Horse Council Sets National Issues Forum

The theme for this year's American Horse Council National Issues Forum, to be held June 12-15 in Washington, D.C., is advocacy in Congress.

The forum, which will feature several congressional speakers and be sponsored by Luitpold Animal Health, is titled "Putting More Horsepower in Congress." A primary focus of AHC committee meetings during the convention will be on how the horse community can better deal with legislation affecting the industry.

The AHC said though "gridlock" has been the common denominator of the last five Congresses, there is an expectation in Washington that this year's elections might change that and return Congress to the days when give-and-take allowed legislation to be passed. 

"With control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives up for grabs in this year's elections, there could be changes that might break the Congressional logjam," AHC president Jay Hickey said in a release. "Now is the time to get ready for such opportunities and how better to learn about this than from leaders of Congress. While federal bills are always discussed at AHC committee meetings, we want our committees to consider how each member organization can be more involved in the grassroots process."

The forum will include reports from representatives of The Jockey Club and the United States Equestrian Federation on their plans to require the microchipping of horses in the future.

"Other breeds and disciplines may be wondering how this might affect them," Hickey said. "They may be considering microchips themselves. The forum will provide them ample opportunity to get answers to what is underway and how it might affect them going forward."

The annual Congressional Ride-In will begin the afternoon of June 13 and extend through June 15.

"We have shortened the National Issues Forum this year to allow more time for attendees to visit their elected officials," AHC vice president of government affairs Ben Pendergrass said. "AHC committee members and other attendees are encouraged to visit with their elected officials beginning on Tuesday afternoon."

The program allows members of the horse community to meet with their elected representatives and federal officials to discuss important issues affecting them. All members of the horse community are encouraged to participate, even if they don't attend the AHC convention.

AHC officials said the Congressional Ride-In is important because it puts a face on the $102 billion horse industry and the millions of Americans who are part of it.

The AHC convention will include a congressional reception, a meeting of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, and other meetings. More information is available at the AHC website.