Advocate For the Equine Industry With a “Ride to Congress”

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 22, and Wednesday, October 23, to join the American Horse Council and the equine industry in Washington DC to advocate for key priorities on the industry’s policy agenda.

On Tuesday, October 22, Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) has reserved a large meeting room in the Congressional Visitors Center (CVC-217) between 1PM and 4:30 PM to conduct a meeting with AHC members in conjunction with members of the Congressional Horse Caucus.  AHC has invited the following officials to address the group about key issues impacting the industry during the meeting:

• Vicki Christiansen, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (public trails, backlog maintenance issues)
• Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) – Co-sponsor of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act
• Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) Co-sponsor of the PAST Act
• Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) – Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee
• Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) – Co-chair of the Congressional Horse Caucus (racing issues)
• Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) – Co-chair of the Congressional Horse Caucus, House-side champion for equine assisted therapy (EAT) and veterans’ issues
• Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) – House-side champion of guest worker visa flexibility, veterans’ issues

Please note that congressional speakers may change as lawmakers return to Washington to resume their legislative duties and schedules.

In addition to hearing from members of the Congressional Horse Caucus, AHC is booking meetings with lawmakers and their staff during the two-day series focusing on delegations from Texas, Florida, New York, Kentucky, Maryland and Virginia, among others.

This is open to all equine industry participants (AHC members and non-members). If you would like to attend, would like a full meeting schedule, have specific offices you would like to visit, or if you have questions about the meeting series, please contact Bryan Brendle, AHC Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs at bbrendle@horsecouncil.org

About the American Horse Council

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.