AQHA Youth Leaders Visit DC to See How Politics Affect the Horse Industry

AQHA Publicity

Every leader aspires to influence public policy, interact with government officials and experience the majesty of our nation’s capital. American Quarter Horse Youth Association leaders will realize those aspirations when the equine industry gathers in Washington, D.C., June 15 to 17, for the American Horse Council National Issues Forum.

Nine AQHYA leaders from around the country will gain a better understanding of the interaction between the equine industry and the United States government by attending the National Issues Forum. With the theme of “Protecting and Promoting the Horse,” speakers at the convention will feature top government officials and leaders in the equine industry, such as Gary Woodward of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Cindy Schonholtz of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

AQHYA youth have attended the National Issues Forum twice – in 2011 and 2014. Ann Elizabeth Tebow, AQHYA treasurer, has high hopes for the 2015 trip.

“I hope to gain more knowledge of public policy and how it affects the American Quarter Horse and our Association,” said Tebow. “In turn, thanks to AQHYA and Farnam, I hope to take what I learn and use it to educate my fellow youth on the subject so that we are prepared to take on the responsibility of protecting our great breed in the future.”

In addition to the National Issues Forum, the youth will participate in the Congressional Ride-In on Capitol Hill, June 17. During this event, members of the equine industry visit their respective congressional representatives to engage in discussions about pressing political issues impacting our equine partners. The AQHYA leaders will sit face-to-face with top government leaders to discuss the future of the animal closest to their hearts – the American Quarter Horse.

While in Washington, D.C., the youth also plan to visit some of the capital’s most iconic locations. Seeing the tributes to our nation’s greatest leaders, such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, will inspire AQHYA’s top leaders to achieve great things.

Youth representing AQHYA at the National Issues Forum are President Kalee McCann, Vice President Mary Claire Cornett, Secretary Ashley Anderson, Treasurer Ann Elizabeth Tebow, Sentinel Paige Wacker, Region 3 Director Brock Murphy, Region 5 Director Maura Hynes, Region 8 Director Wyatt Marshall and Region 10 Director Katelyn Womack.

Farnam has been the official fly control, deworming, grooming and conditioning products supplier of AQHA since 2004. Whether you’re at a show or on a trail ride, it takes time and dedication to make your horse look his best. As your partner in horse care, Farnam continues to offer products people know, use and trust.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.