- Supported USDA’s proposal to authorize the operation of permanent privately-operated quarantine facilities. In pressing USDA to propose the changes, the AHC recognized the international nature of the horse industry and the need for quarantine space to import horses.
- Clarified the 2008 Fiscal Year USDA Appropriations bill to ensure that the continued international and interstate movement of horses was protected by having the overly-broad language in the bill that was intended to apply only to the transport of horses to processing facilities, but which would have applied to all horses, removed before final passage.
- Supported broader opportunities for disabled riders in comments to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board calling for better trails, trail heads, access routes, mounting blocks, ramps, camping, rest room facilities and stables that accommodate the special needs of handicapped riders.
- Submitted comments to the Department of Treasury and Federal Reserve Board supporting the regulations proposed by the agencies under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The regulations appeared to follow the statutory directive in the Act to not block racing’s transactions under the Interstate Horseracing Act. The AHC also suggested that the Agencies provide further positive clarification that such transactions are not to be blocked by allowing them to be designated by a specific merchant category code.
- Recreational Horse Trails in Rural and Wildland Areas: Design, Construction, and Maintenance, written by Dr. Gene Wood of Clemson University, is published. This guidebook concentrates specifically on horse trail development in rural and wild land areas. The AHC contracted with the Federal Highway Administration to facilitate the funding of this manual.
The American Horse Council is a Guidestar Silver Participant
The AHC believes that the more opportunities available to use horses in various activities, the better the overall health of the industry and those who participate.
1775 Tysons Blvd
5th Floor
Suite 6110
McLean VA, 22102
General Phone: 202.296.4031
E-Mail: info@horsecouncil.org