2021 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 215
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To commend the equine industry in St. Landry Parish for its cultural and economic impact
to the state of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, the equine industry has long served an integral and irreplaceable part
of the Louisiana economy; and
WHEREAS, a recent report indicates that the horse racing industry accounts for over
twelve thousand direct jobs and over three hundred million dollars in annual earnings in
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana is among the nation's leaders in horse breeding, and home to
many farms and training facilities with many of them located in St. Landry Parish; and
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish is the home to numerous equine sales that attracts a
national and international clientele; and
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish has long been recognized as a hub of activity for the
horse racing industry in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, as the home of one of only four live racing facilities in Louisiana,
Evangeline Downs in Opelousas hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse meets
throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, Evangeline Downs has the distinction of being the only "racino" in the
nation built from the ground up; and
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish is home of one of the nation's few farms that serves
as a home for retired race horses who have found new life in guiding kids, families, and
corporate teams to better leadership in equine assisted learning; and
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WHEREAS, the equine tradition in St. Landry Parish does not end with the racing
industry; and
WHEREAS, the famous "Step and Strut" trail ride originated in St. Landry Parish;
and
WHEREAS, Opelousas native Mia Manzanares is a two-time women's all-around
College National Finals Rodeo champion and member of the 2018 national championship
from McNeese State University; and
WHEREAS, Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame member Steve Duhon also hails from
Opelousas; and
WHEREAS, Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, famously the sight of
the only Vatican-recognized miracle in the United States of America, is home to a
nationally-recognized equestrian center for its students who train in three disciplines,
including hunter/jumper, dressage, and western; and
WHEREAS, rodeos are held throughout the year in towns all over St. Landry Parish;
and
WHEREAS, the proposed multipurpose event center near Evangeline Downs, as part
of the Gateway to Acadiana Master Plan, will serve as an ideal location for the professional
rodeo circuit.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend the equine industry in St. Landry Parish for its cultural and economic
impact to the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
hereby recognize St. Landry Parish as state and national leader in the equine industry.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chief executive officer of St. Landry Economic Development, the president of St. Landry
Parish, and all members of the St. Landry Parish Council.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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