- How did you first get involved with, or first hear about, the American Horse Council?
I first heard about the American Horse Council at the local level through my state horse council. I saw the great work the state council was doing to preserve trails, gain funding for horse facilities and expose people to joy of horses. I got involved with AHC while working at a breed Association – I served on AHC committees and was impressed with the work AHC does. Working at AHC seemed like a great way to use my skills and talents, and give back to the industry I love. - What do you find most challenging about the AHC?
What I finding most challenging about AHC (but in a good way!) is the diversity and complexity of the subject matter AHC addresses. While AHC primary focus is on “horses”, there is also legislation that affects the businesses, associations and other stakeholders that make up the horse industry. We can go from talking about 3 year depreciation on race horses to equine disease control, all the way to how changes in overtime legislation can impact associations and non-profits. - What do you wish other people knew about the AHC?
I wish everyone knew about the important work AHC does and how vital having a voice for the horse industry is to the long term sustainability of the industry. Next time you saddle up and go for a trail ride, remember someone at a state horse council and someone here in Washington is fighting to keep those trails open and accessible so you and your partner can enjoy that ride. Don’t forget to send us photos of the scenery so we can enjoy that ride along with you J - Why do you think it is so important to become a member of the AHC?
Without AHC the horse industry would be fragmented and our voice would be lost in the noise. Horse enthusiasts need to support AHC so that we can advocate, educate and collaborate with regulatory and legislative bodies and work to unify the industry. On a more personal level being an AHC member helps ensure the health and wellbeing of your horses, and strives to maintain the equine community you love. - What do you think will change within the equine industry over the next five years? Do you see any specific trends? I’m hopefully we’ll see some growth in the industry in the next five years. AHC’s Time to Ride program and the Olympics “Let’s move” campaign are striving to expose people of all ages to horses.
- If you weren’t working for the AHC, what would you be doing instead?
Well that depends – did I hit the lottery?\
The American Horse Council is a Guidestar Silver Participant
The 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.
1775 Tysons Blvd
5th Floor
Suite 6110
McLean VA, 22102
General Phone: 202.296.4031
E-Mail: info@horsecouncil.org
