Farewell and Hail – AHC Announces Board of Trustees Officers

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Past Chair Dr. Rick Mitchell


The American Horse Council (AHC) congratulates outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Rick Mitchell and incoming Chair Marilyn Breuer-Bertera.


Like most professional associations, the AHC relies on the leadership of volunteers for its Board of Trustees. These positions, especially that of the Chair, are crucial to the success of the Council’s mission to “protect and strengthen America’s Equine Industry.”

 


Dr. Rick Mitchell, a co-founder and senior partner of Fairfield Equine Associates, practices in Tryon North Carolina and Wellington, Florida, serving the sport horse sector. Dr. Mitchell has also served as an official veterinarian for the US Equestrian Team at six Olympic Games as well as multiple Pan American and World Games. Despite this demanding schedule, Dr. Mitchell has provided leadership to the AHC over the past three years of his term. Under his guidance, the AHC developed policies and programs including:

 

  • Creation of the Congressional Scorecard
  • Hosted hybrid and virtual events including Congressional Fly-Ins, and restarting in-person conferences and events post-pandemic
  • Foreign Animal Disease Diagnosticians Training Exercise Drill
  • Horse Census Campaign
  • Addressed hemp by-products in feed additives.
  • Shepherded the 2023 Economic Impact Study

 


The AHC Board of Trustees, members and staff have benefited greatly from the leadership and hard work of Dr. Mitchell. We wish him well and look forward to his continued involvement with the AHC.

 


Ms. Marilyn Breuer-Bertera is taking over the reins as Chair. Ms. Breuer-Bertera is a Director of the United States Trotting Association. She is a lifelong participant in harness racing as an owner/trainer. She and her husband, Rocky Bertera, race a small stable of horses in the Midwest and Canada. Growing up on a farm in central Michigan, she began racing at the Michigan fairs with her father and purchased her first racehorse when she was 16. She is a past director of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association from 1997 to 2012, serving as secretary of that board. She holds a B.S. in both business education and physical education from Central Michigan University.

 


Chair Breuer-Bertera has wasted no time in her new role, initiating her term with Capitol Hill meetings with Senate Agriculture Chair Stabenow’s (D-MI) senior professional staff, Chief of Staff for Senate Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY), and the office of Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). Advocating for the AHC legislative agenda, Chair Breuer-Bertera talked about the need for a Farm Bill that includes health and welfare provisions for the equine industry. We congratulate Chair Breuer-Bertera on her new appointment and look forward to her leadership in guiding AHC forward.


AHC President, Julie Broadway announces the following changes to AHC Board of Trustees:

 

At AHC recent Annual Meeting, the Board of Trustees elected the following Officers:

  • Marilyn Bertera, Chair; representing US Trotting Association.
  • Joe Wilson, Vice Chair; representing Thoroughbred Racing Association
  • Matt Iuliano, Treasurer; representing The Jockey Club.
  • Kristin Werner, Secretary; representing The Jocky Club.
  • Dr Rick Mitchell, Past Chair; representing United States Equestrian Federation.

 

Also, the following standing committee chairs were approved:

Kathy Alm, of PATH Intl as chair of Equine Welfare; Dr Katie Flynn, DVM of USEF as chair of Health; Joe Wilson of TRA as chair of Racing Advisory; Randy Rasmussen of BCHA as chair of Recreation/Trails/Land Use; Dr. Billy Smith of NRHA as chair of shows/competitions; Tom O’Mara of USEF as chair of the Regulatory.

A full list of committee members can be found on the AHC website www.horscouncil.org

 

Broadway stated “We are pleased to welcome new Chair Marilyn Bertera and Vice Chair Joe Wilson to new leadership roles on the board. We believe their knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to the organization. We also want to acknowledge and thank Dr Rick Mitchell for the three years of service as chair. His leadership was instrumental during the challenges of the pandemic.”

 

 

About the American Horse Council

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

2024 AHC National Issues Forum Post Conference Highlights

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Members from across the country came to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2024 American Horse Council’s (AHC) National Issues Forum and Congressional Fly-In.


Julie Broadway, President of the AHC, opened the Forum by asking AHC members—owners, breed registries, horsemen’s associations, rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, racetracks, veterinarians, farriers, state horse councils, commercial suppliers, and transporters—to talk to Members of Congress and relevant federal agencies about the priorities for their $177 billion dollar contributor to the U.S. economy.


“The equine industry is an integral part of our agricultural sector,” said Broadway. “The National Issues Forum and Fly-In allow AHC members to meet directly with Members of Congress, key congressional staff, and federal regulators to speak about pressing issues facing our industry. This year’s event is pivotal as the Farm Bill debate heats up.”


The National Issues Forum kicked off with a briefing to the Coalition of State Horse Councils on grassroots engagement. The discussion was opened by Justine Staten, President of the Coalition of State Horse Councils. Staten introduced guest speaker Nicole Reppert, Political Action Committee Director for U.S. Bank, who emphasized the importance of making a personal connection with elected representatives. Also, Pennsylvania Equine Council delegation members Bud and Gwen Wills, Ann Swinker and Jay Zeigler amplified the importance of that approach with examples from their organization. Bud Wills offered the sage advice that it is important to reach out and get to know federal and state elected officials early, regardless of party affiliation.


The National Forum’s theme “Legislative Success — The Art and Science” was carried forward to the second day with a government affairs and regulatory briefing by AHC staff. Elements of the House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill were discussed such as the “three-legged stool” of laboratories, disease-preparedness and response programs, and a vaccine and countermeasures bank to protect the U.S. livestock and poultry industries from catastrophic foreign animal diseases; the need for a comprehensive equine census and how it relates to the establishment of a Commission on the National Agricultural Statistics Service; and policies and programs to address the veterinarian shortage.


Integral to any successful government affairs programs is recognition of those elected officials who champion the equine industry. In particular, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) was honored as the recipient of the 2024 Rolapp Award during an awards luncheon event. Broadway explained,


“We are proud to recognize Senator Crapo. His exceptional record in supporting legislation that advances the interests of horse welfare and the equine industry is commendable. The Rolapp Award is our way to acknowledge Senator Crapo’s leadership and efforts to unite colleagues from both sides of the aisle in advocating for the PAST Act and other measures that impact the equine industry.” The Rolapp Award, named after the late Rich Rolapp, president of the AHC from 1974 to 1993, is presented annually to a Member of Congress who has been a strong supporter of the horse industry.


Closing out the formal program, AHC members traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with their Representatives, congressional staff, and Federal Agencies. Legislative meetings included Chairman “G. T.” Thompson, of the House Committee on Agriculture; Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6), Chair of the House Horse Caucus; Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell’s Chief of Staff; and Senate Agriculture Committee Professional Staff, among others.


In-office Federal Agency meetings included the FTC and the Department of Interior. Additionally, the AHC hosted representatives of the USDA both virtually and in person at the hotel to meet with AHC members regarding a variety of stakeholder topics.


During Legislative and Regulatory meetings, AHC members shared the Council’s policy positions and priorities, including:


Promoting fast action on the Farm Bill; the need for family and small-business tax reform; improvements to the guest worker visa programs to address the lack of sufficient workers; more research funding specifically targeting equine herd health; advancing the PAST Act; the 2024 Horse Protection Act Final Rule; and policies regarding the international movement of horses.


AHC thanks those members who participated. Be assured your efforts have a positive effect on the equine industry. If you were not able to attend the Issues Forum or participate in the Fly-In, we’re here to help you engage with your elected officials and Federal Agencies. Please contact us at info@horsecouncil.org

And the Award goes to….

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And the Award goes to….

 

The American Horse Council (AHC) recently hosted its Awards Luncheon, an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the outstanding achievements of AHC members and supporters. The event was part of the National Issues Forum held in Washington, D.C., from June 9 to 12, 2024.


Julie Broadway, President of the AHC, remarked, “This year’s winners are the embodiment of excellence and leadership in their support of the AHC and the equine industry. Although the awardees come from different backgrounds with a variety of roles, all have worked toward a common objective of making the lives of horses, and those who care for them, compete with them, and heal with them, better. To borrow a phrase, they are ‘Here for the Horses.’ A simple and powerful proposition that they practice on a daily basis.”


This year’s award recipients are named as follows:


Bud and Gwen Wills, of the Pennsylvania Equine Council, were awarded the Van Ness Award. This award is presented to an individual or individuals who best emulate the dedication and commitment of Marjorie Van Ness to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level. Bud and Gwen Wills cited the importance of keeping land open and available for trail riding as this pursuit is often the first introduction to horses for many young people. Bud Wills ended his remarks with Winston Churchill’s observation that “


There is something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.”


The Hickey Award is given in honor of past AHC President James J. Hickey Jr., who served the AHC from 1993 to 2016. Dr. Katie Flynn, DVM was honored with this award for her untiring support of the equine industry and the AHC. Dr. Flynn currently serves as Senior Staff Veterinarian for the United States Equestrian Federation. Dr. Flynn acknowledged the many mentors in her life who brought her to a career path that allowed her to follow her passion for horses. “Do what’s right for the horse” is her guiding principle that was instilled in her by her parents and family and which she has followed since her introduction to all things horses at the age of six as an avid 4-H member.


Ward Stutz, Director of Breed Integrity at the American Quarter Horse Association, was recognized with the AHC Champion Award for his extensive and exemplary advocacy for the industry and the AHC. Mr. Stutz’s award is special in that he was selected from nominations by AHC staff and leadership. In accepting the Champion Award, Mr. Stutz emphasized the importance of animal welfare as a fundamental responsibility and obligation of the industry. He also advised the need to ensure that the first introductions to horses for young people are safe and fun—as those attributes will encourage a lifetime love of horses.


Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) was presented with the Rolapp Award for his continuing support of legislation to strengthen the Horse Protection Act. The Rolapp Award is named in honor of the late Richard Rolapp, President of the AHC from 1974 to 1993. Mr. Benjamin Easter, Legislative Assistant to Senator Crapo accepted the award in his stead.


The United Horse Coalition (UHC) also presented an award—the UHC Unity Award which was given to the Retired Racehorse Project for its program to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers, and organizations that transition them.


Broadway closed the luncheon by saying


“AHC is fortunate to have so many effective advocates. These awards are symbols of the gratitude we all feel for the time and effort these individuals and organizations have put into our sector. We thank you.”


The AHC thanks Populous for their sponsorship of the Awards Luncheon. Populous is a global design firm with expertise in the planning and design of racecourses, equestrian facilities, and exhibition buildings.

Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit Topics Announced

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Horse racing action, hooves, legs and grass flying

May 23, 2024

Contact: Jamie Haydon, 859.224.2750

President Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation

Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit Topics Announced

The 11th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, scheduled for June 25 in the Longship Room at Kroger Field and livestreamed, will focus on how the industry has achieved a more than 35% decrease in racing fatalities since 2009 and what the sport can do to further increase the safety of its athletes.

Presentations will feature Dr. Tim Parkin discussing the latest statistics from the Equine Injury Database and understanding the associated risk factors, a report based on data collected by The Jockey Club and others on the steps the sport can take to further reduce racing fatalities, and Dr. Sara Langsam sharing insights on the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ next steps regarding wearable technology.

Other sessions include a checklist for aftercare by Dr. Jeff Berk, a discussion on track surfaces by Dr. Mick Peterson, and an update on California’s programs and outcomes since 2019 from Dr. Dionne Benson and trainer Tim Yakteen.

The summit will also offer two panels. The first panel will delve into what we know and what we need to learn about sudden death in racehorses, and the second will be a discussion with equine medical directors and state veterinarians on best practices, why rules work, and the harmonization of pre-race inspections.

In addition, Light Up Racing will provide an update of its efforts “to protect the future of Thoroughbred horse racing through transparency, awareness, community, and accountability.”

Annise Montplaisir, equine education coordinator of the Kentucky Equine Education Project Foundation and president of Amplify Horse Racing, will emcee.

“The agenda for this summit is shaping up to cover precisely what the sport needs to continue its efforts to make racing safer for its equine and human athletes,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and deputy executive director of The Jockey Club. “We know this summit will be as informative and productive as those past and are grateful to the University of Kentucky for hosting us.”

The summit is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, please visit

bit.ly/wss2024reg.

The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit is underwritten and coordinated by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and co-hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and The Jockey Club.

Previous editions of the summit can be viewed on Grayson’s YouTube page and have received nearly 16,000 views. Among the major accomplishments that have evolved from the previous 10 summits are the Equine Injury Database; the Jockey Injury Database; the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory; a uniform trainer test and study guide; the racing surfaces white paper and the publication of educational bulletins for track maintenance; the publication of stallion durability statistics; the Hoof: Inside and Out DVD, available in English and Spanish; protocols for horses working off of the veterinarian’s list; recommended regulations that void the claim of horses suffering injuries during a race; and inclement weather protocols.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation’s leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, Grayson has provided nearly $42.3 million to underwrite more than 437 projects at 48 universities. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.