AHC Annual Conference Inspires and Spurs Action in Denver

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The American Horse Council (AHC) wrapped a trip out West with its 2023 Annual Conference on June 6. The enthusiasm for learning and combatting a growing list of missions filled a packed crowd of industry leaders and ardent enthusiasts.

Attendees heard updates on the actions of such committees as the United Horse Coalition, Equine Welfare, Health & Regulatory, Racing Advisory, Show and Competition and Recreation/Trails/Land Use Committees that encompass the many facets of the AHC. Presentations spurred conviction to look for change or action during engaging presentations at the annual National Issues Forum.

“The theme for the 2023 National Issues Forum is ‘The Measure of Tomorrow,’ and is intended to showcase four important focus areas for the future of equine and equestrian industry – Economics, Sustainability, Herd Health, and Strengthening the Community,” stated AHC President Julie Broadway in her opening remarks. “As you hear these presentations, I ask you to think about how the information shared will inform your actions to ‘shape’ tomorrow. We all strive to leave things ‘better than we found them’ so that’s my challenge to you – how does the content you hear today help you and us think as visionaries and leaders that have the opportunity to ‘shape’ tomorrow?”

Economics and how the industry is valued was the first focus of the forum. Speakers included Dr. Gregory Graff, professor of the Economics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State University; Michael Vanaskie of The Innovation Group, one of the lead economists for the AHC Economic Impact Study and Julie Broadway of AHC on the 2023 AHC Study. Broadway and Vanaskie highlighted how the differences between the current format of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) census and what the AHC hopes can become a more encompassing horse census. This census has been spurred by the AHC’s (ongoing) Equine Economic Impact Survey and how more accurate numbers can help the industry get a fairer piece of the Farm Bill, which is currently in debate in Washington, DC.

The focus on sustainability took an eye-opening and nose-pinching turn when Colorado State University Capstone students Jessica Stock and Vanessa Roy shared their presentation on how horse manure is being repurposed to consumable electricity in Finland and how that could be used in the United States. Scott Evans shared his mission of helping horse show circuits and associations take a greener approach to their events with his initiative Green is the New Blue. It all started with trying to eliminate single-use water bottles being left behind at shows to something that’s bigger than just your local show circuit. Finally, Megan Fellows shared her mission of Carbon Hoofprints—innovative solutions for stakeholders in the equestrian stakeholders.

Always a hot topic, the focus on Herd Health included Joe LaFollette of League of Ag & Equine Centers, Dr. Nat White of Equine Disease Communication Center and Dr. Angela Pelzel McCluskey of the USDA on biosecurity measures needed to mitigate disease at shows and events and at home. This was supported by a presentation by the University of Florida’s Dr. Sally DeNotta that shared how the changing climate is affecting equine infectious diseases and increasing vectors that might not have been thought of in years past.

Finally, the forum focused on strengthening the horse community with the AHC Marketing Alliance. Members Jen Grant of Zoetis and Christy Landwehr of National Reining Horse Association shared a new campaign to reach out to more than our own industry, but outside the horse industry with the “HereForHorses” campaign. The campaign is an evolution of two previous campaigns that included the Time To Ride campaign to introduce riding and horses to the general public. The “HereForHorses” campaign is in its infancy, with more details to come.

“This was one of the best issue forum I’ve attended,” said Dr. Josie Traub Dargatz, formerly of CSU, who was happy to attend the forum in her own back yard of Colorado. Her sentiments were echoed from many who attended.

AHC also honored five award winners and the recording of the award ceremony will be on the AHC website soon. Rep Jacki Walorski, Dr . Jerry Black, Gary Carpenter, Dr Chelsie Huseman and Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

“The conference is one of the best ways to engage and be reinspired with our mission to bring together the horse industry—no matter the breed, discipline, background or location,” says Broadway. “We hope everyone left reinvigorated with new ideas and calls to action.”

The next AHC National Conference and National Issues Forum will be held in Washington, DC, June 9-11, 2024, with plans to build on the momentum created in Denver.

Legislative Update

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American Horse Council’s (AHC) will be up on Capitol Hill over the next coming weeks to urge completion of proposals addressing horse welfare, access to public recreation areas, tax relief, horse transport, and agricultural employment. Several of these bills have had committee hearings, while others await initial consideration. There is a rush at the end of a congressional term to move the focus to topics intended to capture the attention and support of voters in an election year – our proposals are some of those focus topics.

 

Case in point: Congress has interrupted its usual August recess with session work to adopt the massive Inflation Reduction Act which included many tax credits and incentives to lower carbon emissions, fund alternative energy sources, water conservation payments for Western farmers and ranchers in the Colorado River basin, and provide dollars for federal health care plans.

 

As a result, you may have tax, health care, and debt forgiveness options.

 

If you are upgrading your operations there will be tax credits available for solar panels, heat pumps and small wind energy systems. There’s also a credit for electric vehicles, but the $7,500 comes with “Made in America” requirements that may make it impossible to claim the subsidy for the purchase of most electric vehicles currently on the market.

The bill also provides debt relief to farmers and ranchers holding distressed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal loans.

As described by the Congressional Research Service, nearly $2.9 billion is allocated to help underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, defined to include those living in high poverty areas, veterans, limited resource producers, and beginning farmers and ranchers. Most of this assistance is $2.2 billion of financial assistance for those who experienced discrimination before 2021 in USDA farm lending programs. Individual payments for discrimination would be limited to $500,000 and are to be administered by nongovernmental entities selected and overseen by USDA. The bill also would provide $125 million for technical assistance, outreach, and mediation; $250 million for land loss assistance, such as heirs’ property and fractionated land; $250 million for agricultural education emphasizing scholarships and career development at historically Black, tribal, and Hispanic colleges; and $10 million for equity. USDA is expected to write the rules defining the criteria for eligibility.

 

A provision with more immediate rewards is financial assistance for those who hold insurance through the Affordable Care Act. According to The Hill, a news organization covering Congress, the proposal expands eligibility to receive help paying their premiums, and it increases the amount of aid. The payments to off-set federal market insurance costs were scheduled to expire at the end of this year. Another “relief” provision extends the limitation on excess business losses of non-corporate taxpayers.

 

The Administration plans to post a new climate Website describing the tax credits along with eligibility requirements

Spending $430 billion dollars is no easy task. Finding a revenue stream to pay for spending $430 is an even a more difficult task. Big, billion-dollar companies are going to foot some of the bill, but there are expectations that the $80 billion earmarked for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to modernize and enhance enforcement audits will offset the costs associated with the Inflation Reduction Act. In a letter to Congress the IRS Commissioner reassured legislators that funding increases “are absolutely not about increasing audit scrutiny on small businesses or middle-income Americans.” 

 

Stay tuned. The Inflation Reduction Act will likely be campaign issue

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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!