| Contact: Molly Chaffinch | For Immediate Release |
| Phone: 202.296.4031 | October 6, 1999 |
| Email: AHC@horsecouncil.org |
The 1999 American Horse Council Annual Convention took place September 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the AHC. The four-day program focused on the horse industry and its role in the nation's Capitol in 2000 and beyond, as well as offering informative seminars on current industry issues.
"It is exciting to see horsemen and women representing so many different states and equine interests coming to Washington to learn more about the government and how it is affecting the horse industry. Not only do the attendees receive important information regarding current issues in Congress, but they have the opportunity to actually get involved in the grassroots lobbying process," said Jay Hickey, President of the AHC.
State Horse Council Seminars
Saturday, September 25-The first speaker was Larry Anton, recently appointed Executive Director of the Horse Industry Alliance, who gave an informative update on HIA's activities and events. He reviewed the HIA's goal of increasing media coverage of horses and their owners.
Anton also discussed the HIA's "Saddle Up America" program that is scheduled for May 2000. It is a month-long program that will be an annual event designed to increase awareness of the virtues of horse ownership and involvement and encourage new riding participation among the general public and children.
The following session focused on the Significance of Classifying Horses as Livestock. Steve Ralls, Legislative Affairs Director for the AHC and Charles Stivers, a CPA with Crowe Chizek and Company, offered insight into changing the legal status of horses from livestock to companion animals. Both Ralls and Stivers examined the implications of the change and how it could adversely affect the horse industry economically and legislatively.
Terri Greer, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Council, followed by discussing how other issues influence the livestock/companion animal debate. Ms. Greer gave examples of how current changes in the status of animals has already had an effect in some areas of the U.S. She emphasized the importance of monitoring animal welfare issues in all states.
Dr. Timothy Cordes of the U.S. Department of Agriculture reviewed statistics on the Slaughter Horse Industry. Cordes reported that over the last 10 years the number of horses slaughtered has dropped over 79%. Statistics regarding the welfare parameters of horses commercially transported to slaughter were also addressed.
Concluding the seminar was Robin Lohnes, of the American Horse Protection Association, who discussed Companion Animal Status. Ms. Lohnes stressed "The importance of the industry being proactive and creative in dealing with the issue of re-classifying horses as companion animals." She also said that this issue would follow the industry for years, not just the legal definition of the horse, but its involvement with land use as well.
Immediately following the discussion, state horse council members enjoyed a reception sponsored by Maryland Horse Council, Minnesota Horse Council, New Jersey Horse Council, Indiana Horse Council, Michigan Horse Council, South Carolina Horsemen's Council, Iowa Horse Industry Council, New Hampshire Horse Council, New York State Horse Council and Wisconsin State Horse Council.
Business Meetings
Sunday, September 26-Meetings of all of AHC's Advisory Committees, Health and Regulatory, Horse Show, Racing, State Horse Council and Animal Welfare were held throughout the day.
The busy day ended with an Opening Reception that was graciously sponsored by American Livestock Insurance Company. Guests had an opportunity to meet and network with fellow attendees and enjoy an evening of good food and conversation.
General Session
Monday, September 27-The day's program began with keynote speaker Congressman Larry Combest of Texas who greeted attendees with an informative and entertaining look at current issues before Congress. Combest is the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and an avid supporter of the equine industry.
Following Congressman Combest, a seminar on Grassroots Lobbying began with Jim Weber of Weber Merritt Company and Dan Danner, Vice President-Government Relations, National Federation of Independent Businesses, who highlighted the importance of establishing relationships with elected officials and their staff both in Washington and in their home district.
Covering the topic of constituent contacts was Greg Van Tatenhove, Chief of Staff for Congressman Ron Lewis of Kentucky, Gwynn Hegyi of Bonner and Associates and Ray Towle, Director of Public Policy Division, American Society of Association Executives. The panel addressed the subject of how advanced technology helps in contacting elected officials, how Congressional offices handle constituent contacts and how to better direct your concerns to the appropriate staff members.
Tim Crawford, Vice President of F/P Research Associates and Shelly Roy, PAC Director for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, discussed the costs involved in running an election and how the election process works. Crawford and Roy offered their insight on how constituents can get more out of their PAC contributions to political candidates.
Awards Luncheon
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association and Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration sponsored the 1999 Annual AHC Awards Luncheon. Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council presented Lisa Derby Oden, President of the New Hampshire Horse Council, with the 1999 Van Ness Award for her outstanding contribution and service to the horse industry in her home state of New Hampshire.
Following the Van Ness presentation, Dr. Robert Lawrence of the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program announced Thomas H. Meeker as the winner of the 1999 John W. Galbreath Award for outstanding entrepreneurship in the equine industry. Mr. Meeker is the president of Churchill Downs Corporation.
After lunch, Jay Hickey, Steve Ralls and Amy Mann of the American Horse Council, Thomas A. Davis of Davis & Harman and Kim McKernan of O'Brien & Calio updated attendees on current legislative issues that could affect the horse industry. Issues that were highlighted by the panel were: Changes in the capital gains holding period for horses, estate tax reform, an update on the status of the Kyl Internet Gambling Bill and ATM Credit/Debit Reform, appropriations for equine research, regulatory issues involving slaughter horse transport and permanent private quarantine facilities.
A session highlighting the National Gambling Impact Study Commission's final report followed the legislative briefing. Telisport Putsavage of Washington, D.C., Tim Capps, Executive Vice President of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Henry Cashen of Dickstein, Shapiro, Morin & Oshinsky gave an overview on the impact of the Commission's final report on federal and state issues. Mr. Putsavage stated that "While there are some early indicators in the states that the Commission Report is having an impact, it is still too early to tell whether its impact will be significant."
Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz presented highlights from the National Animal Health Monitoring System Equine '98 study. The purpose of NAHMS studies are to provide animal health and management information needed by the various animal industries. The data available from the study thus far has provided the equine industry with information regarding equine health management, knowledge of equine operators regarding several equine diseases, and information sources used by equine operators as well as the frequency of occurrence and economic importance of several equine diseases. The study has given the equine industry the first national estimate or snap shot regarding equine health care practices. It also pointed out where equine industry leaders may want to focus future educational efforts. Further information from the study will be reported throughout the next year.
EVA and difficulties following its diagnosis in horses was presented by Dr. Peter Timoney of the University of Kentucky, Meghan De Garay with Iron Spring Farm of Coatsville, Pennsylvania and Dr. Mary Giddens, representative of the Dutch Warmblood Studbook North American Department. The focus of this seminar was how EVA should be a concern to all horse owners not only to those in the breeding industry. Horses involved in activities such as racing and horse shows are as subject to exposure to EVA as breeding stock. Each speaker emphasized that EVA infections can be prevented. Also emphasized was the fact that the occurrence of the carrier state in stallions can be effectively managed and should not prevent use of these animals. "This is important" said Megan DeGarey, "since many are top performance horses." Guidelines for preventing EVA infections are available to horse owners on the AHC website.
The Coalition for Recreational Trails' Recreational Trails Database was the topic of the final seminar for the afternoon. Derrick Crandall and Roger Lohr of the American Recreation Coalition covered the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century, which provides fund for the development, and maintenance of trails. The Coalition for Recreational Trails has developed a database that offers information such as the number of trail projects by state, the amount of funding that has been provided to the states and a listing of the names and contact information for state trails organizations by user type. Mr. Crandall and Mr. Lohr reviewed the equestrian data section from the database and discussed its plans for future use.
Monday evening, the AHC hosted its first Congressional Dinner where attendees had the opportunity to meet and dine with Members of Congress and other dignitaries. Sixteen members of Congress attended. "This is the first year we have hosted a Congressional dinner and it was definitely a success. It gave convention attendees an opportunity to introduce themselves and become acquainted with their representatives," said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council.
Congressional Visits
Tuesday, September 28-This was the day set aside for attendees to visit their elected officials to discuss legislative concerns regarding the horse industry. A refreshing luncheon at the Capitol Hill Club for those making visits was sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association.
In speaking of this year's convention Jay Hickey, President of the AHC, said, "The main mission was to focus on grassroots lobbying and how essential it is for the horse industry to establish and maintain good political relationships in Washington. Having representatives from the industry go to the Hill, visit their representatives office at home or join them for dinner are effective ways to demonstrate to Congressional Members the importance of today's horse industry."
The American Horse Council, the national legislative representative for the horse industry, works daily with Congress, federal agencies and the industry itself to create an environment that benefits horses and the people who depend on, care about and enjoy them. A non-profit organization, the AHC's activities are funded entirely through membership dues. The AHC represents all breeds, disciplines and activities as well as owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, competitors, trainers, jockeys, drivers, breed registries, horsemen's associations, race tracks, horse shows and rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
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Copyright © 1999 the American Horse Council.