Speakers Set and Registration Open for the 2023 AHC National Issues Forum 

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What can you learn in three days? Learn eco-friendly practices for your barn. Learn how to protect your herd with proper disease mitigation and biosecurity. Learn how we can work together to strengthen the horse community.

Learn about the latest developments in legislative activities that can, and will, affect your beloved industry and animal.

All of this and more is happening during the 2023 American Horse Council’s Annual Conference and National Issues Forum June 4-6 in Denver, Colorado.

Equine industry leaders, stakeholders and those active in legislative and regulatory entities are invited to come together at the at the Le Meridian Hotel in downtown Denver. Registration is now open, and the hotel block is still available for those interested in joining.

The conference kicks off on Sunday, with meetings that will discuss the present and future of equine welfare and care with the United Horse Coalition, Youth Engagement Task Force and the Coalition of State Horse Councils.

Monday, the National Issues Forum will kick off with the State of the Industry and keynote speaker, United States Senator Michael Bennet. Senator Bennet represents the state of Colorado and is on the Congressional Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

The tentative schedule the National Issues Forum:

Monday, June 5
– Valuing the Industry (the Economics of the Ag & Horse Industry)
Dr. Gregory Graff – CSU Department of Ag & Resource Economics
Dr. Brian Wyman – Sr. Vice President Innovation Group
Julie Broadway – President, American Horse Council
– Greening the Industry (Ecofriendly Practices in the Equine Industry)
Scott Evans – Green is the New Blue
Megan Fellows – Carbon Hoofprint
– CSU Equine Program Capstone Class Presentation on Ecofriendly Practices
– Protecting the Herd (Disease Mitigation & Biosecurity Discussion)
                         Joe LaFollette – League of Ag & Equine Centers
Dr. Nat White – Equine Disease Communications Center
Dr. Angela Pelzel-McCluskey – U.S. Department of Agriculture
– Strengthening the (Horse) Community (AHC Marketing Alliance)

Tuesday’s lineup continues with discussions with the Health and Regulatory Committee and discussions on recreational trail and land use. The Horse Show and Competition Committee as well as the Racing Advisory group will also meet. The marquee for Tuesday will be honoring four champions of the horse industry with the annual American Horse Council lunch awards celebration.

“This year’s edition of our conference and forum proves to cover so many facets of what’s affecting our industry,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “With our central location, we’re hoping to see many leaders and members of the industry in beautiful Denver.”

Registration is open: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-american-horse-council-annual-conference-and-national-issues-forum-tickets-585995768117

Hotel Reservations are due by May 12 at Le Meridien Hotel, 1465 California Street, Denver, Colorado: https://book.passkey.com/go/AHCMeetingLMAC2023

Any media interested in attending to provide coverage can contact American Horse Council President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org.

 

 

 

Days End Farm Horse RescueCredit: Days End Farm Horse Rescue

American Horse Council Honors Four Champions of the Industry 

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The American Horse Council (AHC) will honor the equine industry’s brightest leaders at its annual meeting and national issues forum on June 5, 2023. The conference will be held in Denver, Colorado. Four champions of the industry will be awarded with the presentations of the Van Ness Award, the Hickey Award, the Rolapp Award, the AHC Champion Award and United Horse Coalition’s Unity Award.

The Van Ness Award is named in honor of the late Marjorie Van Ness of New Jersey, a long-time leader and friend to the horse industry. The award is presented to an individual that best emulates the dedication and commitment of Van Ness to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level.

The 2023 Van Ness Award winner is Chelsie Huseman, PhD, assistant professor and extension horse specialist in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. Dr. Huseman has served the school and equine industry in many capacities, and her talents have been utilized on the state, national and international level on all fronts, including academia and industry.

The Hickey Award is named in honor of past AHC President James J. Hickey Jr., who served AHC from 1993 to 2016. This award is presented to an individual who has been a great supporter of the horse industry and the AHC.

The 2023 Hickey Award winner is Jerry Black, DVM, whose contributions cover a host of organizations, including the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, National Cutting Horse Association and California Veterinary Medical Association.  He served as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in 2021 and was AHC Board Chairman from 2016 – 2019.

The Rolapp Award is presented in honor of the late Rich Rolapp, who was President of the AHC from 1974 to 1993. This award is presented to a member of Congress who has been a great supporter of the horse industry.

The 2023 Rolapp Award winner is bittersweet because we are presenting the award posthumously to Representative Jackie Walorski, who died last year as the result of a traffic accident on August 3. As a member of Congress, Walorski was the ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. It was from that position, Representative Walorski threw lifelines from Congress to families, farms and small businesses.  She promoted legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program safety net, advocated for tax relief and promoted improvements to quality of life in rural communities through better access for health care, broadband and education.

The AHC Champion Award is presented to the AHC member (individual or group/association) that has demonstrated extensive and exemplary advocacy for the industry and the AHC.

The 2023 AHC Champion Award winner is Gary Carpenter. Throughout his career, Carpenter served within multiple aspects of the equine industry, including 10 years as executive director of the AAEP, as well as executive positions with The Jockey Club, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the Arabian Horse Trust. Carpenter is past chair of the Horse Show Committee for the AHC and has previously served as a member of the council’s Government Affairs Advisory Committee and Animal Welfare Committee. It was recently announced that at the end of this year, Carpenter will be retiring from his tenure as Commissioner of the National Reining Horse Association.

New to the award lineup this year is the UHC Unity Award, which recognizes an individual (or organization) that has taken initiative to be involved in, and work towards, programs that promote responsible ownership and breeding, and/or programs that support horses at-risk or in transition and their owners.

 

The inaugural UHC Unity Award winner is Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Maryland. Days End Farm embodies the spirit of the unity that UHC seeks within the equine industry towards helping at-risk horses and their owners. Through their Maryland Equine Transition Service (METS), Days End Farm provides a perfect example of an owner assistance program that utilizes an all-hands approach within the industry to ensure that owners can find responsible options and assistance programs when in need.

 

Registration is still open for the 2023 AHC Conference and National Issues Forum, which will be held at Le Meridien Hotel in Denver June 4-6. The AHC invites anyone interested in the current state of affairs in the horse industry, both locally and nationally, to register online: https://horsecouncil.org/annual-meeting/american-horse-council-2023-conference/

 

 

 

Yvette Cardozo Tucson Ranch people riding horses

American Horse Council Debuts Podcast on Horse Radio Network

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The growth of podcasts brings a world of education, storytelling, and laughs to millions of people every single day. The Horse Radio Network, an entity of the Equine Network, has cornered the market in terms of offering a variety of horse-related podcasts to offer all horse enthusiasts. It is for that reason that the American Horse Council (AHC) joins an esteemed list of groups and organizations on the Horse Radio Network.

The AHC podcast on Horses in the Morning will debut on the first Tuesday of every month, with the first episode doing live on May 2. The podcast can be found on the Horses in the Morning website, Google and Spotify podcasts and your favorite podcast platform.

“We’re looking forward to sharing the American Horse Council’s mission and keeping more people updated on what’s going on in the industry through this new endeavor,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “We’ve got a great lineup of topics and guests that I cannot wait to share.”

“We are thrilled to have the AHC join us once a month on Horses in the Morning,” says Glenn Hebert, Director of Podcasting and America’s Horse Husband on the Horse Radio Network. “We feel it is critical to keep up with the legislations and regulations that affect all horse people across the country, as well as highlighting many of the interesting members of the AHC.”

The first episode of the American Horse Council podcast on Horses in the Morning goes Western as Broadway and marketing and communications specialist Megan Arszman talks about dude ranches with Russell True, author and owner of White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.

“Tucson used to be known as the Dude Ranch Capitol of the World,” says True. At one time, the city was home to 127 dude ranches, however, due to the city’s growth, that number was dwindled down to two. Most dude ranches are not corporate owned, so they are handed down through the family.

Did you know the first dude ranch opened in 1802? The Eaton Dude Ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming, was the West’s first vacation destination. Learn about the history of dude ranches and how they work to keep the history of the old American West alive, how to choose the best dude ranch for your family vacation and what you can expect on a typical stay while listening to White Stallion Ranch owner Russell True.

Each show will include updates on what’s going on with legislation in individual states, as well as on the national front in Washington, D.C.

Download the first episode of the AHC on Horses in the Morning: https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/american-horse-council-welcome-to-the-dude-ranch-for-may-2-2023/

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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. 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.

 

The U.S. House Ag Committee Wants to Hear from the Equine Industry

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Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and members of the House Committee on Agriculture want to hear from you in regard to the Farm Bill. In particular, they ask for any new programs or ideas that you, or the organization that you represent, would like to see considered for the 2023 Farm Bill.

 

As with any piece of legislation—local, state or federal—the American Horse Council encourages our members to take a few minutes to fill out the survey, which can be found online. Let them know how important it is to conduct a complete census of the horse and pony population in the United States.

 

Below, we have provided a template for a letter you can also send to the members of the House Committee on Agriculture, as well as your representatives. We encourage you to write a personalized paragraph introducing yourself, and then choose any or all the bullets points we have:

 

———

 

Dear <Representative Name>:

 

<Personally written intro paragraph>

 

I recommend the Farm Bill authorize a comprehensive census of horses and ponies to provide an accurate measure of the equine industry and its impact on the larger agriculture sector. The current equine census process used by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) lacks scope and accuracy because it excludes an estimated five million animals and an unknown number of operations and owners. Although these uncounted horses and ponies may anonymously reside in backyards, nonproduction farms and rescue facilities, they all have an impact beyond their surroundings:

 

  • Lack of census data compromises the tracking and treating of equine and zoonotic diseases which could affect livestock and public health.
  • Underreporting the equine population increases the risk of gaps in veterinarian service areas, especially in rural areas.
  • Information collected in a comprehensive equine census will provide government, business, and nonprofit organizations with key data to inform policy-making on land-use decisions, economic development policies and natural disaster planning.
  • Comprehensive equine census data are essential for the general economy because such information is useful for private-sector financial and business development.

 

Thank you for your attention to the equine industry and the necessities we need to keep the industry alive.

 

Sincerely,

 

<Your Name>

<Your Address>

 

 

Any further questions, you can reach out to the American Horse Council’s Government Affairs Liaison, Brigid Shea: bshea@horsecouncil.org

American Horse Council’s Annual Spring Youth Fly-In Set for May 14-17

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—The young men and women of the horse industry are the deciding future for which direction the industry will continue to go. That’s why it’s important for the youth to be active and to learn about the actions their government–local and nationally–can have on their government.

The American Horse Council (AHC) is excited to invite the youth to their annual Spring Fly-In May 14-17, 2023, in Washington, D.C. This fly-in is open to all youth wishing to learn and participate in advocating for the equine industry.

Arrival for the Fly-In is set for Sunday, May 14. Monday, May 15, is set aside for sightseeing of our nation’s capital in the morning, followed by advocacy orientation by the AHC in the late afternoon.

Tuesday will be filled with visits to U.S. Congressional offices. Meetings with the industry’s partners and ally groups such as Farm Bureau, National Grange, the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association for Equine Practitioners, the U.S. Drug Administration, and more will occur as well. Participants should plan to meet for a debriefing and goodbyes on Wednesday, May 17, prior to flying home.

“We are proud to work with our industry allies and partners year-round, and this is a great way to introduce this side of the industry to our youth,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “This is an opportunity our younger generation should not ignore.”

So far, the American Quarter Horse Youth Association and the National Reining Horse Youth Association will be attending, with more expected to be named soon. Organizations and individuals are welcome.

There is no registration fee to attend this life-changing experience and event. For any questions regarding preferred hotels and logistics for attending, contact the AHC. Attendee names must be into the AHC office by May 1 to make necessary arrangements. Any questions can be directed to Julie Broadway: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

 

AHC Annual Award Nominations are now open!

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The equine industry’s brightest leaders will be honored by the American Horse Council (AHC) at its annual meeting and national issues forum. The meeting will be held June 4-6, 2023, in Denver, Colorado, with the presentation of esteemed awards, including the Van Ness Award, the Hickey Award and the Rolapp Award.

“These awards are the pinnacle of achievement for those major contributors and influencers in our equine community,” states AHC President Julie Broadway. “Because we are aware there may be someone that we might miss in the nomination process, we encourage and welcome suggestions from all stakeholders in the industry.”

The Van Ness Award is named in honor of the late Marjorie Van Ness of New Jersey, a long-time leader and friend to the horse industry. This award is presented to an individual that best emulates the dedication and commitment of Marjorie Van Ness to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level. The recipient of the Van Ness Award must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:

  • Successfully worked to pass legislation that had a beneficial and significant impact on the horse industry in his/her state;
  • Developed programs through state government or state agencies that promoted and represented the interests of all horse people in the state;
  • Increased awareness, generated interest, and raised the visibility of the horse industry through educational programs and related events.

The Hickey Award is named in honor of past AHC President James J. Hickey Jr., who served the AHC from 1993 to 2016. This award is presented to an individual who has been a great supporter of the horse industry and the AHC. The recipient of the Hickey Award must meet the following criteria:

  • Exhibited a history of service and leadership to the industry and AHC;
  • Made a lasting impact on AHC and the industry;
  • Given willingly of their time and expertise with the simple goal of improving the industry.

The Rolapp Award is presented in honor of the late Rich Rolapp, who served as AHC President from 1974 to 1993. This award is presented to a Member of the U.S. Congress who has been a great supporter of the horse industry. The recipient of this award is selected by AHC staff and leadership.

NEW THIS YEAR! The AHC is pleased to announce two news awards. The AHC Champion Award will honor an AHC member (individual or group/association) that has demonstrated extensive and exemplary advocacy for the industry and the AHC. The recipient of this award will be selected from nominations by AHC staff and leadership. The recipient must meet the following criteria:

  • Exhibited a history of service to the industry and AHC – routinely attending participating and presenting at AHC events, Fly-ins and webinars; serving on AHC committees and/or task forces;
  • Exhibited leadership by routinely submitting letters to congressional offices regarding legislative issues and furthering the goals of AHC
  • Involvement in and recognition of education, research and professional development of the industry

 

The UHC’s “Unity for Horses” Award which recognizes an individual (or organization) that meets the following criteria:

 

  • active member of the United Horse Coalition 2+ years in good standing.
  • taken initiative to be involved in, and work towards programs that promote responsible ownership and breeding, and/or programs that support horses at-risk or in transition and their owners.
  • used their industry relationships to work collaboratively to further strengthen and promote the mission of the United Horse Coalition.

 

Nominations for the Van Ness Award, Hickey, AHC Champion and UHC Unity Awards are due May 1, 2023 and may be sent to the attention of current AHC President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org.

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. 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.

 

 

 

Ovation Protégé Helmet Recall Notice

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Ovation Protégé Helmet Recall Notice

February 2023

There has been an important fast track recall from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPSC) and English Riding Supply.

On February 9, 2023, English Riding Supply recalled about 55,000 Ovation Protégé equestrian helmets for failure to meet the impact requirements of ASTM F1163-15. These helmets pose a risk of injury to someone who falls while wearing the helmet.

This recall involves Ovation Protégé model equestrian helmets manufactured from December 2020 through December 2022 and sold in multiple colors and finishes. The Ovation Protégé is an equestrian helmet that is certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to the ASTM F1163-15 standard. An SEI certification label, which includes the model name and date of manufacture, is located inside the helmets.  “OV” is printed on the front of the helmets.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ovation Protégé helmets and return them to the retailer they were purchased from or to any Ovation authorized dealer for a free replacement Ovation Deluxe Schooler helmet or contact English Riding Supply for a $60 refund.

The replacement helmet or refund will be provided upon return of the recalled helmet OR proof of destruction of the recalled helmet. (Consumers are not required to return the physical helmet to English Riding Supply.) To destroy recalled helmets, consumers should cut off the harness straps. Consumers should email a photo of the cut harness and a photo of the interior manufacturing label, clearly showing the manufacturing date and serial number, to helmets@englishridingsupply.com. The manufacturing label is located on the interior foam liner underneath the comfort liner, so consumers will need to remove the comfort liner to access the manufacturing label.

To learn how to destroy your helmet and receive a refund, or learn more about the recall, you can visit https://www.ovationriding.com/ProtegeRecall/

2023 – Call for Horse Industry Directory Listings

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2023 – Call for Horse Industry Directory Listings

The American Horse Council is proud to produce the horse industry’s leading source for all things equine!

The 2023 Horse Industry Directory (HID) will have thousands of listings including equine publications, federal and state sources of information, breed registries and associations, show and sports organizations, racing and gaming organizations, and service providers. The HID also includes handy facts and figures about the industry, including breed registration numbers and trends, a guide to interstate health requirements, industry meetings and conference dates/locations, and a synopsis of important legislative and regulatory happenings.

Of course, all AHC business and organizational members receive a free listing!

Non-Members may purchase a three-inch-by-three-inch listing for $25 or receive a free one-line listing (name, contact, address, and phone).

Great advertising opportunities are also available. If you would like to advertise in the HID, please contact Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org for a rate card.

We encourage past entries to go online and check your listing for the most current information at

Business Directory – American Horse Council

Submissions and/or updates to 2023 listings are due by January 31st, 2023.

Contact info@horsecouncil.org if you have questions or would like to submit a new entry. The final product will be available on the AHC website in digital format in March.

 

Hay Shortages, Prices & Spoilage putting strain on Horse Owners wallets

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

Phone: 202-296-4031
Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

 

For Immediate Release

AHC announces 1st Qtr. 2023 Webinar Feb 20, 2023, 1:00 PM ET

Hay Shortages, Prices & Spoilage putting strain on Horse Owners wallets

 

When it comes to purchasing hay this year, John Q. Horse Owner says, “We are between a rock and a hard place.” Nationally, hay stocks are down 6 percent year over year according to USDA’s Crop Production Report on January 12th.

We’ve already seen hay prices climb nationally,” Katelyn McCullock, Livestock Marketing Information Center Director said. “Alfalfa is well over $200 a ton, and other hay has been bouncing around $140-150 a ton. I don’t think this sets us up to have any sort of price breaks before this summer. And that’s only if you get a pretty good first cutting in some of these areas.”

Join AHC on Monday February 20, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET to hear from Louise Calderwood, Director of Regulatory Affairs at American Feed Industry Association; Emily Stearns AHC Health, Welfare & Regulatory Affairs Liaison, Ashley Harkins United Horse Coalition Director, and AHC President Julie Broadway on all the ways the equine industry is being impacted by hay shortages and high prices, recent botulism outbreaks, and learn about cost effective alternatives for feed/nutrition and resources for horse owners in need.

To register send an email to info@horsecoucil.org by February 17th noon ET.

 

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.

It’s the most wonderful time of the Year. To Give the gift of securing your horse passion this holiday season!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the Year.
To Give the gift of securing your horse passion
this holiday season!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFO@HORSECOUNCIL.ORG

(Washington DC, December 20,2022) Your donation through our AHC Foundation helps us ensure the longevity and sustainability of the equine community and industry.

It may not sound glamorous, or pluck at your heartstrings… but the fate of the equine industry lies in knowing ourselves – what we contribute to the economy in dollars, in jobs, and in our constituents (voters).  Not to mention the importance of societal contributions like health and well-being, green space, and volunteers, as well as the preservation of the rich heritage, legacy, and culture of the equestrian lifestyle.

If you want to support the industry, or maybe honor a horse, a friend or a loved one this season, consider making a 100% tax-deductible donation to our fundraising campaign for this important research. Why is an economic impact study especially important now? Major economic changes have occurred during the past few years.  Not only have business closures and resulting federal stimulus programs related to the pandemic had a direct impact, but the industry has adapted to historic changes made to the tax code since 2017. Currently, industry leaders, universities, regulators, and equine enthusiasts are operating with years-old data. An updated study will allow everyone to make accurate, data-driven decisions that protect the industry and help sustain our way of life for future generations.

We absolutely must be able to tell our story to create an awareness of and an interest in the equine industry; to help provide positive relationships, including congressional and media relations; to identify local partners and supporters and offers an opportunity to recognize those relationships; to identify the industry as a player in the local, state & national economy, and to enable us to advertise ourselves by first identifying our contributions.

Consider keeping a loved one’s memory and passion for the equines they love and care for alive and well – make an End of Year gift in their honor and we will be more than happy to send them their digital acknowledgment for the holidays, all we need is their email address! Please include the name of the person and their mailing information in the comments of the donation form, or email info@horsecouncil.org . The last day to have your in-honor gift emailed is December 23, however, year- end tax-deductible contributions will be accepted, and receipts provided through December 31st.

https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

We hope you will share this opportunity far and wide. Happy Holidays!