are not in compliance with state law.
    A clinic scheduled for Sunday can help all area horse owners comply.
    The High Desert Trail Riders, formerly known as the East Mountain Equine Association, had their first official meeting March 22 at Chili Hills restaurant in Edgewood. Guest speakers Beth Mitchell and Travis Lucero of the New Mexico Livestock Board informed the group that trailering horses without a 1-H, or permanent inspection permit, is illegal and could lead to a citation and fines.
    "If you are trailering a horse in the state of New Mexico or entering into New Mexico, you must have a 1-H on you at all times," Mitchell told the group.
    Mitchell went on to explain that cows are required to be branded in New Mexico, but not horses. She added that the 1-H is proof of ownership and acts as a form of brand.
    "The 1-H is for the horse owner's protection, it also helps us to catch potential thieves or locate stolen horses," Mitchell said.
    Mitchell pointed out that state law gives a certified livestock officer the authority to pull over anyone pulling a livestock trailer for no other reason than to see if they have the 1-H.
    "The public should be aware that certified officers are on the lookout, and they do have the right to pull you over just because you are pulling a trailer," she said.
    At the discretion of the officer, she said, a violator's vehicle, trailer and horses can be impounded and confiscated if they don't have the 1-H on hand.
    She added that the board doesn't want to scare anyone, but wants to inform the public and help horse owners to be in compliance.
    "We want to make it easy and convenient for people to get this permit, we want them to be in compliance," Mitchell added. "A lot of folks aren't even aware of the law and others just procrastinate."
    Mitchell and the High Desert Trail Riders have coordinated a clinic to help those without a 1-H card to obtain one.
    Keith Matson of Matson Lumber and Hardwoods has donated his property to be used for an inspection clinic starting at noon Sunday. The property is on Old Route 66 between Lexco Road and the Santa Fe County line. Mitchell and Lucero will be conducting inspections and issuing traveling cards.
    Mitchell reminded folks that the applicant needs to bring the horse(s) being inspected and a proof of purchase. A proof of purchase can be a bill of sale, registration papers or a purchase sheet from the sale barn, or the horse can be marked with the owner's brand.
    For $30, cash or check, the applicant will receive a permanent, lifetime, laminated 1-H card for their horse(s).
    Beyond this clinic, inspections are also conducted at the residence of a horse owner during daylight hours, seven days a week.
    For more information or to set up an appointment, contact the state livestock board office at 841-6161.