Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

03-17-2026

Sandy Wilson [Citizen Engagement]

Citizen Engagement declares AGAINST SJR2010. Our private property rights are being infringed. Our water is dirty. We have a cancer problem. This is a distraction from a Senator that is fine stomping on our property rights!!! We have very serious issues facing Iowans. I urge you to KILL THE RESOLUTION!

03-17-2026

Chris Beier [American Cream Draft Horse Assn.]

My name is Chris Beier and my wife and I are American Cream breeders who live here in the American Cream home state. We own and operate Ridgeview Ranch American Creams in Lamoni. We would both like to thank you, and express our profound appreciation, for your consideration of this small but significant piece of legislation. I have attached a statement to this email since I will unfortunately be unable to present it to you in session or via Zoom. The American Cream Draft Horse is an important part of Iowa 's agricultural heritage. We implore you to vote yes on this resolution, and enshrine this beloved breed with the other symbols of Iowa, as it is truly an IOWAN legacy!

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03-17-2026

Ruth Homrighaus

I am not an Iowa resident, but my parents and extended family live in Iowa, and my wife and I both attended college/university in the state. Our relatives were involved in early Cream Draft Horse breeding in Iowa. My wife and I would like to add our support to the designation of the American Cream Draft Horse as the state horse of Iowa. While draft horses are no longer part of daily life in the United States, they were significant contributors to the development of Iowa farms, and the American Cream is the only draft horse breed that originates in the United States. This is an Iowa heritage worth acknowledging and celebrating.

03-17-2026

Barbara Homrighaus [American Cream Draft Horse Association]

Designating the American Cream Draft Horse as the State Horse of Iowa in support of Iowa agriculture and Iowa history, as represented by SJR2010, claims an honor that only Iowa has the right to claim. Iowa farmers founded and developed this Draft Horse breed in the early 1900s in our state & it is the only draft horse breed native to the USA, all other draft breeds developed in Europe. 1990 genetic markers confirmed the Iowa early owner belief "it's a new draft horse" by verifying American Cream Draft Horses as a distinct, new genetic group within the draft horse breed. Today American Creams are known for their intelligence, strength, trainability, and gentle disposition. As an allaround workhorse and plow horse on Iowa farms, they were highly regarded; people love them now for Show Ring competition, trail riding, and use as a hitched team. My Grandparents Charles Knox and Hattie Hildal Knox, of Jewell, with their 11 children, farmed with Creams in Iowa, bred them 19251950.

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03-17-2026

Barbara Homrighaus [on behalf of BJ Ziebell Wilson and Randy Wilson]

I wish to honor the total devotion and dedication with the unbelievable passion and patience of two wonderful people who spent 3 generations of their lives to promote the American Cream Horses and build their numbers Nationwide. Beginning in the 70's through the 90's my parents, Mr. Clarence & Elizabeth (Betsy) Ziebell, of ClarAnn Farms 2065 Noble Avenue Charles City, Iowa 50616, were 100% totally involved in breeding, raising and registering the blood lines. They committed the time, money and effort serving as officer (Secretary) for Iowas American Cream Draft Horse Association and raised many of the early #'s of the new registered foals (ClarAnn). It was with amazing love that their efforts produced great success for the American Creams in Iowa. Please consider their lifetime faithful contribution as reason to vote Yes for the Gentle American Cream Horses to become the official State Horse.BJ Ziebell Wilson Randy Wilson801 Fair Meadow DrWebster City, IA 505955158352708

03-17-2026

Roger Struck [on behalf of Glen Ball Charter Member 13 of the American Cream Draft Horse Association in 1944]

Glen Ball (19212004) born on the home farm in Iowa Center, Story County, graduated from McCallsburg High School, attended Iowa State for a year, moved to rural Eldora, became the 13th Charter Member of the ACDHA when it was Certified by Iowa in 1944, married Betty Jane LaMasters in 1947, farmed his whole life, and also worked for Dayco Corp for 25 years. In 1941 20 year old, Glen owned the American Cream Draft horse Ardmore Princess. She was famous in Nov 1948 when renamed Judy 2nd as part of a 6 horse hitch of Registered mares, and shown in the Chicago International Exposition. The Stallion Enrollment Board which also met in Chicago Nov 1948, "Recommended for Recognition for the American Cream Draft Horse" as a new draft horse breed. Glen's son in law Roger Struck, 81, of 28958 260th St Eldora IA called me 1/23/2025 and asked to be in any Comments that encouraged the Iowa Legislature to make American Creams the State Horse of Iowa, on behalf of Glen Ball. His #6416407935

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03-17-2026

Judith Heidner

I'm writing in support of the resolution to make the cream draft horse the official horse of Iowa. My grandfather, Charles Knox was instrumental as one of the original breeders of this hardy work horse which had an important role in the agricultural development of Iowa and its journey to the state's current essential position as a major source of agricultural products so vital to our state economy and feeding the world. I ardently encourage you to consider and vote affirmative to give this beautiful cream draft horse its well deserved designation as Iowa's official state horse. Thank you.

03-17-2026

Sarah & LaVonne Topp

On behalf of the Topp and Severseike families we urge your support and help to secure the passage of SJR2010. We are proud to have a special connection to this breed of draft horse unique to the USA and Iowa. Howard Severseike, LaVonne's father, was one of the first breeders/owners of registered American Cream Draft Horses in south Hardin County, outside of Garden City. LaVonne, now 93 and still living on her farm, remembers the day the sire came to the farm to breed their two mares. Two beautiful colts were produced and registered as Ardmore Suzanne and Lady Gold Bar.They were #40 and # 109 on the American Cream Draft Horse registry, two of the first 200 horses registry. LaVonne's sister inlaw was the first secretary for the organization and remained so for most of her adult life. Additionally two other close relatives had registered horses. Draft horses were essential to farming and the development of Iowa so let's recognize this breed that played an important part in history