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  • AHC Opposes Bills to Repeal Interstate Horseracing Act

AHC OPPOSES BILLS TO REPEAL INTERSTATE HORSERACING ACT

During the annual American Horse Council (AHC) June meeting in Washington, DC, the AHC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to oppose legislation introduced by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Joe Pitts (R-PA) to repeal the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 (IHA).

“The industry is united in its opposition to these bills. The Interstate Horse Racing Act is the framework on which the present-day $26 billion horse racing industry is built,” said AHC president Jay Hickey. “Repealing it would be devastating.”

In 1978, Congress enacted the IHA to regulate interstate and off-track pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. Tens of millions of fans enjoy horse racing and wagering on it. Pari-mutuel racing and the money wagered on it are the economic engines that drive and support the horse racing industry.

While the sponsors of the legislation suggest in releases accompanying the introduction of the bills that they will encourage the industry to develop uniform rules and penalties regarding drugs and medications in racing, unlike other bills introduced by Senator Udall and Congressman Pitts, the only effect of these bills would be to repeal the IHA and racing’s exemption from the prohibitions of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which regulates interstate wagering on the Internet. By doing this the bills would return racing to the way it operated in the 1950s and 1960s and cause great economic damage to the industry.

“The American Horse Council opposes both bills because they would have devastating consequences for the horse racing industry and the hundreds of thousands of Americans whose jobs are supported by the industry,” said Hickey.

The AHC represents all segments of the horse industry, including all major national horse racing organiz

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  • 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.


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    Lynda is the membership and communications specialist for the American Horse Council. Lynda grew up in Pasadena, Maryland with a passion for horses. She relocated to San Diego, California, where her dream of owning and riding horses came true. Lynda has worked with several law enforcement mounted units and has participated in several national and international horse associations.

    Lynda believes horses play a major role in our society from therapy horses helping children learn to walk again, to helping military veterans and emergency service personnel learn to cope with stress, to keeping our parks and cities safe through law enforcement mounted units. Along with our equine partners assisting in burial services at Arlington National Cemetery. Horses impact our lives in ways others cannot.

    Lynda believes the horse industry as a whole needs to have a voice and working at the American Horse Council is a way for her to help and keep the industry alive and informed.

    Interested in a Free Microchip for your Horse?

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    Cliff Williamson is the Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs for the American Horse Council based in Washington D.C.

    He grew up in Reva, VA on his family’s horse farm, participating in both horse and livestock 4-H activities. In 2008 he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science, where he was an active member of both the animal science club Block & Bridle as well as the agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. After graduation he spent 27 months in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps for their Food Security Program. Upon his return to the United States he spent four years in the animal export industry as the Director of Animal Logistics for T.K. Exports, Inc. In that time he was honored to be appointed to a seat on the Board of Directors for the Culpeper chapter of the Farm Bureau Federation.

    For information regarding any equine health issues, welfare issues, and state, federal and international requirements regarding the movement of horses, please contact Cliff. 

    cwilliamson@horsecouncil.org

    Bryan Brendle is the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs for the AHC.

    For information regarding public policy, government relations and advocacy, please contact Bryan.

    bbrendle@horsecouncil.org

    With over 30 years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership  and is Certified Association Executive®. She’s a life-long horse enthusiast ranging from recreational rider, breeder, and show competitor. A native of NC, she and her husband now reside in DC along with their Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Morgan horses.

    In her down time she enjoys volunteering (she’s president of the board of PATH International), horseback riding, gardening and cooking. “I’m passionate about the equine industry because horses have enhanced my life and well-being so profoundly,” said Julie. “Working at the AHC is a way to give back to the equine community and ensure the long term health of the industry.”

    jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

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