If you are competing in a horse show this weekend, you might not realize it, but decisions made in Washington, D.C. impact you and your ability to show your horse. The American Horse Council (AHC) believes it is important everyone involved in showing horses at any level or in any discipline understands that federal legislation and regulations affect them.
International veterinarian, Rick Mitchell, DVM, MRCVS, has been named to the American Horse Council Board of Trustees. Dr. Mitchell has been involved in national and international equine competitions as both a rider and veterinarian. This summer’s Olympic Games in London will mark his fifth visit to the Olympics as an attending veterinarian for the U.S. Equestrian Team.
On May 1st, USDA confirmed the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection in two horses in Otero County, New Mexico. This was the first confirmation of VSV in the U.S. since the June 2010 outbreak in Cochise County, Arizona. USDA and the New Mexico Livestock Board have initiated an epidemiological investigation, and the farm is currently under quarantine. Three other unaffected horses located on the index premises have been isolated from the positive animals. There are no known traceouts at this time.
On April 26, a judge on the U.S. District Court in Florida issued a temporary injunction prohibiting the Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing the new H-2B temporary guest worker program rule as well as the new H-2B wage rule. These rules, if they go into effect, will make significant changes to the way the H-2B program operates for all employers including those in the horse industry. The new H-2B rule was originally set to go into effect on April 23, 2012.
We depend on YOU – a person who is devoted to your horse and to your sport – to help us stand up for our rights as horse enthusiasts.Join the American Horse Council today and help us to help you, your horse, your sport, and your industry!
