AHC announces August 17, 2022, Town Hall Meeting To Encourage Formation/Activation of State Horse Councils

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release

AHC announces August 17, 2022, Town Hall Meeting

To Encourage Formation/Activation of State Horse Councils

(Washington, D.C., August 1, 2022): The American Horse Council and the Coalition of State Horse Councils are seeking to establish contacts with individuals in key states for the possible formation or activation of a state horse council to help with grassroots advocacy.  AHC President, Julie Broadway stated, “As you can imagine, there are often state legislative/regulatory issues that we need resources residing in the state to help us gain intel on and/or help us advocate for change.”

 

The stronger our network, the more influence we have in getting things accomplished. Unfortunately, there are currently only 26 states with a state horse council.  States we are seeking to establish contact with include AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, IN, LA, MA, ME, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NV, RI, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV, WY – Al & HI.

 

We would like to invite persons in these states to a town hall meeting on “National Nonprofit Day” on August 17th at 2:00 PM ET to learn more about this opportunity! Topics include:

 

  • Why every state needs state advocacy for the equine industry
  • How to form a state horse council
  • How to sustain/grow a state horse council
  • Introduction to three states that have successful councils
  • How to leverage the Coalition of state horse councils & American Horse Council
  • Resources available to help you get started…., and

Resources/Benefits AHC can offer state horse council members and horse owners in your state

 

The meeting will be held via zoom and a link is provided below.

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81593910728

 

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

AHC Launches surveys for Members and Non-Members

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release

AHC Launches surveys for Members and Non-Members

(Washington, D.C., August 1, 2022): Beginning August 1, 2022 the American Horse Council is launching two surveys to solicit thoughts and opinions from both AHC members and the equine community at-large.

 

August 1- August 15 – AHC members will receive an email directing them to a survey to help collect information regarding their legislative and regulatory priorities. Sample questions include:

 

  • What are your top legislative priorities? (rank) Tax; Immigration; Horse slaughter/welfare; Soring; Trails maintenance/support; other

 

  • What are your top regulatory priorities? (rank) Import/export of horses; Disease mitigation; Land use; Transportation; Wild horse & Burro issues; other

 

Each week starting August 1, through AHC social media channels (FaceBook & Twitter) followers will be asked to respond to one question to collect their thoughts and opinions on specific topics. These questions are open to members and non-members. Examples for August include:

 

  • Week #1: What is the number one issue facing the equine industry that needs immediate attention? And how would you suggest it be addressed?

 

  • Week #2: What is your position on allowing horses to be shipped to Canada/Mexico?

If the SAFE Act were implemented and horses could no longer be shipped across the borders, who/how would you address the 30,000 unwanted horses per year that will need assistance/housing?

 

  • Week #3: What specific occupation in the equine industry needs to be professionalized the most?

 

  • Week #4” What is your “go-to” source for information about what’s happening in the horse industry?

 

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.  Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org

AHC Announces Leadership Appointments

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release

AHC Announces Leadership Appointments

Washington D.C. –Friday June 24, 2022 The Board and Leadership of the American Horse Council are pleased to announce the following leadership appointments for June 2022 – June 2023 term.

Board of Trustees: Dr. Rick Mitchell (USEF) – Chair; Marilyn Breuer-Bertera (USTA) – Vice Chair; Matt Iuliano (TJC) – Treasurer; Dr. Glenn Blodgett (AQHA) – Secretary; Jim Gagliano (TJC) – Past Chair; Tom O’Mara (USEF); Russell Williams (USTA); Don Marean (USTA); David Foley (AAEP); Joe Wilson (TRA); Tom Rooney (NTRA); Christy Landwehr – at large; Justine Staten (CSHC) – at large; and Austin Halvorson (Young Adult) – at large.  https://horsecouncil.org/about-us/board-of-trustees/

Committee Chairs: Equine Welfare – Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH Intl.; Health & Regulatory – David Foley, ED AAEP; Show & Competition – Dr Billy Smith, ED APHA; Racing Advisory – Joe Wilson,  President TRA; Recreation, Trails & Land Use – Randy Rasmussen, Director of Public Lands and Recreation BCHA.  https://horsecouncil.org/ahc-committees/

 

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.  

PAST Act received unanimous support from House Subcommittee

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

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

For Immediate Release

PAST Act received unanimous support from House Subcommittee

Washington D.C. –Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, The American Horse Council saw the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R.5441) receive unanimous support from the House Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The AHC urged the committee to markup the PAST Act and approve it as introduced, as already passed by an overwhelming bipartisan House vote of 333-96 in 2019. The current version of the PAST Act lays out a common-sense solution to prevent the continued practice of soring and is limited in scope to Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses and Spotted Saddle Horses.

The PAST Act, as introduced, addresses several specific aspects of the business and competition concerns that are not replicated in any alternative presented historically. Any legislation that falls short of requiring USDA licensing of inspectors will fail to address the conflict of interests present in the existing inspection system. Additionally, any change in language that limits scientifically recognized inspection techniques should be called into question, including language to prohibit palpation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine final report on Methods of Detecting Soring – released in January 2021 after a comprehensive 16-month study by experts – embraced palpation and observation of horse movement as the basis of all examinations for leg pain and lameness when performed by appropriately trained inspectors.

The AHC supports this legislation, as does the American Association of Equine Practitioners, The United States Equestrian Federation, the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Paint Horse Association, the American Morgan Horse Association, the Pinto Horse Association of America, the Arabian Horse Association, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, the Appaloosa Horse Club, the American Veterinary Medical Association and many other state and local groups. This bill is focused on the problem it is intended to solve and does not adversely affect other segments of the show industry that are not soring horses and have no history of soring horses.

Please contact the American Horse Council with questions or comments.

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.  

AHC releases statement of support for Amateur Rule changes

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

For Immediate Release

AHC releases statement of support for Amateur Rule changes

(Washington, D.C., June 17, 2022):  Subsequent to a panel discussion at the June 7,2022 AHC Show & Competition Committee meeting on proposed amateur rules changes which included remarks from US Equestrian Federation, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association and Certified Horsemanship Association, the American Horse Council Board of Trustees and Show & Competition Committee have released the following statement:

 

Due to the decline of youth and young adult involvement with horses over several decades, and for the urgent need to engage youth and young adults in equestrian sports, the Show & Competition Committee calls on all equestrian competition organizations to review their amateur rules, giving greater berth of opportunities for properly certified or supervised amateur exhibitors to provide fee-for-services introductory riding lessons without the threat of losing amateur status.

 

Show & Competition Committee Chair, Dr. Billy Smith, stated “The horse community is missing that critical on-ramp for young riders. That same community can solve this problem if it works together, developing strategies that welcome young riders on a worldwide scale.”

 

AHC Board of Trustees

Dr Rick Mitchell, DVM -Chair                                                       Marilyn Bertera – Vice Chair

Dr Glenn Blodgett, DVM – Secretary                                        Matt Iuliano – Treasurer

Jim Gagliano – Past Chair                                                               David Foley

Austin Halverson                                                                              Christy Landwehr

Don Marean                                                                                       Tom O’Mara

Tom Rooney                                                                                      Justine Staten

Russell Williams                                                                                Joe Wilson

 

Show & Competition Committee

Dr Billy Smith (APHA), Chair                                                         Darrell Bilke (PtHA)

Gary Carpenter (NRHA)                                                                 Stephan Hienzsch (USDF)

Bill Moroney (USEF)                                                                       Stan Morey (AHA)

Justin Billings (AQHA)                                                                     Rob Burke (USEA)

Scott Dorenkemp (PRCA)                                                              Harold Palmer (TJC)

Glenn Petty (USHJA)                                                                       Kim Jarvis (Jarvis Insurance)

Bud Wills (CSHC)

 

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.  

Call to Action to Support “The Old Guard”

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

For Immediate Release

Call to Action to support “The Old Guard”

(Washington, D.C., June 10, 2022): Several weeks ago, the American Horse Council was made aware of some concerns regarding the conditions of the facilities housing the soldiers and horses of The Old Guard at Arlington Cemetery. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance.

 

The concerns were highlighted in an CNN article dated April 7, 2022, which stated that “The military horses that carry America’s heroes to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery are living in unsanitary and potentially life-threatening conditions, according to a US Army report reviewed exclusively by CNN, consuming poor-quality feed, suffering from parasites and standing in their own excrement in tiny mud lots scattered with gravel and construction waste.” The 60-plus horses of the Old Guard are rotated between two facilities in northern Virginia: a stable facility with three paddocks nestled in the Army base at Fort Myer, barely 2 miles outside Washington, and a 6-acre pasture complex at Fort Belvoir, an Army base about 30 minutes outside the city.

 

To obtain additional information and determine what actions may be needed, AHC staff spoke with The Old Guard leadership; 1LT Carlin Keally, US Army Caisson Platoon Leader, and Major Shahin Uddin, Director of Communications with The Old Guard. They indicated the matter had been addressed and a “detailed and systematic approach to improving the facilities and processes surrounding the care of the horses” has been developed, including the allocation of additional $2M in funds for the improvements. We offered both officers our continued support should they need anything to help them bring these improvements to fruition.

 

More recently we understand that funding has been held up in the Department of Defense. AHC is urging the equine community to write/call your congressional members to express you support for The Old Guard and encourage them to expediate the funding.

 

It has been AHC’s honor and privilege to work in partnership with The Old Guard on several community outreach projects over the years, and we are happy to provide them our assistance.

 

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

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://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.