06 AHC National Issues Forum Recap

American Horse Council Press Release

American Horse Council 2006 National Issues Forum

April 28, 2006, Washington, D.C. – The American Horse Council hosted its annual National Issues Forum from April 2-5, 2006 in Washington DC. The event began on Sunday with a meeting of the Equine Species Working Group, followed by a full day of AHC committee meetings on Monday.

On Tuesday, April 4^th AHC held a National Issues Forum at which invited speakers addressed attendees on topics of major importance to the equine industry.

The forum began with AHC President Jay Hickey giving a presentation on the AHC Foundation’s study, The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States, a comprehensive study released in July, 2005.

Next was a panel presentation titled: What are the Facts of Equine Identification? This panel included Amy Mann (AHC Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs) who discussed the current status of the NAIS, Dr. Jim Morehead (American Association of Equine Practitioners) who spoke about equine health and how it relates to identification, Dr. Billy Smith (Executive Director of Information Technology – American Quarter Horse Association) who talked about the technology behind equine identification, and Charles Hulsey (Executive Director – Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association) who presented on the practical applications of equine identification.

The identification panel was followed by the topic: Will You Be Riding on Your Favorite Trail Next Year? This important trail topic was discussed by Rob Howarth (Majority Staff Director – National Parks Subcommittee – House Committee on Resources) who spoke on the preservation of trails versus accessibility as it relates to horses. Also presenting on the topic was Gail van der Bie (Acting Director of Recreation & Heritage Resources – Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) who discussed the many ways the Forest Service is working with riders.

Why is Equine Health Research Crucial to Our Industry? was the next topic of the forum. Dr. Teri Lear (Research Assoc. Professor of the Veterinary Science Dept. – University of Kentucky) discussed genomics and the horse genome project. Dr. Nathaniel A. White, DVM (Jean Ellen Shehan Professor & Director of Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center) followed with a presentation on the affects and benefits of equine research, and how it is important to the economic health of the industry.

At its annual Awards Luncheon, the AHC presented Congressman Ron Lewis (R-KY) with the Rolapp Award, which is given annually to a member of Congress for their service to the horse industry. The AHC also gave the Van Ness award to Glen Eaton from Minnesota. This award, sponsored by the Middlesex Horse Show Association, the New Jersey Horse Council and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, is given to an individual for their dedication and commitment to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level. Finally, Jim Barton, outgoing AHC Board of Trustees Chairman, was thanked for all of his hard work and support of the horse council, and was given the Chairman’s Chair, a Boston rocker engraved with the AHC logo, a tradition carried out when a Chairman steps down from the position. Nick Nicholson, Keeneland Association President, was elected Chairman of the AHC Board of Trustees. Russell Williams, Vice Chairman of the United States Trotting Association Board of Directors, was elected Vice-Chairman.

After lunch, the forum continued with a presentation from Brad Karmen (Assistant to the Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs – USDA), Dave Webster (Natural Resources Specialist – Natural Recourses Conservation Service – USDA) and Ron Philips (Vice President of Legislative Affairs – Animal Health Institute) on the topic: Are Horses Agriculture? Mr. Karmen began the discussions talking about Federal Disaster Relief. Mr. Webster followed with a discussion of conservation programs available to horse owners, and Mr. Phillips concluded the topic with talking about the difference between guardianship and ownership of animals. The Forum concluded with Craig J. Regelbrugge (Co-Chair of the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform) who discussed: How Will Immigration Reform Affect the Industry’s Workforce? He presented on the very important and hot topic of H-2A and H-2B immigration reform.

On Tuesday evening, the AHC hosted a Congressional Reception, held in conjunction with a special exhibition on Harness Racing by Currier & Ives, which was provided by the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. This special exhibition was generously sponsored by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Lincoln Chaffee (R-RI). The reception was sponsored by the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and the United States Trotting Association.

The following day AHC members were encouraged to visit their congressional representatives and federal agencies, to have a more personal discussion with their leaders on topics especially important to them.

The American Horse Council thanks all Nation Issues Forum sponsors, invited guests and attendees for another successful event.

As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and investments. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.