The American Horse Council’s 2025 National Issues Forum will be June 22-25 in Washington, DC, Omni Shoreham Hotel

American Horse Council 2024 National Issues Forum Speakers

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!