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!

AHC Office to relocate January 1, 2023

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release

AHC Office to relocate January 1, 2023

(Washington DC) The American Horse Council (AHC) was recently notified by our landlord at 1616 H St NW in Washington DC of the pending sale of the property with intentions to repurpose the building. Thus, after many years in this wonderful old location near the White House, AHC will be downsizing and relocating within the greater DC-VA-MD (DVM) area. A search for a possible new office location has been underway for the last few weeks, and we are pleased to announce our new address

1775 Tysons Blvd, 5th Floor, Suite 6110 McLean VA 22102. The phone will remain 202-296-4031.

Also, the USPS has informed us that periodical mail including magazines, newsletters, and other periodicals cannot be forwarded, please remove us from your mailing list.

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.

American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance Introduces Here For Horses, Designed To Help Create Lifelong Associations With the Horse Industry

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Contact: Julie Broadway

American Horse Council

Phone: 202.296.4031

E-Mail: info@horsecouncil.org

For Immediate Release

 

American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance Introduces Here For Horses,
Designed To Help Create Lifelong Associations With the Horse Industry

 

December 12, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) — The horse industry is a broad, far-reaching industry that touches many lives—from horse enthusiasts to spectators to those who serve the industry through volunteerism or through employment within the industry itself.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., and the only national association exclusively representing every segment of the vast equine industry, the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. AHC believes that the more opportunities available to use horses in various activities, the better the overall health of the industry and those who participate. With that mission in mind, the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance was formed in 2011 when leaders from around the equine industry sought ways to revitalize the industry. The Marketing Alliance was built with the understanding that a thriving and robust equine industry benefit all who are a part of it.

With a new strategic plan objective to create lifelong engagement with the equine industry, the Marketing Alliance introduces Here For Horses and its website HereforHorses.org, a website with an introductory video designed to foster interest in horses. Most importantly, the Here For Horses website shares pathways for visitors to make a connection with a horse, either as a spectator or as a hands-on participant within the horse industry. Potential and current horse enthusiasts can now find information on events, education, volunteer opportunities, and places to learn to ride or drive a horse.

HereforHorses.org is excited to go public at the same time as the 2022 National Day of the Horse, which occurs on December 13. The National Day of the Horse encourages people within the United States to think about the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States. Throughout history, the horse contributed significantly to the advancement of civilization of various cultures in North America, and around the world, and served as a vital means of transportation, and it still serves an important role in modern American culture today.

Help discover how the horse impacts the American horse industry today and find out where you can have a connection with horses at www.HereForHorses.org. When you visit, don’t forget to check out the video developed by the American Horse Community.

Members of the AHC Marketing Alliance include: the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Paint Horse Association (APHA), American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), Equine Network, National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), Purina, Spalding Laboratories, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Pony Clubs (USPC or Pony Club), Purina and Zoetis.

If your organization would like to become a Here For Horses Partner at a foundational level and help shape the next chapter of horse industry engagement and awareness strategy, please visit https://hereforhorses.org/become-a-partner.

American Horse Council

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council (AHC) 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, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers, and state horse councils. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org.

AHC Membership Drive Winner Announced

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release


AHC Membership Drive Winner Announced


(Washington, DC; October 24, 2022): In conjunction with the American Horse Council’s (AHC)United Horse Coalition (UHC) and Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) Testimonial Drive held this month, AHC is delighted to congratulate, Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Delaware, Inc. based in Laurel, DE as the winner of a John Deere S240 Lawn Mower, valued at $2,600.00, provided by AHC partner Equine Discounts!


The announcement was made by AHC President Julie Broadway who stated “We were pleased with the great response to our drive. Best wishes to our grand prize winner, Changing Fates, who will be getting their new John Deere from a local dealer in their area soon.”


“We are very excited to have been chosen to receive this John Deere mower. It will help us maintain our property and enable us to spend more time on our horses. AHC, UHC, and EWDC have always been our first stop when looking for resources to help our horses” stated Robin Weinkam.


Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Delaware, Inc. is a 501c3 horse rescue dedicated to locating abused and neglected equines and rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses. It is their mission to provide a sanctuary for those horses that are not suitable for adoption.


The AHC and NTRA Equine Discounts Program (@myequinediscounts) sponsored this contest through the AHC Advantage Plan.  This plan offers significant discounts on brands including John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin Williams Paints, and Office Depot.



About the American Horse Council, United Horse Coalition, and Equine Welfare Data Collective


As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council (AHC) 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, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers, and state horse councils. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org


The United Horse Coalition (UHC) is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the issues facing horses at-risk or in transition. We seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and horse organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses. Learn more at unitedhorsecoalition.org

 


The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), a program of the United Horse Coalition, was launched in 2018. The EWDC is a collaborative effort to accumulate, analyze, and report data to enhance services for transitioning and at-risk equines. The EWDC was created by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), a program of the American Horse Council (AHC), with past and present funding partners being The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and its program The Right Horse (TRH), the Foundation for the Horse, and US Equestrian Trust.  Participation in the EWDC is free, and all data collected is aggregated so no individual organization is identified. To view EWDC reports or contribute data, please visit the EWDC website at www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc/ or contact us at EWDC@horsecouncil.org.

American Horse Council is giving away a John Deere S240 Riding Mower!

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Contact: Julie Broadway

American Horse Council

Phone: 202.296.4031

E-Mail:  info@horsecouncil.org

 


For Immediate Release

 


American Horse Council is giving away a John Deere S240 Riding Mower!

 


The American Horse Council (AHC), the voice of the horse industry in Washington, D.C, is announcing their Member Appreciation Giveaway. Thanks to a gracious donation from their partners, Equine Discounts, the American Horse Council will be giving away a John Deere S240 Riding Mower to one lucky winner.


Any person or organization that is a member of the American Horse Council, United Horse Coalition (UHC), or Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), is eligible to win. To enter, email a brief video or written statement about what you find valuable or important about the work of the AHC, UHC, or EWDC to info@horsecouncil.org by 11:59 pm EST on October 23, 2022. Make sure to include your name, organization your representing (if applicable), address, and phone number in your submission.


“We love our members and know they love us…and we want to reward them for helping us share the word about what we do,” says Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council, “This is just another way of us saying “thank you” for being a member.”


The winner will be chosen at random from the submissions and announced on October 24, 2022.


To view the full contest rules, become an American Horse Council or United Horse Coalition member, or participate in the Equine Welfare Data Collective, reach out to info@horsecouncil.org


Contest Rules


About the American Horse Council, United Horse Coalition, and Equine Welfare Data Collective


As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council (AHC) 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, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers, and state horse councils. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org


The United Horse Coalition (UHC) is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the issues facing horses at-risk or in transition. We seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and horse organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses. Learn more at unitedhorsecoalition.org


The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), a program of the United Horse Coalition, was launched in 2018. The EWDC is a collaborative effort to accumulate, analyze, and report data to enhance services for transitioning and at-risk equines. The EWDC was created by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), a program of the American Horse Council (AHC), with past and present funding partners being The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and its program The Right Horse (TRH), the Foundation for the Horse, and US Equestrian Trust.

Participation in the EWDC is free, and all data collected is aggregated so no individual organization is identified. To view EWDC reports or contribute data, please visit the EWDC website at www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc/ or contact us at EWDC@horsecouncil.org.

Special Bulletin – Progress Report on 2023 Economic Impact Study – Financial Support Needed

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Special Bulletin


Progress Report on 2023 Economic Impact Study – Financial Support Needed


The American Horse Council Foundation is hoping to update the National Economic Impact Study (EIS) next year to document the economic effects of all segments of the horse industry on the state and national economy. Major economic changes have occurred since the 2017 study. Not only have business closures and resulting federal stimulus programs related to the pandemic made a major impact, but the industry has adapted to historic changes made to the tax code.


Fundraising to conduct the study started in March 2022 with the goal of obtaining the needed $350K. As of September 1, AHCF has raised $208K towards its goal. AHC President, Julie Broadway stated “We must raise at least 80% of the full price, or $280K, to even sign a contract with the consultants. Our hope is to have that amount secured by October 1 so that the project planning can begin, and we can start collecting data in early 2023. Right now, we’re roughly $72K short of our initial goal – so we’re really working hard to make certain the community understands the importance of this work. Once we reach our $280K mark, we then must continue to fundraise to reach the final $350K goal.”


Every equine organization, manufacturer, retailer and supplier will benefit directly from the public exposure an EIS provides:

  •  helps state and federal agencies scale the level of support and engagement needed to protect and serve the industry,
  •  breaks down potential barriers to federal, state and local leaders.
  •  raises equine community’s level of pride in the industry.
  •  increases awareness and interest in industry.
  •  offers an opportunity to establish and maintain a positive image of our industry in the community and among the media.
  •  opens the door for future fund-raising projects and may support efforts to work more closely with your financial institutions.
  •  provides the opportunity to highlight non-economic contributions and the civic involvement of the organization and its members.


The AHC Foundation is looking for donations from all industry participants – businesses, horse owners, and enthusiasts alike. The AHC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code and contributions to it are tax-deductible. Pledge payments are due no later than 1/1/2023 and AHCF offers several payment methods and options.


If you have any questions regarding the study or how your organization and its members can assist, please contact us at info@horsecouncil.org. We would also encourage you to help us spread the word about the study. We have put together FAQs, and other promotional materials along with a DonorBox site to help gain support. We are happy to provide you any of these resources.


“We truly believe that the data this study will provide is invaluable. As such, we hope that you will begin a dialogue with your leadership, state agriculture and tourism agencies, and others that would also find value in the data provided.” The AHC would be happy to speak with you or others to help make this case. AHC receives numerous calls each week for updated data of this nature and requests for copies of reports, so we are confident that you will find supporters to help you and the AHC with this initiative.


“Should we fail to reach our target the study will have to be postponed which would be detrimental to the industry’s ability to make our case and effect legislation and regulatory challenges. We hope everyone recognizes the importance of this data to the industry and leans in to help. We can’t do it alone.”

New & Improved Horse Microchip Look Up Website

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New & Improved Horse Microchip Look Up Website

 

Microchips are extremely important for keeping your horses safe. Many animals reunite with their owner’s thanks to their chips. A microchip is a great way to guarantee the identity and facilitate fair competition. The American Horse Council and AHC Foundation are happy to support this through two different programs. First, thanks to the great support of our member Equine MicrochipID, the AHC offers free microchips to horse owners. Second, the AHC is proud to debut our updated horse-specific microchip lookup tool, a website helping owners, competitors, rescuers and law enforcement correctly identify horses.

 

The microchip is the first part, but your horse’s microchip number is only half of the journey. The second part requires that number being registered with a manufacturer registry and/or your breed/competition organization. If you know the horse’s specific microchip ID number, you can contact the registry and make sure your info in their database is current.

 

If you don’t know the registry, but you have the microchip ID number, you can use it to search the American Horse Council’s microchip lookup tool. This can provide you with the name of the manufacturer so you can contact them. We just completed a new update to the search tool and are providing the most comprehensive information available for microchipped horses in the United States.

 

The tool, https://www.horsemicrochiplookup.com/, is a great chance for you to look up who your horse is registered with, and update that information as needed. It also contains the link you need to sign up for free microchips. Please contact the American Horse Council for more information about microchipping your horse.

 

 

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 US equine industry contributes $122B in total value added to the US economy annually and employs 1.7M people. In total 30.5% of 38M US households contain a horse enthusiast.

American Horse Council publishes National Trails Directory & Guide

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American Horse Council publishes National Trails Directory & Guide

 

Contact: info@horsecouncil.org

 

September 30, 2022 Washington DC. The American Horse Council’s Recreation, Trails, and Land Use Committee (RT&LU) is pleased to announce a new resource guide and national trails directory. The materials and links to state-by-state trails directories are available at National Trails Directory – American Horse Council. The directory was compiled by intern Jay Harris of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.

 

AHC President, Julie Broadway stated “We hope this comprehensive guide with links to all things trail-related will be a valuable asset to our recreational trail riding community. Through the pandemic, equestrians turned to trails to commune with nature and enjoy their horses. We felt this directory would be helpful in identifying and discovering new adventures outdoors.”

 

RT&LU Chair, Randy Rasmussen added “Many thanks to Jay for all his hard work and research on this project. And thanks to all those that contributed including Back Country Horsemen of America, Equine Land Conservation Resource along with many state horse councils. We would also be remiss if we didn’t think Jean Ligon, former RT&LU Chair who suggested this project”

 

To learn more about the American Horse Council, visit www.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.

August 15th is National “Check the Chip” Day!

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It’s National “Check the Chip” Day!

 

August 15, 2022 (Washington, DC) – Today is National “Check The Chip” Day — a day to check on your horses’ microchips and make sure they’re registered and that information is up to date.

 

Microchips are extremely important for keeping your horses safe. Many animals reunite with their owner’s thanks to their chips.   A microchip is a great way to guarantee the identity of a horse and facilitate fair competition. The American Horse Council and AHC Foundation are happy to support this through two different programs. First, thanks to the great support of our member Equine MicrochipID, the AHC offers free microchips to horse owners. Second, the AHC is proud to debut our updated horse-specific microchip lookup tool, a website helping owners, competitors, rescuers, and law enforcement correctly identify horses.

 

The microchip is the first part, but your horse’s microchip number is only half of the journey. The second part requires that the microchip number is registered with a manufacturer registry and/or your breed/competition organization. If you know the horse’s specific microchip ID number, you can contact the registry and make sure your info in their database is current.

 

If you don’t know the registry, but you have the microchip ID number, you can use it to search the American Horse Council’s microchip lookup tool. This can provide you with the name of the manufacturer so you can contact them. We just completed a new update to the search tool and are providing the most comprehensive information available for microchipped horses in the United States.

 

The tool, https://www.horsemicrochiplookup.com/, is a great chance for you to look up who your horse is registered with, and update that information as needed. It also contains the link you need to sign up for free microchips. Please contact the American Horse Council for more information about microchipping your horse.

 

 

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 US equine industry contributes $122B in total value added to the US economy annually and employs 1.7M people. In total 30.5% of 38M US households contain a horse enthusiast.