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

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2007

Opportunities for Education on Vital Issues and Grassroots Lobbying
at the American Horse Council’s 2007 Issues Forum

WASHINGTON, DC –The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce that Bruce Knight, an under secretary for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will be one of several industry leaders to join us at the 2007 National Issues Forum.

The AHC’s National Issues Forum is June 17-20 in Washington, DC. This is an exciting opportunity for the AHC to bring together industry experts and participants to discuss important national equine issues.

Special guest Bruce Knight, USDA’s under secretary of marketing and regulatory programs, provides leadership and oversight for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration. He will join us in an open and frank discussion on the National Animal Identification System and how it affects horse owners.

Mr. Knight will speak during the general session of the AHC Issues Forum on Tuesday, June 19. The day will also include the following topical seminars and special guests:

• Federal Legislation Update From the AHC staff.
• Disease Control: Who’s Really Responsible? Featuring equine health experts at the individual, state and federal levels.
• The Unwanted Horse Coalition: “Own Responsibly” Featuring Coalition Chairman Dr. Tom Lenz.
• Equine Identification/National Animal Identification System: Is There Life Left? Featuring Dr. Bruce Knight from USDA and Equine Species Working Group Co-Chairs Dr. Jim Morehead and Billy Smith.
• World Equestrian Games: A Great Opportunity for All. With World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. CEO Jack Kelly.
• Horse Parks: Should Your State Have One? Featuring Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson, Florida Horse Park Vice Chairman Dick Hancock and J. Robert Burk of the Maryland Horse Industry Board.
• A Collaboration Success: Partnerships Pioneer New Programs to Maintain Trails. With representatives from Back Country Horsemen of America.

Opportunities for Grassroots Lobbying
There are many issues in Congress facing the horse industry, including immigration reform, the Farm Bill, Internet gambling legislation and access to trails for recreational riders. The AHC National Issues Forum is a great opportunity to talk to your elected officials about how you feel about these issues.

The AHC encourages forum participants to visit the congressional offices of their elected representatives and various federal agencies while in town for the Issues Forum to bring to their attention issues important to the equine industry. Be sure to contact your representatives now to set up an appointment for Wednesday, June 20. The AHC is available for assistance with this.

More information about the 2007 National Issues Forum, including registration forms, hotel information, tentative schedules and more, can be found at the AHC web site, www.horsecouncil.org or by calling the AHC offices at 202-296-4031.

Trade press credentials are available. Please contact the AHC offices for further information.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. 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.