Membership
Membership Information & Application Forms
The Wisconsin Horse Council is pleased to provide you with printable Membership Application Forms!
These forms have updated pricing for the 2025 membership year.
WHC Level I (PDF) i WHC LeDividervel II (PDF) i WHC Level III (PDF)
Understanding the different membership levels
Level I (1) - Both Individual or Family Memberships Available
Level 1 membership is for individuals/families only. If you are an individual you will join at Level 1 - Individual. If you are a family of 2 or more adults residing in the same residence, you can join at Level 1 - Family.
Programs such as Certified Judges, Championship Challenge, and Trail Riding/Driving Awards require Level 1 membership - even if you are a Director or a contact person for a Level 2 or 3 organization, you still need to be a Level 1 member yourself to participate in programs.
This membership votes at the District level - you may attend District meetings and functions and vote to elect the officers of your District, which issues you feel need to be taken to the Board, or what events the District will hold.
Youth (17 & under) are free with a parent/guardian paid membership.
There is also a Lifetime Membership, which is a one-time $250 membership fee with free excess liability insurance for the first year and $25 for each following year if you so choose.
As part of the Lifetime Membership you will get the WHC printed newsletter at no extra charge as well as the e-newsletter.
Level II (2)
Level 2 membership is for businesses or organizations who want to be a member of WHC but do not want to send a Director to the Board of Directors.
Level 2 members vote at the District level in much the same way as Level 1 members - Level 2s may appoint a representative from their organization to attend District meetings and vote on behalf of their organization. This is less responsibility than being a Director on the Board, but still allows the organization to have a voice within WHC.
The contact person of a Level 2 membership will receive the WHC e-newsletter.
Level III (3)
This level of membership is for businesses and organizations that want to send a Director to the Board of Directors.
Directors are expected to attend Board meetings either in person or by teleconference, and to participate in and vote on the issues affecting WHC. Directors are also expected to attend the Annual Meeting held in March and participate in at least one committee.
Directors receive a large amount of communications and the preferred mode is email. Please be sure to include email addresses on the application form, if available. Directors without email will still receive the communications via regular US mail.
Level 3s may also appoint an alternate Director who will vote in the absence of the Director. However, appointing an alternate is not mandatory.
The contact person, the Director, and the alternate Director (if appointed) will all receive the WHC e-newsletter.
Benefits of Membership
Why should I belong to WHC?
This is the only organization that is here for the horse and the people who own them or simply love them. We are not a breed organization, a saddle club, or a riding discipline. We exist solely for the welfare of the horse and the betterment of our industry as a whole. Membership in WHC connects you with other horse people who share your concerns and brings you to a broader view of the equine industry. The strength of our voice is in direct proportion to the size of membership. How many members we have is what always matters to officials. Often, people belong to organizations in relation to their profession; you should belong to this organization in relation to your passion. WHC represents the horse people of Wisconsin, and the horse people of Wisconsin need to support their state organization through membership.
Benefits of WHC Membership Include
CounciLetter
The WHC creates and distributes six printed newsletters and e-newsletters per year entitled the CounciLetter for WHC members. As the cost of printing a newsletter has continued to rise, the WHC has decided to continue to offer the CounciLetter free of charge as an e-newsletter that will be e-mailed to members every other month. However, if you would like to continue to receive a printed-hardcopy CounciLetter mailed to your physical address, you will still be able to do so for a fee of $30.00 per membership year to assist in defraying costs. This choice has been added to all of the membership applications.
Programs
Programs for members only, such as:
Ride Wisconsin! – a cumulative award program for the number of hours you ride on trails.
Judges Certification Program – an annual seminar for educating open show judges in Wisconsin
Trail Grants – financial help for clubs in building, improving, and maintaining public horse trails in WI
Sponsorships – financial help to support youth horse activities, therapeutic riding, equine education programs, and many other activities that promote and grow our equine industry
Special Advertising Rates
Special advertising rates in our newsletter and on our website - WHC Advertising Form (PDF)
Excess Personal Liability Insurance
Option for individual and family memberships to purchase $1 million Excess Personal Liability Insurance at an excellent rate. Please click on the link to view the details of this great benefit. Access Excess Liability Insurance FAQ Sheet
This $1,000,000 Excess Liability Insurance policy is an optional member benefit. Become an individual member of WHC and choose this valuable protection today.
The value of this benefit is tremendous! Cost of equine liability insurance is estimated to range from $300 to $400 per year to the average horse owner...if purchased individually.
Wisconsin Horse Council Individual Membership Cost w/ Excess Liability Insurance: only $45 per year.If an owner’s horse hurts someone or damages someone’s property, the rider and owner can be held responsible for the damages. Even if proven not liable, you could incur considerable legal defense costs. Seldom is equine liability insurance extended from homeowners policies. $1,000,000 Equine Excess Personal Liability Insurance is an optional benefit available with an Individual or Family membership with the Wisconsin Horse Council.
Coverage Highlights:
- Legal liability which may result from an accident or occurrence involving a WHC Member’s horse or horse-drawn vehicle. Protection is provided for the negligence arising out of the use, or ownership, which may cause accidental bodily injury or property damage, including damage to another horse.
- Protection is provided if you are performing or competing in horse shows, clinics or demonstrations.
- Damages caused by a horse while grazing, stabled, or where the horse is not in the control of the Member.
- Defense and legal costs affiliated or in connection with any claim.
- Coverage is included for the Member giving permission to any person to use his horse or horse-drawn vehicle.*
- Protection is considered “excess” over any valid and/or collectable insurance (i.e. farm, home, etc.) For Members without primary policies the excess liability will be considered “primary”.
- Children under 18 years of age are covered under a parent’s policy.
- Any horse, pony or mule is considered eligible under the terms and condition of the policy.
- You do not have to be a Wisconsin resident to become a WHC individual member and get this protection.
- Business and professional pursuits, rodeo, and racing exposures are excluded.
- Coverage is provided through Equisure, Inc., one of the nation’s leading equine insurance specialists, and underwritten at Lloyd’s, London.
Professional Lobbyist
WHC employs a professional lobbyist to assist in protecting our equine industry in legislative issues at the state and local levels.
American Horse Council
WHC is a member of American Horse Council, the organization that lobbies in Washington DC and gets involved in national issues affecting our equine industry
AHC’s Advantage Program
As a member of American Horse Council, WHC members are allowed to participate in AHC’s Advantage Program, which offers discounts with many companies.
Youth Membership
FREE Youth Membership Information and Application Form
The Wisconsin Horse Council is pleased to present its new FREE Youth Membership Program!
Those eligible are youth who are in good standing with Equine organizations such as 4-H, Wisconsin High School Rodeo, Wisconsin Interscholastic Horse Association, Wisconsin Pony of the Americas Club, or other similar organizations who are invested in youth members will qualify for free membership to the Wisconsin Horse Council.
The youth organizations must be members of the Wisconsin State Horse Council, and in good standing with the Wisconsin State Horse Council, preferably at a Level Three Director Membership. Interested youth between 8 years of age and completion of high school, may apply for the free membership with the Wisconsin State Horse Council.
Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form, to be included with the Wisconsin State Horse Council Membership Application Form.
This free membership will run concurrent with the student’s school year and will remain viable as long as the Youth Member is in good standing with their Host organization, and the Host organization is in good standing with the Wisconsin State Horse Council.
These Youth Members will be non-voting members in the Wisconsin State Horse Council District that they reside in and are only eligible for email newsletters.
If the Youth Member leaves the qualifying Host organization, their membership would fall under the terms of the original Youth Membership.
This program is still in the development stages. We are planning on three educational training courses per year via Zoom, and attendees will be eligible for prize drawings.
As we move towards in-person clinics and training throughout the state, the Wisconsin Horse Council is asking for suggestions of what kind of clinics and presentations youth members would be interested in.
Please check with your group leader and send suggestions or presentations to [email protected]
As this program develops, our vision is to provide opportunities to explore the world of horses and horse related professions and businesses.
Click on the link below to access the FREE Youth Membership Form.
WHC Districts
Which District Am I In? - understanding the WHC Districts
As WHC membership has increased, so too have the challenges of connecting a widespread member base with the decision-making Board of Directors. In order to overcome some of those challenges the state was split into 5 Districts, each of which has its own set of member-elected officers and up to 2 member-elected representatives that it sends to the Board. These "District Directors" are the voice of the District within the Board.
Districts hold meetings and events which typically follow a monthly schedule. Although most meetings may be of the conventional sit-down type, there might also be speakers, seminars, demos or such. Trail ride/camping meetings are popular as well. Decisions about District meetings are entirely member-driven, so it is really up to you, the members, to participate and decide what you want to do.
The counties that make up each District and the District Map are listed below.
District 1
District 1 Counties:
Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor and Washburn counties.
General Information:
If you reside in any of the counties in District 1 and would like to become more involved, please contact an officer listed below.
District Officers:
Contact any of the following people to find out more about District 1 meetings or events:
District President: Paulette Adair (715-554-2904)
District Vice President: Jo Dee Lochner (715-641-0152)
District Secretary: Michelle Nelson (715-557-0166)
District & Executive Board Representative: Chris Nelson (715-557-0169)
District Representative: Sarah Rank (651-246-1323)
You can find a listing of upcoming meeting dates and times below. Wisconsin Horse Council has a wide variety of committees and projects, some within our district and others that are statewide. We encourage you to find one or more to become involved in!
Meetings:
District 1 will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Meeting Date: 10/17/24
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Luck Saddlery - 113 Main St S, Luck, WI 54853
Events:
TBD
District 2
District 2 Counties:
Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Shawano and Vilas counties.
General Information:
If you reside in any of the counties in District 2 and would like to become more involved, please contact an officer listed below.
District Officers:
Contact any of the following people to find out more about District 2 meetings or events:
District President: Shaughn Novy (715-610-1065)
District Vice President: Carol Lese (715-627-4123)
District Secretary: OPEN
District & Executive Board Representative: OPEN
District Representative: Richelle Beene (715-282-5619)
You can find a listing of upcoming meeting dates and times below. Wisconsin Horse Council has a wide variety of committees and projects, some within our district and others that are statewide. We encourage you to find one or more to become involved in!
Meetings:
Meeting Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Events:
WHC District 2 Youth Equine Education Day - Check back later for more info and the WHC District 2 Facebook page
District 3
District 3 Counties:
Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties.
General Information:
If you reside in any of the counties in District 3 and would like to become more involved, please contact an officer listed below.
District Officers:
Contact any of the following people to find out more about District 3 meetings or events:
District President: Katie Bachhuber (920-539-0601)
District Vice President: Lee Sackett (920-210-3848)
District Secretary: Diane Sackett (920-689-2625)
District & Executive Board Representative: Bonnie Shepherd (262-370-8322)
District Representative: Linda Ernsberger (920-960-0662)
You can find a listing of upcoming meeting dates and times below. Wisconsin Horse Council has a wide variety of committees and projects, some within our district and others that are statewide. We encourage you to find one or more to become involved in!
Meetings:
Meeting Date: March 17th, 2025
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Events:
TBD
District 4
District 4 Counties:
Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth and Waukesha counties.
General Information:
If you reside in any of the counties in District 4 and would like to become more involved, please contact an officer listed below.
District Officers:
Contact any of the following people to find out more about District 4 meetings or events:
District President: OPEN
District Vice President: OPEN
District Secretary: Sandy Rogers (920-723-1710)
District & Executive Board Representative: Floyd Finney (608-868-4543)
District Representative: Mike Kroll (608-795-2321)
You can find a listing of upcoming meeting dates and times below. Wisconsin Horse Council has a wide variety of committees and projects, some within our district and others that are statewide. We encourage you to find one or more to become involved in!
Meetings:
Meeting Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Events:
TBD
District 5
District 5 Counties:
Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Richland, Sauk, Trempealeau, Vernon, and Wood counties.
General Information:
If you reside in any of the counties in District 5 and would like to become more involved, please contact an officer listed below.
District Officers:
Contact any of the following people to find out more about District 5 meetings or events:
District President: OPEN
District Vice President: OPEN
District Secretary: Ivy Gaffron (Youth Member Intern) Supervised by Logan Sechler (920-905-3552)
District & Executive Board Representative: Dana Sechler (608-963-2380)
District Representative: OPEN
You can find a listing of upcoming meeting dates and times below. Wisconsin Horse Council has a wide variety of committees and projects, some within our district and others that are statewide. We encourage you to find one or more to become involved in!
Meetings:
Meeting Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Events:
November 23, 2024 - Tack Swap, Club 16, Sparta, WI - 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Check Out Minutes & Event Details From Our Different Districts Below!
Newsletters
How to Receive Our Printed Newsletters
WHC publishes six printed newsletters and e-newsletters per year with articles, press releases, current equine events in Wisconsin, a classified section, and of course, the latest news about all WHC happenings, including the Midwest Horse Fair!
The newsletter is available to WHC members and selected affiliate organizations. Members can choose to either have the newsletter mailed to them (for an annual fee of $30.00) or receive a free e-newsletter to the e-mail address of their choice. The current issue will be available online at the beginning of every other month along with past issues.
If you have any difficulties accessing the newsletter online or receiving a mailed copy if you subscribed for one, please contact us.
Click Below to access WHC's monthly Newsletter "the CounciLetter"
WHC Newsletters
Check out the Wisconsin Horse Council Newsletter! ...more
News & Updates
November 22, 2024•0 min read
Business & Organization Members of WHC
Below is a list of organizations and businesses who are current Level II or III members of the Wisconsin Horse Council for 2024.
LEVEL II MEMBERS 2024
Akhal-Teke Association of America
American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin
American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft
Blue Hills Mounted Search & Rescue
Broken Cinch Saddle Club
Caledonia Conservancy
Calumet County Horse Promoters
Cedar Springs Ranch
Chippewa Valley Trailriders, Inc.
Circle L Tack, LLC
Clip-Clop Trail Riders
Crossfire Ranch, Inc.
Curly Horses of the Midwest
Dales Pony Conservancy North America
Elcho Cross Country Ski Club
Eau Claire Bit & Spur Foundation, Inc.
Fox Hollow Ranch
Fradette Saddlery
Friends of the Delafield Horse Trail
Friends of Governor Dodge - Equestrians
Friends of Silverwood Park
Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park
Furrows to Fences, Inc.
Geitner Homestead Equine Campground
Graceful Acres Equestrian Center
Great Lakes Friesian Horse Association
HART Equine Therapy Center, Inc.
Horse Emporium
Horse Power Healing Center
HorseSense, Inc.
JH Second Go Round Tack Room
Kettle Moraine Rough Riders
La Riviere Riders, Inc.
Lake County Mounted Posse, Inc.
Landover Saddle Club
Langlade County 4-H Horse & Pony Project
Lockstep Riding Company
Midwest Fjord Horse Enthusiasts
Midwest Gypsy Horse Association
Midwest Paint Horse Club
Midwest Renegades Drill Team
Miss Rodeo Wisconsin Pageant
Mustang Pride
Nature's Edge Therapy Center
Neigh-bors' For Trails Trail Group / Kohler Andrae State Park Friends
Nokota Horse Conservancy
North Star Gaited Horse Club
North Winds Rescue
Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association
Northern Saddle Club, Inc.
Northwoods Equestrian Trail Riders
Palomino Horse Breeders of America
Plum Lake Event & Equestrian Center
Pro Rodeo Productions, Inc.
Outback Riders of Wisconsin
Quarter Moon Acres Equine Therapy Center, Inc.
Racine 4-H Leader's Association
REINS, Inc.
Equine Assisted Services
RNR Ranch and Tack
Rodeo City Riders Saddle Club, Inc.
Round Two, LLC
Salm's Hickory Hill Farm, Inc.
Shepard's Barn & Bed
Silver Dollar Saddle Club
South East Wisconsin Miniature Equine Club
Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills, Inc. (S.M.I.L.E.S.)
Stateline Hotshots
Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship
Sunset Sanctuary, Inc.
Sweeny's Outfitters
TC Saddles
The Corral Trailer Sales
The High Cliff Ridge Riders
The Triple R Riding Club, Inc.
Three Gaits, Inc.
Triple H Ranch & Therapeutic Horsemanship, LLC
UP THERE, LLC
UW-Platteville Western Equestrian Team
Villa Louis Carriage Classic Foundation, Inc.
Wade House Historic Site
Walworth County Agricultural Society, Inc.
WAMSTAR
Waukau Flying Mane Riding Club
Waupaca County Horse & Pony Project
Wausau Boot and Saddle Club, Inc.
Waushara County 4-H Horse Association
West 20 Saddle Co.
Willow Creek Ranch
Willow Creek Tack Shop
Wisconsin Desert Horse Association
Wisconsin Donkey & Mule Society
Wyoming Saddle Company, LLC
LEVEL III MEMBERS 2024
Black Hawk Hill Horse Park, Inc.
Cowgirls for Agriculture Sports Education, Inc.
Dairyland Driving Club
Distance Riding Association of Wisconsin (DRAW)
Dodge County Horsemans Association
Equestrian Friends of Governor Knowles State Forest
Heartland Equestrian Center
Horse and Ranch Supply
Horsey Habit Saddlery & Tack, Inc.
Jefferson County Draft Horse Association
Kin Krest Saddle Club
Lake Shore Region Pony Club
Lo Bar Ranch, LLC
Lo Bar Ranch Showteam, LLC
Menomonee Falls Saddle Club
Midwest Draft Horse Enthusiasts
Midwest Trailgaiters
Pat's Chaps
Rock County Multi Use Trails Group
Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association
Steers Tack, LLC
Upper Midwest Endurance & Competitive Rides Association (UMECRA)
Underdown Horse Club, Inc.
Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association
Wisconsin Arabian Horse Association
Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Association
Wisconsin Draft Horse Association
Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Association
Wisconsin High School Rodeo
Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association
Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Response
Wisconsin Morgan Horse Club, Inc.
Wisconsin Pinto Horse Association
Wisconsin Pony of the Americas Club
Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association
Wisconsin Walking Horse Association
Representing • Protecting • Fostering
Representing, protecting & Fostering a unified equine industry in Wisconsin through leadership, education, service and communication
© 2024 Wisconsin Horse Council, All Rights Reserved
Representing • Protecting • Fostering
Representing, protecting & Fostering a unified equine industry in Wisconsin through leadership, education, service and communication
© 2024 Wisconsin Horse Council, All Rights Reserved
