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  • AHC’s 2016 National Issues Forum to Focus on “Putting More Horsepower in Congress”

AHC’S 2016 NATIONAL ISSUES FORUM TO FOCUS ON “PUTTING MORE HORSEPOWER IN CONGRESS”

Microchipping to be highlighted also

The American Horse Council has announced that its theme for this year’s National Issues Forum, sponsored by Luitpold Animal Health, is “Putting More Horsepower in Congress.”  The forum will feature several Congressional speakers.  In addition, a primary focus of AHC committee meetings this year will be on how the horse community can better deal with legislation affecting the industry.

While gridlock has been the common denominator of the last five Congresses, there is an expectation in Washington that the elections might change that and return Congress to the days when give-and-take allowed legislation to be passed.  “With control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives up-for-grabs in this year’s elections, there could be changes that might break the Congressional logjam,” noted AHC president Jay Hickey.  “Now is the time to get ready for such opportunities and how better to learn about this than from leaders of Congress.  While federal bills are always discussed at AHC committee meetings, we want our committees to consider how each member organization can be more involved in the grassroots process,” said Hickey.

In addition to Congressional speakers, the National Issues Forum will hear reports from representatives of The Jockey Club and the United States Equestrian Federation on their plans to require the microchipping of horses in the future.  “Other breeds and disciplines may be wondering how this might affect them.  They may be considering microchips themselves.  The forum will provide them ample opportunity to get answers to what is underway and how it might affect them going forward,” said Hickey.

This year’s AHC annual meeting will be held June 12 to 15 at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC.  AHC committee meetings will be held on Monday, June 12, and the National Issues Forum will be on Tuesday morning, June 13.

This year the annual Congressional Ride-In will begin on Tuesday afternoon and extend through Wednesday, June 15.  “We have shortened the National Issues Forum this year to allow more time for attendees to visit their elected officials,” noted AHC Vice-President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass.  “AHC committee members and other attendees are encouraged to visit with their elected officials beginning on Tuesday afternoon.”  AHC staff is ready to help anyone in making appointments for Congressional visits and will provide materials for those making Hill visits.  “Appointments should be made as soon as possible.  The sooner, the better.  There are many important issues facing the horse community in this Congress,” said Pendergrass.  “It’s not too soon to begin scheduling meetings right now.”

The Ride-In allows members of the horse community to meet with their elected representatives and federal officials to discuss important issues affecting them.  All members of the horse community are encouraged to participate, even if they don’t attend the AHC convention.

The Ride-In is important because it puts a face on the $102 billion horse industry and the millions of Americans who are part of it.  Congress deals with various issues that impact the horse industry, including taxes, gaming, immigration, welfare issues, access to trails and public lands, diseases, and interstate and international movement of horses.  This is an opportunity for the horse community to come to Washington in force and meet with their Senators, Representatives, and staffs.  “The Ride-In literally illustrates the goal of the AHC, and the theme of this year’s meeting, to ‘Put More Horsepower in Congress’,” concluded Hickey.

The AHC convention will also include the AHC’s Congressional Reception, the meeting of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, and other meetings.  As always, the AHC annual meeting brings together the horse industry’s leaders, stakeholders, service providers, and individuals to discuss common issues of importance.

More information on these Forums and the entire AHC annual meeting, including registration and hotel information, can be found on the AHC’s website, https://horsecouncil.org/events.php or by contacting the AHC.

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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?

    The United Horse Coalition is offering up to 5 free microchips (while supplies last). Click below for more info on how to get your free chip.

    Click here for more info (don’t worry, we made it easy!)
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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