SBAP Mission Statement The mission of the Association is to unite and represent the interests of Pennsylvania Standardbred Breeders by: Providing effective leadership for the Standardbred Breeding industry in Pennsylvania. Encouraging governmental action beneficial to the Standardbred Breeding industry through active membership participation in the democratic process. Lobbying for the recognition of the interests of Pennsylvania Standardbred Breeders. Monitoring legislation that affects Standardbred Breeders on both the personal and business level. Encouraging a high level of business ethics and presenting a positive public image for all represented businesses. Soliciting the opinion of Standardbred Breeders on the effectiveness of association planning, management and program design to ensure that breeders' needs are identified and addressed by the Association's Board of Directors. Encouraging the growth of the Standardbred Breeding industry in Pennsylvania. A 501(c)6 Organization FACT SHEET I. We need to preserve the horse breeding agribusiness industry in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania equine owners devote 1,140,000 acres of land for equine purposes with associated assets totaling $8,270,000,000; the racehorse industry accounts for $1,120,000,000 of that total. The equine industry provides 20,300 jobs annually in Pennsylvania. Equine related expenditures total $746,000,000. The value of racehorses residing in Pennysylvania is $978,000,000. 26,365 racehorses reside in Pennsylvania, of which 14,815 are Standardbreds. (Source: Penn State Equine Survey, May 2003). Agriculture is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania, and the horse industry supports other forms of agriculture as a major buyer of feed and other services. Once the center of the Standardbred horse breeding industry, Pennsylvania is poised to regain its former leading position. Pennsylvania horse farms preserve "green space" and hold the line on overdevelopment. II. Horse breeders must increase their return on investment in capital facilities and prime farmland -- land not currently being developed, throwing off little or no revenue Most Pennyslvania Standardbred horse breeding farms have not been profitable for years, and currently face increasing pressures to abandon their primary goal of breeding quality horses and to put the land to other uses, such as tract housing, shopping malls, etc. Pennsylvania Standardbred horse breeders have remained in the business for the love of their horses, but require basic changes in the economics of the business to survive. III. Slots legislation will forever change the economics of the horse industry in Pennsylvania Slots legislation will result in the construction of two more harness racetracks in Pennsylvania at Chester Downs and near Pittsburgh, increasing demand for horses and the services of racetrack-based horsemen. Slots legislation will dramatically increase purses both for overnight racing and for the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and Pennsylvania Fair Stakes, which in turn will increase interest in ownership of Pennsylvania-bred horses and in racing at Pennsylvania tracks. IV. Standardbred Breeders Association of Pennsylvania can provide a strong and effective voice for Pennyslvania Standardbred breeders in all aspects of the business Representation of Standardbred breeders in legislative matters. Providing a forum for the needs and interests of the small breeder, with the support of the larger breeders in the state. Developing an effective program for enhancement of horse breeding through the support from slots revenues. Promotion of Pennsylvania-bred horses within the larger market of harness racing, possibly resulting in specialized Pennsylvania-bred sales. Presenting a strong and united organization to represent the interests of breeders in co-operation with the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission, racetrack-based horsemen's groups, and racetrack operators. Click Here to download a Membership Application (PDF FILE) for the SBAP TESTIMONY HOUSE TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Public Hearing - Pennsylvania Horsemen and Breeders May 14, 2003 James Simpson, Hanover Shoe Farms SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING Public Hearing on Gaming Legislation May 6, 2003 Max Hempt, Hempt Farms   P.O. Box 339 • 2310 Hanover Pike Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717 - 637 - 8931 FAX 717 - 637- 6766