2025 Year in Review: AHC Government Affairs Highlights
2025 Year in Review: AHC Government Affairs Highlights
As we say goodbye to 2025, the American Horse Council’s Government Affairs team is pleased to share this Year in Review: an overview of the policy wins, advocacy milestones, and ongoing initiatives that shaped our work on behalf of the equine community. From federal appropriations and Farm Bill efforts to racing & competition initiatives, veterinary workforce needs, disease response, and rural concerns, AHC remained a strong and steady voice for the industry throughout the year.
Responding to the EHV‑1 Outbreak: Supporting Congressional Oversight
Following the significant equine herpesvirus (EHV‑1/EHM) outbreak that began in Texas, AHC played a central role in informing congressional oversight efforts. We provided Congressional offices with timely updates, outbreak insights, and technical guidance to support the development of a congressional inquiry to USDA. AHC supplied details on gaps in federal and state response coordination, shared expert feedback, and highlighted the heavy strain placed on USDA’s equine health team due to unfilled staffing positions.
AHC also emphasized the critical role of the industry‑funded Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), which served as the primary provider of real‑time outbreak information despite limited resources. We signed on in support of a congressional inquiry letter and facilitated connections to additional industry experts. AHC’s engagement ensured that policymakers had the data, context, and industry perspective needed to press for improvements in federal preparedness, communication, and disease-response capacity.
Securing Federal Support for Equine Health and Protection
In November, Congress enacted Public Law 119‑37 (H.R. 5371), finalizing FY 2026 appropriations for Agriculture and several related sectors. The bill delivered $2.45 million for Equine Health and $3.5 million for Horse Protection, while directing USDA to strengthen anti‑soring regulations. Though AHC advocated for higher amounts, this legislation preserved essential support amid tight budget conditions. It also extended important conservation, biosecurity, and research programs, which are critical for equine operations nationwide.
Farm Bill Engagement: Keeping Equine Priorities on the Table
The legislative pathway for a 2025 “skinny” farm bill remained uncertain this fall, with most action delayed to early 2026. Nonetheless, AHC maintained steady engagement with lawmakers on several key priorities, including:
- Creating a commission to strengthen the National Agricultural Statistics Service,
- Addressing the rural veterinarian shortage,
- Securing a dedicated equine research and health line item, and
- Advancing a Center of Excellence for Equines.
These ongoing conversations ensure that equine interests remain visible and well‑positioned as negotiations resume in the new year. We have recently learned that advocacy efforts to separate equines from the budgetary equine/cervid/small ruminant line item were successful, and in future iterations of the federal budget our industry will be able to see precisely the amounts set aside for equine programs. This is an encouraging step in the right direction, and in the new year we hope to build on this success even further when remaining Farm Bill programs see Congressional movement.
Protecting Integrity and Safety in Racing and Competition
AHC advanced its Bush Track Racing initiative, which targets unregulated, ad-hoc racing events that jeopardize horse welfare and often intersect with criminal activity. Throughout 2025, AHC developed model state resolutions, expanded outreach to law enforcement and welfare concerns, and began preparing pilot implementation in key states. This work represents a major step toward increased enforcement and improved safety across the racing landscape.
To further support safe and healthy competition, AHC led two successful Capitol Hill Days focused on modernizing U.S. policy for the Temporary International Movement of Equines. Working with USEF, AAEP, the Jockey Club, and others, AHC shaped a legislative proposal aligning U.S. standards with the World Organization for Animal Health’s internationally recognized “High Health, High Performance” framework to ensure science-based, welfare-focused, and bio-secure movement of high-performance horses. It directs USDA to create expedited, risk-based entry procedures, accept certifications from recognized governing bodies, and implement streamlined quarantine protocols. In short, our legislation would protect herd health, promote equine welfare, and strengthen America’s position as a premier destination for global equestrian sport. With potential sponsors already identified, AHC will continue discussions with USDA leadership and other stakeholders early next year.
Prioritizing Veterinary Capacity and Equine Welfare
AHC continued to be a strong advocate for the veterinary side of our industry. We are proud to support the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act (H.R. 2398, S. 1163), and worked to encourage more Members of Congress to support solutions that address widespread veterinary shortages, especially in rural communities.
We also worked closely with Senate partners on ways to strengthen the Horse Protection Act, contributing expertise to shape effective and enforceable protections against soring that will have the broad support of equine industry stakeholders.
Supporting the Equine Workforce
AHC continued to highlight the unique workforce needs of the equine sector, particularly where existing H‑2 visa programs do not align with real‑world job classifications or operational requirements. Engagement with congressional offices and coalition partners remained strong, especially around efforts to increase available visa caps.
Additional Advocacy Across the Rural and Equine Landscape
AHC supported several important initiatives, including:
- Advocating for equestrian-friendly policies in federal recreation planning (preserving and expanding access to trails) and opposing efforts to sell off public lands,
- Working to eliminate a problematic insurance code limiting reimbursement for equine‑assisted services,
- Backing the HELP Act, which provides flexibility for livestock haulers, and
- Supporting H.R. 4585, aimed at strengthening first‑ and last‑mile rural/agricultural road access.
These efforts underscore AHC’s broad commitment to the operational, therapeutic, and infrastructure needs of the equine community.
Representing Equine Interests in Tax and Trade Policy
Throughout the year, AHC provided members with up-to-date tax analysis, including the quarterly tax update and the forthcoming annual tax handbook (a plug to AHC members to be on the lookout for this important member benefit, coming soon!). The team also reviewed the wide-ranging “One Big Beautiful Bill” to identify and explain provisions relevant to equine operations, including those affecting depreciation and investment.
Looking Ahead
2025 was a year of steady progress and strategic advocacy in a challenging legislative environment. As the new year approaches, and with major decisions ahead on the farm bill, international movement standards, workforce policy, and equine welfare, AHC remains committed to ensuring that the horse industry’s needs are not only heard, but actively addressed.