American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2006

Unwanted Horse Coalition Meets in Lexington, Ky

Washington, DC -- On October 31, 2006, the Unwanted Horse Coalition met officially for the first time under the auspices of the American Horse Council at the United States Equestrian Federation headquarters in Lexington, KY.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, The Jockey Club, National HBPA, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Professional Rodeo Stock Contractors, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, United States Equestrian Federation, and US Trotting Association.

Meeting participants discussed a number of issues relating to the unwanted horse situation in the United States and committees were established to continue work on Communications and Education, Research, Fundraising, and Steering functions of the UHC. The Communications and Education Committee will work to develop a website, informational brochures, a guide to responsible horse ownership, and continue to develop public outreach strategies, while the appointed Research Committee will focus on compiling up to date information on issues such as horsemanship, alternative careers, retirement, retraining, and euthanasia/disposal options. The Funding Committee will continue to recruit new UHC Members, in addition to individual donors and exploring corporate sponsorships, and the Steering Committee will oversee the overall direction of the Unwanted Horse Coalition.

“This meeting was an important step in establishing the core goals of the Unwanted Horse Coalition,” said Dr. Tom Lenz, Chairman. “There is a lot of work to be done, but I am confident that we have established achievable short and long term objectives and are prepared to continue moving forward with the mission of the Coalition.”

As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and investments. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.