American Horse Council Announces 2026 Annual Conference Speakers
Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council
Phone: 202-296-4031
Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org
For Immediate Release
American Horse Council Announces 2026 Annual Conference Speakers & Topics
One Horse, One Industry – Year of the Horse
Washington, D.C. 04,29,2026 – The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce its 2026 Annual Conference and National Issues Forum, taking place June 21–24, 2026, at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
This year’s conference theme, “One Horse, One Industry. Year of the Horse,” highlights the unity, strength, and shared responsibility across all sectors of the equine industry.
When you want to be in the know about the latest issues affecting the horse industry nationally and regionally, you’ve got to be at the AHC National Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. for insightful and informative discussions on all things affecting the equine industry. The event will wrap up with opportunities for organized agencies and congressional hill visits to show unity within the equine industry.
“The AHC Conference is where the horse industry comes together as one,” said Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council. “This event is designed to foster collaboration, elevate diverse perspectives, and strengthen our collective voice.”
Attendees can expect to get the most current and relevant information on topics affecting the equine industry. Click the link to see the schedule American Horse Council Conference – The American Horse Council
Registration opened April 15, 2026.
Topics & Speakers include:
- The Path of Equestrian Athletes: interscholastic/intercollegiate pipeline
Roxanne Durant- IEA, Peter Cashman- IHSA, Lisa Terry – Director of Equestrian Center at Emory & Terry University, Tom O’Mara- USEF, Lynn Hickey – NCEA - Helping the Equine Veterinary Workforce Thrive
Lexis Conrow- President AAEVT - Agritourism panel – Agritourism as a sustainability strategy for horse farms & Horseback tourism supports Eco and Regenerative Tourism
Abriana Johnson – Black Unicorn Creative & LA Berry – media relations, Active Riding Trips - Do More with Less: How AI protects membership, money and your credibility
Sabrina Stratford – Consultant - Beyond Geography & Discipline: How virtual communities are Driving Equine Professional Growth Jillian Blades Rice – More Leg Marketing
- Developing a national-level equine operation and population model to inform emergency planning and decision-making.
Dr Sangeeta Rao and Jairo Palomares of CSU - Trade/Tariff Research project presentation
Meghan O’Brien – AHC Intern Providence College - The Role of Equine Science in Today’s Equine Industry
Dr Kelly Vineyard & Dr Robert Jacobs - Second Careers for Horses
Katherine Gregory – CO Horse Rescue; Bryce Albright American Dude Ranch Assoc, Kristin Werner the Jockey Club, Kevin Price – PATH Intl. - Euthanasia & Disposal Panel
Jennifer Toussaint -NACA, Jessica Stark WHW and Sara Coleman AAEP/Vet Direct, Katherine Gregory Colorado Horse Rescue - The Impact of Mass Bailing Across the Equine Industry
Tinia Creamer – Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue - Finding and Securing Funding for Equine Programs: Practical Grant Writing Strategies for the Horse Industry
Sarah Diamond – Diamond Grants & Consulting LLC
Plus, Legislative & Regulatory Updates from AHC staff, Updates from AHC Committees.
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the 2026 conference will also honor the enduring role of horses in shaping the nation’s history, culture, and economy by attending a trip to Fort Meyers to tour the new horse facility for the Caisson Platoon.
AHC has also invited USDA leadership, including Secretary Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden and Under Secretary Hoskins to speak to the attendees. These are yet to be confirmed.
About the American Horse Council
The American Horse Council is the trusted voice of the equine industry in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to advocate for the health and welfare of the horse, as well as the economic and legislative interests of the equine industry.