American Horse Council Press Release

July 15, 2011

Contact: Bridget Harrison
bharrison@horsecouncil.org

Cardoza and Guthrie Named New Co-Chairs of the Congressional Horse Caucus

Congressmen Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) will be the Co-chairs of the Congressional Horse Caucus in the 112th Congress. 

The Congressional Horse Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of the House of Representatives formed to educate Members of Congress and their staffs about the importance of the horse industry in the economic, agricultural, sporting, gaming and recreational life of the nation.  The Caucus currently has 38 members. Congressmen Ben Chandler (D-KY) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL) were the Co-chairs of the Caucus for the 111th Congress. 

“Congressman Chandler and Stearns were great Co-chairmen of the Caucus and we are grateful for all their hard work on behalf of the horse community,” Said AHC President Jay Hickey. “We are happy to have Congressmen Cardoza and Guthrie as the new Co-chairs, they are passionate advocates for the horse industry and we are lucky to have their leadership in the 112th Congress.”    

Congressman Dennis Cardoza represents California’s 18th Congressional District. Prior to serving in Congress he spent six years in the California State Assembly and served on the Merced City Council.  Cardoza is a graduate of the University of Maryland. He is married to Dr. Kathleen McLoughlin. They have three children, Joey, Brittany, and Elaina.

“The historic equine industry is creating new jobs in rural America, and the Horse Caucus will support those efforts. I look forward to working with Rep. Guthrie to advance and protect this part of our nation’s heritage,” said Congressman Cardoza.

Congressman Brett Guthrie represents Kentucky's Second Congressional District. Prior to serving in Congress Guthrie represented the 32nd district in the Kentucky Senate from 1999 to 2008. Guthrie graduated in 1987 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point   and later earned a Master's Degree from Yale University in Public and Private Management. The Congressman is married to the former Beth Clemmons. They have three children, Caroline, Robby and Elizabeth. 

“The equine industry is a signature industry of the Bluegrass State and our nation,” said Congressman Guthrie. “The horse industry is an important part of America’s culture and tradition, supports millions of American jobs, and has a great affect on the health of our nation’s economy. 

The AHC hopes all members of the horse community will urge their Representatives to join the Congressional Horse Caucus.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. 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.