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  • Attendees Capitalize on AHC Issues Forum

ATTENDEES CAPITALIZE ON AHC ISSUES FORUM

June 19, 2018

Presentations provided valuable insight to all segments of the industry

(Washington, DC)- On Tuesday, June 12th, attendees of the American Horse Council’s (AHC) 2018 National Issues Forum, sponsored by Luitpold Animal Health, gathered to learn more about the theme of “Let’s Capitalize On It!” With a variety of speakers from different trades, attendees gained valuable insight as to how the horse industry can learn from other industries, utilize data that has been collected about our own industry, and capitalize on opportunities to grow and expand interests in horses.

The Morning Session started with Luis Benitez, the director of the newly created Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC). OREC is one of only seven offices in the nation that provides a central point of contact, advocacy and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation industry. He spoke about how the recreation industry has become innovative in its way to get people to experience the outdoors, and how the equine industry can draw on those innovations to introduce people to horses. “When you drive innovations, you cultivate healthy outdoor lifestyles,” said Mr. Benitez. “When you conserve public lands and waters, you spark sustainable economic development for the outdoor recreation industry.” He left the crowd with his trademark message: “If you really challenge yourself, you can truly change your world.”

Survey Says Panel, L-R: Charlotte Hansen, AVMA; Jody McDaniel, USDA-NASS; Tom Zitt, The Innovation Group

The “Survey Says” panel featured Charlotte Hansen from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Jody McDaniel of the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistical service (USDA-NASS), and Tom Zitt of The Innovation Group. They examined the various equine-related studies that each organization has undertaken, and the differences between them. “There has been confusion with the differences between AVMA’s Pet Study, USDA-NASS Equine census, and the AHC’s Economic Impact Study,” said AHC President Julie Broadway. “This panel was helpful in showcasing the differences in the data that each collects, and how we can continue to use the data from each to seek new opportunities to advance the industry.”

Dan Ashe, Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Youth Panel Participants, L-R: Rachel Piacenza, Take Me Fishing; Ivan Levin, Outdoor Nationa; Kylie Good, AQHyA; Ty Cornelius, AQHyA; Katie Blodgett, PGA First Tee

Closing out the Morning Session was the “Building the Youth Pipeline” Panel featuring Katie Blodgett of PGA First Tee, Ivan Levin of Outdoor Nation, and Rachel Piacenza of Take Me Fishing. A consistent theme throughout their presentations was that participants are aging out of their respective industry areas, and their organizations are coming up with new and exciting ways to target the younger generation. “Of course, each industry has their own unique challenges,” said Ms. Broadway. “This panel was helpful to show attendees that the horse industry is not the only industry creating new initiatives to reach out and get newcomers involved. It was also great to see how some organizations are integrating leadership development into their programs, and finding ways to make newcomers first experience fun and memorable so they keep coming back.”

Kicking off the Afternoon Session was Dan Ashe, CEO of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, where he discussed animal welfare and conservation issues that zoos and aquariums face. “Throughout my career at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including nearly six as director, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as AZA-accredited facilities, on numerous occasions,” said Mr. Ashe. “As we move deeper into the 21st century, we face a complicated conservation landscape and effective conservation will demand broader and stronger partnerships.”

“The AZA community collectively brings more people face-to-face with wild animals in a way that no other organizations can match. Connecting that many people to wildlife and nature provides a powerful opportunity for us to engage them in efforts to save endangered wildlife and wild habitats around the globe,” continued Mr. Ashe. Like the equine industry, AZA-accredited facilities play influential roles in their communities- they create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and serve as an environment for families to enjoy a day with nature.

Attendees were also treated to a presentation from the Man O’ War Project, which is a program that is developing and testing Equine Assisted Treatment for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Founded by Earle I. Mack, the program also uses thoroughbreds from rescue facilities to work with the veterans. “Saving veterans AND saving horses,” said Ann Poulson, Executive Director of the Man O’ War Project. “PTSD is the signature disorder among returning veterans,” said Dr. Prudence Fisher, one of the researchers at Columbia University who is involved with the project. “Up to 30% of veterans suffer from PTSD, including many veterans from previous eras who remain symptomatic. Because of this, they have an increased suicide rate- approximately 20 veterans a day commit suicide.” The Man O’ War Project is also putting concrete data with the treatment- veterans undergo MRI scans to compare brain regions before and after working with the horses.

Trending on the theme of rescue, an Equine Aftercare Panel with Erin Crady of Thoroughbred Charities of America, Kristin Werner-Leshney of The Jockey Club, and Russell Williams of United States Trotting Association (USTA) spoke on the different initiatives their respective organizations are doing to help horses in the rescue pipeline and move them on to second careers.

Finally, a Congressional Panel of Laurie Flanagan from the H-2B Coalition and Stephanie Gadbois from the House Judiciary Committee briefly discussed the status of the H-2B program as well as the Agricultural Guest Worker Act introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte.

After the Afternoon Session, attendees participated in breakout discussion sessions on issues such as Disaster Preparedness & Response, Safe Sport, Immigration & Visa Challenges, Import/Export, and Data & Trends- Next Steps.

L-R: Rep. Paul Tonko, AHC President Julie Broadway, Rep. Andy Barr

Closing out the National Issues Forum was the Congressional Reception, which was widely attended by both meeting attendees, as well as several Congressional members, including Congressional Horse Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Rep. Paul Tonko )D-NY).

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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.

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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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