Join the American Horse Council on Monday, May 16th at 1:00 PM ET to hear the incredible Sarah Maslin Nir explain how to tell your equestrian story and turn your experiences and passion into published works and/or film. 

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(Washington, D.C., May 1, 2022): Join the American Horse Council on Monday, May 16th at 1:00 PM ET to hear the incredible Sarah Maslin Nir explain how to tell your equestrian story and turn your experiences and passion into published works and/or film.

New York Times investigative journalist Sarah Maslin Nir always kept her love of horses secret at her day job, until she decided to write a book about it! Now on to her fourth horse book, as well as taking horse stories to Hollywood, Nir shares her journey, which can also be yours!

Always a crowd favorite, Sarah has been featured before by AHC because of her amazing “ride”. A Manhattanite and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Sarah always felt like an outsider in the horse world. Through her investigative work in her book Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal, Nir discovered the myriad worlds of horse people, and the truth: that horses belong to us all.

Learn how Sarah found her voice and so much more!

Register for the webinar by Friday May 13th by emailing info@horsecouncil.org.

AHC Foundation launches fundraising platform.

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AHC Foundation launches fundraising platform

(Washington, DC) – The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) has launched a new fundraising platform through its partnership with DonorBox ©.

AHCF will accept donations directed at three major initiatives: United Horse Coalition, Equine Welfare Data Collective, and the National Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry. Donations can be made here: https://donorbox.org/american-horse-council-foundation-donation-campaign

AHC President Julie Broadway stated, “We are proud to offer this robust, efficient, and secure method to reach donors and help support these important and worthwhile initiatives. We are very excited about some of the great features DonorBox offers including a donor wall where donors can leave messages; social media campaign sharing to attract more interest, and goal meters to help track our progress. We also love that it automatically sends thank you notes and tax receipts to donors.”

Want to make a difference in the lives of horses and the horse community?

The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) seeks to encourage the support of worthwhile charitable, scientific, and educational projects of interest and benefit to the American horse industry.

The AHCF mission is:

  • to promote a healthful and enjoyable environment, social welfare level, and opportunities for those in the horse industry;
  • to educate the public about the horse, horse care and the horse industry;
  • to promote education through grants to individuals, programs, institutions, and organizations by the encouragement of research through these grants.

The AHCF presently has three major initiatives that work under its auspices: the National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse industry, the United Horse Coalition, and the Equine Welfare Data Collective. Read all about those below:

 

 

AHC’S ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY

The reasons for conducting an economic impact study are many:

  1.  Major economic changes have occurred.  Not only have business closures and resulting federal stimulus programs related to the pandemic had a major impact, but the equine industry has adapted to historic changes made to the tax code since 2017.
  2.  Creates awareness of and an interest in the equine industry
  3.  Helps provide positive relationships, including congressional and media relations
  4.  Identifies local partners and supporters and offers an opportunity to recognize those relationships
  5.  Identifies the industry as a player in the local, state & national economy
  6.  Allows the industry to advertise itself by first identifying its contributions.

As AHC and the AHC Foundation (AHCF) are not government subsidized, nor does AHC or AHCF receive any funding through check-off programs like some livestock groups, AHC relies on contributions, sponsorships, and advertising to fund the study.

For more information click here:  https://www.horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

 

 

UNITED HORSE COALITION

The United Horse Coalition 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.

The UHC is also home to the UHC Equine Resource Database, a national online searchable database of assistance, support, and safety net programs such as hay and feed assistance, castration assistance, veterinary assistance, microchipping, euthanasia and disposal assistance, behavior and training, transportation, direct placement options, Law Enforcement assistance, disaster assistance, large animal technical rescue, grant funding opportunities, and other vital programs available to assist at-risk horses and their owners.    This database also includes a list of over 900 Rescues and Sanctuaries operating nationwide to help owners in their time of need.

For more information click here:  https://www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/

 

 

EQUINE WELFARE DATA COLLECTIVE

The EWDC is a donor-driven program working diligently to collect and share data on at-risk equines and owners in need. This data is critical to identifying the needs of at-risk equines and the successful programs available to support them. We understand the power of data and how it can vastly shift the dialogue around an issue and drive positive change. All data reports are provided to the public free of charge.

For more information click here:  https://www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc/

 

About the AHC Foundation

The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was formed in 1991 out of the need to encourage the support of worthwhile charitable, scientific, and educational projects of interest and benefit to the American horse industry. The AHCF mission is to promote a healthful and enjoyable environment, social welfare level, and opportunities for those in the horse industry; to educate the public about the horse, horse care and the horse industry; and to promote education through grants to individuals, programs, institutions, and organizations by the encouragement of research through these grants.

The AHCF currently has three major initiatives that work under its auspices: the United Horse Coalition, Equine Welfare Data Collective and the National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry.

All Donations to the AHC Foundation are tax-deductible. The American Horse Council Foundation is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 52-1760034. Thank you for your support!

 

Raffle to benefit the United Horse Coalition

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Raffle to benefit the United Horse Coalition

(Washington, DC) – The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) is delighted to host a raffle fundraiser to benefit the United Horse Coalition and its efforts to provide resources to horse owners in need of assistance with maintaining and ensuring the health and wellbeing of their horses.

The United Horse Coalition 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. UHC seeks 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.

“Our biggest impact in creating change for at-risk horses starts at the source, and that’s through teaching horse owners how to be responsible for the horses in their care.  UHC strives to give owners the resources and tools they need to make responsible decisions on behalf of their horse.” Says UHC Director Ashley Harkins.

AHC & AHCF President Julie Broadway stated “Our goal is to raise $10,000 to provide support to the UHC Resource Database which offers horse owners in need access to essentials like hay banks, feed coupons, vet care, gelding clinics, and other support. “

From April 29, 2022 to June 15, 2022, you can purchase tickets for $50 each or 3 tickets for $125.00 for a chance at a fabulous 2 guest, 4-night all-inclusive stay at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson Arizona. White Stallion Ranch is an amazing traditional, historic, upscale dude ranch offering lodging, amenities, daily meals, and a vast array of ranch activities from horseback riding to rock climbing, hiking, shooting, fat-tire bikes, and evening entertainment. There’s something for everyone with spa services, a heated pool, sports court, movie theater, petting zoo, and fitness center. https://www.whitestallion.com/

White Stallion has been awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award from 2018-to 2021 and USA Today’s 10 best summer vacations in the US for Families in 2021.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://unitedhorsecoalition.org/uhc-raffle/ or in-person at the AHC Annual Conference on June 5-7th in Washington DC.

This vacation offer is valid till 6/30/2024.  Official rules can be found here:  https://unitedhorsecoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/UHC-Raffle-Rules-2022.pdf

 

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.

About the United Horse Coalition

The United Horse Coalition 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. 

 

 

Speakers Set for AHC’s 2022 Annual Meeting June 5th – 7th

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(Washington, DC)- The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce that speakers for committee meetings and the upcoming National Issues Forum have been set. The AHC’s Annual Meeting and National Issues Forum takes place from June 5-7 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

“We are very excited with this year’s line-up of noted and exemplary speakers,” said AHC President Julie Broadway. “Additionally, it will be great to engage in a discussion with partners about ways to collaborate within the agriculture and livestock industry.”

Invited Guest speakers include:

United Horse Coalition Meeting; Panelists from ASPCA’s Right Horse Initiative; GFAS; TAA; TCA; STA; EQUUS Foundation

Equine Welfare Committee; USDA Animal Care

Equine Industry CEO Forum: Wanda Little-Coffey of ASAE

Congressman Sanford D. Bishop. Jr. (GA)

Margaret Reynolds – Author, “Reignite”

Jennifer Brown Lerner, Deputy Director Aspen Institute – Sports & Society Program

Keith Roberts – Author, “The Oak Journal” Level up your Life

Julie Fershtman, Foster Smith Attorneys

Charlene Couch, The Livestock Conservancy –

Panel Discussion on trends in Horse Sales – Keeneland (Shannon Arvin), Superior Sale (GT Werry), Appalachian Challenge (Tinia Creamer), CSU Sales (Craig Huffhines)

Health & Regulatory Committee; Dr. Nat White-NADPRP biosecurity project; USDA APHIS

Awards Luncheon: This year’s award winners to be announced, plus 2021 Hickey Award Dr. Peter Timoney; 2021 Rolapp Award – Senator Susan Collins (R-ME); 2020 Hickey Award Dr. G. Marvin Beeman; Van Ness Award Fred Sarver, and Rolapp Award Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR)

Racing Advisory Committee: Lisa Lazarus of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority

 

Hotel Reservations
View the amazing Omni Shoreham Omni Shoreham VIDEO
To make reservations go to https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/washington-dc-shoreham/meetings/2022-ahc-annual-meeting-and-national-issue-06012022

Conference Registration & Tentative Agenda
Go to Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/313805820657

For the full conference schedule, please visit the on the AHC website at www.horsecouncil.org.

 

AHC Annual Award Nominations Open

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AHC Annual Award Nominations Open

(Washington, DC) – The American Horse Council (AHC) will honor the equine industry’s brightest leaders at its annual meeting and national issues forum on June 5-7, 2022, at its conference in Washington DC with the presentation of the Van Ness Award, the Hickey Award and the Rolapp 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. 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 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 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 recipient of this award is selected by AHC staff and leadership.

Nominations for the Van Ness Award and Hickey Award are due May 1, 2022 and may be sent to the attention of current AHC President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org.

AHC will also honor those award recipients from 2020 and 2021 which were presented virtually.
2021 Hickey Award Dr. Peter Timoney; 2021 Rolapp Award – Senator Susan Collins (R-ME);
2020  Hickey Award Dr. G. Marvin Beeman; Van Ness Award Fred Sarver, and Rolapp Award Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR)

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.

 

Mersant International LTD partners with the American Horse Council (AHC) on 2022 Annual Conference

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May be an image of horse and text that says '五 MERSANT AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL LTD. HORSE COUNCIL aHc 2022 Annual Conference June 5-7'

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Mersant International LTD partners with the American Horse Council (AHC) on 2022 Annual Conference

 

The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to welcome conference sponsor, Mersant International LTD, a multi-faceted corporation founded in 1977 which are Licensed Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Iata Agents, licensed by the F.M.C., and a certified member of the C-TPAT Program.

“We are privileged to work with Mersant who is the official agent for the prestigious Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championship Races, the official USA agent for the Dubai World Cup, as well as the Saudi Cup,” stated Julie Broadway, President at AHC. “Be sure to attend our conference June 5-7, 2022 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC to visit with Joe Santarelli and his team from Mersant. “

We invite our media partners to feature this exciting news. For more information, please contact Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

American Horse Council Board elects new At-Large Trustees

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Contact: Julie Broadway

American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release

American Horse Council Board elects new At-Large Trustees

 

By unanimous vote of the American Horse Council’s (AHC) board of trustees, three new at-large trustees have been elected to serve a two-year term starting in June 2022: Justine Staten, representing the Coalition of State Horse Councils (CSHC); Christy Landwehr filling the General -At Large seat and Austin Halvorson filling the Young Adult-At Large seat.

 

The AHC board consists of 12 equine industry leaders from major associations including the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Quarter Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, The Jockey Club, United States Equestrian Federation, and United States Trotting Association. In 2018, the AHC added two at-large seats to the board (CSHC and General-At Large) to provide a greater level of inclusion to ensure the organization is truly representative of a variety of stakeholder interest groups. In 2021, the board added a Young Adult-At Large seat to further expand its diversity.

 

Justine Staten of KS – Executive Director Kansas Horse Council and incoming CSHC Chair. Justine has extensive experience in the equine industry with family involvement in 4-H and the Blackjack Saddle Club. She provides equine education at the annual Riley County Farm Bureau Ag Kid’s Day and was a long-time volunteer with the “On the Trail to a Cure” benefit ride for cancer, as well as manager of several other American Cancer Society galas.

 

Christy Landwehr of Aurora, CO – Chief Executive Officer Certified Horsemanship Association. Christy is Past President of the American Youth Horse Council and past board member for the Colorado Horse Council.  She also founded, competed on and coached the University of Colorado at Boulder Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team.  Christy sits on the AQHA and APHA Professional Horsemen Councils and the AQHA National Marketing Committee. Christy sits on the Colorado State University Equine Sciences Advisory Council and on the Colorado Society of Association Executives Board and is the current Treasurer for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.

 

Austin Halvorson of Liberty Hill, TX has been passionate about equine-related advocacy since his first trip to DC on behalf of AQHA in 2014. Since then Austin has worked in the halls of congress, the Texas Legislature, in political campaigns, for lobbying groups, and now for a political law firm. Austin is a graduate of Texas A&M and has served as OQHYA President (2010-2014); AQHYA Board of Directors (2010-2014); AQHYA President (2013-2014); Pledge Class President, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (2014-2015); and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council at Texas A&M (2016-2018).

 

Dr. Rick Mitchell, AHC Board Chair, stated, “These outstanding individuals will bring great insight to board conversations, and we are pleased they have agreed to serve.”

 

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.

 

New U.S. Forest Service Guidance on Use of Equestrian Campsites

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New U.S. Forest Service Guidance on Use of Equestrian Campsites

(Washington D.C.) At the prompting of the equine community, last month the Forest Service national office circulated a memo to all national forests and national grasslands titled “Recommended Best Practices for Managing Stock Use Sites at Developed Campgrounds.” A copy of that memo can be  found here.

The problem of occupied horse camps escalated across the nation during the COVID pandemic when many families and others chose close-to-home vacations in favor of long-distance travel. The Forest Service memo describes well the implications for stock users of this growing problem.

The American Horse Council would like to encourage equine organizations, such as local clubs, state horse councils, and others, to review this memo and, importantly, to use it as a reason to schedule a meeting with personnel at your local national forest to assist you to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Ensure the memo was received by the local Forest Service office,
    2. Discuss with forest staff the magnitude of the problem locally and the memo’s relevancy and implications, and
    3. Come to an agreement on what adjustments in the management of equestrian campsites within Forest Service jurisdiction might be implemented in order to communicate to the public the need to prioritize equestrian campsites for use by parties with stock.

Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) and its allies have developed a Horse Camp Incident Report form for campsite users to capture and record incidents where parties without stock are occupying Forest Service equestrian campsites. The purpose of the form is to collect data should we need to make the case for new regulations to prevent parties without stock from occupying equestrian campsites. The form may be found here

For more information contact info@horsecouncil.org

And remember:
· Always be courteous to other campground users. It’s likely that any party without stock has occupied an equestrian campsite because regular campsites were already taken or reserved.
· Remember, it’s not illegal for others to camp in an equestrian campsite. Plus, some folks might not know the difference between an equestrian and regular campsites or why their occupancy of an equestrian campsite might force equestrian campers to travel far distances in order to find a legal campsite—if not forced to return home, an outing ruined.
· If you end up speaking with such parties, use these talking points to educate them about the scarcity of legal campsites for equestrian use and what happens when parties without stock occupy equestrian campsites.

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. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org

 

 

EquiFit Partners with the American Horse Council (AHC)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

EquiFit Partners with the American Horse Council (AHC)

 

The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to welcome our new sponsor, EquiFit, ambassadors for equestrians & equine athletes alike.

“This is great fit for AHC, because like us EquiFit believes in science and is constantly seeking & using new technologies that improve performance, health, & well-being for horses & humans” stated Julie Broadway, President at AHC.

EquiFit, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based company which designs and manufactures technologically advanced products for top riders and horses throughout the world. From their ImpacTeq technology to the D-Teq Boot line, the T-Sport Wraps to the GelCompression Therapy line, EquiFit continues to raise expectations by pairing innovative designs with highly advanced materials.

We invite our media partners to feature this exciting news and the impact it will have on the equine industry. For more information, please contact Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org.

2022– CALL FOR HORSE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY LISTINGS

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2022– 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 2022 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 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 2022 listings are due by January 31st, 2022.
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.