b' continued efforts of the united horse coalition (formerly Pushed reforms to the h2a agriculture Guest Worker visa unwanted horse coalition) to educate the public on re- program, clarifying that diverse segments of the horse sponsible ownership and reduce the number of unwantedindustry automatically qualify for an expanded pool of farm horses. worker visas within the context of a bill being drafted bycontinued equine Welfare data collective, a data collec- rep. ted yoho (r-Fl). tion initiative to provide population metrics of horses at-met with White house officials and submitted comments risk and in transition.to department of labor advocating for a streamlined h2acontinued promotion of the 2017 equine industry economicguest worker visa application process, clarifying eligibility impact study.of equine workers.continued collaboration with aaeP on research challenges successfully advocated for permanent reauthorization with goal of holding equine research summit in 2021 tofor the land and Water conservation Fund, increasing include funders and researchers.resources for conservation projects and easements thatcontinued ahc marketing alliance time to ridepromote riding. program which has exposed over 135,000 new-advocating for restore our Parks act (roPa) (h.r. 1225/ comers to horses and equine pursuits.s. 500); this bill eliminates barriers to outdoor recreation, making it easier for more americans to get outdoors2019 Accomplishments enjoying its benefits and generating jobs. h.r. 1225 hasadvocated for passage of the Prevent all soring tactics329 co-sponsors, whereas the senate version has 50. (Past) act (h.r. 693) in the u.s. house of representatives. advocating for simplifying outdoor access for recreation Passing by a vote of 333 to 96, the bill has gained(soar) act (h.r. 3879/ s. 1665), to expedite processing of unprecedented momentum in the senate, where it has moretrail permits. than 50 co-sponsors. Facilitating implementation of the national Forest trailsFor the third year in a row, successfully advocated forstewardship act; directs the Forest service to develop a dedicated funds for equine assisted activities andstrategy to more effectively utilize volunteers and partners therapies (eaat) for veterans, a measure championed byto assist in maintaining national forest trails. rep. Barr, in the amount of $1.5 million, within the Fy2020 monitoring and continued promotion of horse Protection department of Veterans affairs (Va) spending bill. act regulatory changeswhich continues to be in aadvocated for final passage of the Whole Veteran act (h.r.holding pattern.h.r. 2359), authorizing a study analyzing the effectiveness advocated for industry engagement in the development of of various treatments for veterans, including equinemore supportive import/export regulations; specifically 60 assisted therapy. the bill passed the house in 2019 and isto 90 days rule change.awaiting consideration in the senate. supported equine disease communication center, andadvocated for passage of the imProVe act (h.r. 3495),collaborated with various organizations and agencies on allocating more resources for effective veteran suicidedisaster response.prevention programs, including eaat. Provided education and advocated for changes to proposedsuccessfully extended an expired three-year depreciationelectronic logging devices and commercial drivers li-incentive for racehorses through 2020 within the context ofcense.2019 tax legislation. collaborated with industry on expansion of www.horse- successfully advocated for repeal of the unrelatedlookup.org, an equine microchip look up tool with 2 new Business income tax (uBit) burdens imposed on non-profitsdatabases incorporated.within the context of 2019 tax legislation. Joined with national and international natural disaster re- Published the 2019 horse industry tax handbook: tax cutssponse leaders to establish more effective communication and Jobs act, a reference tool outlining major changesand support efforts.resulting from tax reform legislation impacting the equine Participated in and help facilitate annual aPhis stakehold-sector.er meeting with usda officials and equine health leaders. successfully advocated for guest worker visa cap attended Free roaming equine and ecosystem sustainabil-flexibility for Fy2020, effectively doubling the number ofity summit to discuss current issues surrounding the wild h-2B guest worker visas authorized by federal law.horse and burro situation.advocated for permanent cap relief for h2B guest worker Provided written comments and strategic support for mu-visas, within the context of legislation being drafted bynicipal and state efforts to protect and preserve equestrian rep. Jack Bergman (r-mi).access to public lands and local/state/federal parks. 12ahc accomPlishments2022 horse inDustrY DirectorY'