Thank You For Joining Us At The 2023 American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum!

American Horse Council Announces 2024 National Issues Forum Speakers

When you want to be in the know about the latest issues affecting the horse industry nationally and regionally, you’ve got to be in Washington, D.C., June 9-12.

The Royal Sonesta Washington DC, Capitol Hill is the place to be for insightful and informative discussions on all things affecting the equine industry for the 2024 American Horse Council Conference and National Issues Forum. The two-day event will wrap up with opportunities for organized agency and congressional hill visits as a way to show unity within the equine industry.

The American Horse Council (AHC) is excited to announce its lineup of tentative speakers and presenters for the annual conference at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC, Capitol Hill. Attendees can expect to get the most current and relevant information on topics affecting the equine industry.

Sunday, June 9

• 11:00: Registration Desk Opens
• 1:00 – 3:00: United Horse Coalition Meeting Panel discussion on “Owning Responsibility” and “Social License to Operate” – moderated by David O’Connor of USEF, including Dr. Jim Heird, Dr. Kent Allen, Dr. Shauna Spurlock, and Jennifer Toussaint (AWL/NACA).
• 3:00 – 5:00: Coalition of State Horse Councils Grass Roots Advocacy – Nicole Reppert, Director Govt Relations US Bank
• 5:00 – 6:00: Cocktails & Networking

Monday, June 10 – National Issue Forum

• 8:00: Registration Desk Opens/ “Lite” Breakfast provided- “Here For Horses” presentation
• 8:30 – 9:30: Legislative & Regulatory Update by AHC Staff
• 9:00 – 10:00: Panel, Advocacy Playbook: Learn How Other Associations Develop Their Positions and Policies – Dr. Mark Lutschaunig (AVMA), Burton Eller (The National Grange), Ryan Yates (American Farm Bureau Federation) and Jeff Evans (American Society of Association Executives)
• 10:00 – 10:15: BREAK
• 10:15 – 11:00: The Business of Economics – Todd Van Hoose (President and CEO of Farm Credit Council) and Julie Broadway (American Horse Council)
• 11:00 – 12:00: Panel – Equine Assisted Services Kathy Alm (PATH International),
  Kathy Blaine (Loudon Therapeutic Riding) and Karyn Brown (Veteran)
• 12:00 – 1:00: LUNCH (on your own)
• 1:00 – 2:00: Racing Committee MD Racing Update from Alan Foreman Unsanctioned Racing Update – Brigid Shea of AHC and AHC Intern Ramsey Stroud of UNH.
• 2:00 – 3:00: Health Committee Veterinary Workforce Development – Dr. Paula Parker (AVMA), Dr. Eleanor Green (Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine) and Dr. Katherine Garrett (AAEP)
• 3:00 – 4:00: Equine Welfare Committee Equine Euthanasia and Disposal – Dr. Michael Murphy (AVMA) and Dr. Emily Cornwell (FDA)
• 4:00 – 5:00: Horse Show & Competition Committee Innovation and Technology – Fatima Terry and Fredy Diaz (USDA Digital Services) and Juliana Chapman (The Tech Equestrian)
• 6:00 – 7:00: Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 11

• 8:00: Registration Desk Opens – “Lite” breakfast provided- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion presentation
• 8:30 – 9:30: Recreation Trails & Land Use Committee Together Outdoors – Ambreen Tariq (Outdoor Recreational Roundtable) and John Blackburn (Equine Land Conservation Resource)
• 9:30 – 10:30: Regulatory Committee The Regulatory Playbook: How Does It All Work? – Emily Stearns (AHC), Manure Management – Jennifer Reynolds (UMD) and Sandra TenBroech (University of Florida)
• 10:30 – 10:45: BREAK
• 10:45 – 11:45: Agency & Congressional Visit Orientation
• 11:45 – 1:00: Awards Luncheon – tickets for purchase
• 1:00 – 5:00: Agency & Hill Visits – Sign up ahead
• 6:00 – 8:00: BOT Dinner Meeting (closed session.) 

Wednesday, June 12

• 8:00: “Lite breakfast”
• 9:00 – 12:00: Agency and Congressional Hill Visits – Sign up ahead!