The American Horse Council has announced the theme for this year’s National Issues Forum, “Congress on a Diet: What It Means for the Horse Industry.”
This year’s forum will be held June 21 in Washington, DC, during the AHC’s annual meeting. The annual meeting will run from June 19 to 22 at the Washington Court Hotel and also include the annual Congressional Ride-In and an update on the national equine health initiative.
“The highlight of this year’s forum will be presentations from members of Congress, staff and federal regulatory agencies on the new fiscal realities in Washington. They will discuss how Congress’s efforts to deal with the country’s deficits may result in cut-backs to federal programs and spending that could affect the horse industry,” said AHC president Jay Hickey. “There is a new paradigm in Washington that will affect all American industries, including the horse industry.”
This year’s meeting will also see the return of the AHC’s Breed Roundtable, an event that brings together leaders of horse associations to discuss common issues of importance to the industry. The AHC’s various committees, including the Unwanted Horse Coalition, will also meet to discuss issues affecting the equine community.
There will also be an update on the national equine health initiative. The initiative resulted from a workshop hosted by the AHC and the United States Department of Agriculture at last year’s National Issues Forum. The workshop provided an opportunity for the horse industry, key federal and state authorities, and others to discuss a coordinated approach to serious infectious equine diseases that threaten the health of our horses and the commercial health of the industry.
The annual Congressional Ride-In will occur on Wednesday, June 22. The Ride-In allows members of the horse community to meet with their elected representatives and their federal officials to discuss important issues affecting them. All members of the horse community are encouraged to participate. The AHC will conduct a free briefing for Ride-In participants. Anyone wishing to participate in the Ride-In should contact AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass at bpendergrass@horsecouncil.orgor call (202) 296-4031. For more information, click here.
