American Horse Council

07/05/2025

Happy Independence Day from the American Horse Council & United Horse Coalition! 🐴🎆

Today, we celebrate the freedom that defines our nation and honor the role that horses have played in shaping our American story, from the battlefields of independence to the barns and pastures of today.

Wishing you a safe and joyful 4th of July!

07/03/2025

The American Horse Council (AHC) held its 56th annual conference June 22-25, 2025, in Washington DC. Hundreds of top leaders from breed and discipline associations, veterinary professionals, educators, and key stakeholders gathered for four days of robust content, strategic networking, and actionable recommendations.

Stay tuned for our highlight reel, coming soon!

Read about the highlights here: https://horsecouncil.org/project/american-horse-council-annual-conference-encouraging-greater-collaboration/

07/02/2025

AHC's latest podcast is out! Tune into Horses in the Morning to listen in.

Summer is here, and we’re all thinking about what to do for summer vacation (or any riding vacation!). Why not take a trip? In this episode we’ll chat with Rebecca Butz, a true globetrotter who will share her tips and tricks for finding and planning the perfect horse experience while abroad.

Plus, an update on the selling of government park land for development and how you can get involved.

Listen in: https://horsecouncil.org/american-horse-council-podcast-globe-trotting-with-rebecca-butz/

07/01/2025

The American Horse Council (AHC) has awarded the 2025 Rolapp Award to Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6). The presentation took place during the American Horse Council’s (AHC) Annual Conference and Fly-In, June 22-25, 2025.

During the Fly-In, members of AHC met with Representative Barr to express their gratitude for his dedicated support of the equine industry. These meetings underscored the strong partnership between Congress and the horse community.

The Rolapp Award recognizes members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who, in their actions, have demonstrated the leadership critical to advancing policies that support America’s horse industry. This year’s winner, Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6), serves as Co-Chair of the House of Representatives Horse Caucus and is Chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions.

Read more: https://horsecouncil.org/project/the-american-horse-council-congratulates-representative-andy-barr/

06/24/2025

Rise and shine AHC conference goers!

Welcome to Day 3 of the American Horse Council's 2025 Conference and National Issues Forum.

Continental breakfast will be served from 8:00 - 9:00 am, then we kick things off with AHC Marketing Alliance updates at 8:30, followed by Recent Impacts on public recreation with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and a session on recent Labor and Workforce Challenges with John Boatright of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Are you taking part in the Agency and Hill visits today? Make sure to attend the Agency & Congressional Office Orientation at 10:45 in the Hampton Ballroom.

Having fun so far? Let us know your favorite highlights below!

06/24/2025

That's a wrap on Day 2 of the 2025 American Horse Council Conference and National Issues Forum!👏

A huge thank you to today's incredible lineup of speakers for sharing their time, insight, and expertise all in the name of this year's theme, "Harness the Power of Collaboration for Greater Achievement." We'd say mission accomplished!

We would also like to extend a well deserved congratulations to the winners of the 2025 AHC Awards!

Rest up, because tomorrow is Day 3, and we are excited to bring you
🔹Updates from the Marketing Alliance
🔹Recent Impacts on Public Recreation with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
🔹A look into Labor and Workforce Challenges with John Boatwright, Director of Govt Affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation
🔹And then, of course, our Agency and Hill Visits!

Enjoy a few of the highlights (with more to follow!)

06/23/2025

Welcome to Day Two of the AHC Conference & National Issues Forum! 🐴

We’re kicking off Monday with a robust agenda featuring expert insights, critical updates, and opportunities to connect and advocate for the equine industry.

Today’s Highlights Include:

➡️Global Keynote Speaker Jamie Notter: “Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, and Culture”
➡️Legislative and regulatory updates from AHC staff
➡️A special presentation on the Emirates International Endurance Village and its support of equestrian sports
➡️The AHC Awards Luncheon recognizing leadership and service across the industry
➡️“Data-Driven Partnerships Advance Equine Welfare” – how collaboration and information improve outcomes

Afternoon sessions cover:
➡️Disease mitigation: Screwworm
➡️Social license to operate, with special guuests the U.S. Army Caisson Detachment – “The Old Guard”

We close the day with:
➡️“Donkeys & Mules Are Equines Too” – advancing equality from the clinic to the show arena
➡️Our evening welcome reception

We look forward to another inspiring and impactful day. Be sure to share your favorite moments with us below!

06/23/2025

😴 Day One = Complete… and we’re ready for a nap! 🐴

It’s been a fantastic first day at the AHC Conference & National Issues Forum, filled with collaboration, inspiration, and innovation from across the equine industry!

Today’s Highlights Included:

➡️Updates on the United Horse Coalition, including the new "Equine Lifeline" tool!
➡️A powerful session on open-sourcing aftercare tools, led by Diana Bezdedeanu (HOPE) & Kyle Rothfus (Mareworthy Charities)
➡️ A meaningful discussion with Scott Beckstead (Wild Horse Refuge) on the future of wild horse protection
➡️Coalition of State Horse Councils showcasing how strategic partnerships transformed Louisiana’s equine economy, and how this can be replicated in other states, with Dr.Neely Heidorn
➡️ A forward-thinking session on tech and horse culture with Tyson Hartshorn, exploring how AI and digital tools can shape the future of our industry

📸 We want to hear from you!

Drop your favorite photos, quotes, or takeaways from Day One in the comments—or tag us using so we can share them!

Rest up, because Day Two starts strong tomorrow with our National Issues Forum!

06/18/2025

AHC Heads to Capitol Hill Next Week!

Next week, the American Horse Council will bring the voice of the equine industry to Washington, D.C., as members from across the country convene on Capitol Hill to advocate for horse health, welfare, and supportive ag policy in the upcoming Farm Bill.

Top priorities include:
🔹 Robust funding for equine health & welfare programs
🔹 Equitable tax policies for horse owners & farms
🔹 Access to critical ag labor programs (H-2A/H-2B)
🔹 Recognition of the equine industry as part of U.S. agriculture

With $177 billion in annual economic impact, the horse industry is a powerful force in our economy and rural communities. The American Horse Council is your voice in Washington.🐎

06/17/2025

The American Horse Council joined dozens of leading food and ag organizations in urging federal leadership to ensure agriculture has a seat at the table in shaping future health policy.

The recent MAHA Commission report lacked transparency and input from farmers, ranchers, and producers—including the equine industry. Horses are a critical element in the US agricultural ecosystem. While we may see ourselves as “just” pleasure and recreational livestock, working horses, donkeys, and mules are also pivotal tools in ranch life across the country. Our recreational and working equines all live and operate within the larger world of agriculture. What impacts other species also impacts us.

As stewards of one of America's most iconic agricultural animals, we know that supporting equines starts with fact-based policy decisions.

Read the letter here: https://horsecouncil.org/project/fighting-misinformation-ensuring-agriculture-has-a-voice-in-national-health-policy/

06/13/2025

⏳ Only 5 Days Left to Register!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2025 American Horse Council Conference & National Issues Forum — where the horse industry’s biggest conversations happen. 🐴

From policy to progress, networking to national impact, this is the event for equine advocates, leaders, professionals, and horse owners.

🔗 Register now before it’s too late: https://horsecouncil.org/american-horse-council-conference/

The American Horse Council’s 2025 National Issues Forum will be June 22-25 in Washington, DC, Omni Shoreham Hotel CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE BOOK YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION Conference Schedule American Horse Council 2025 National Issues Forum Speakers Sunday, June 22 Time slot Sponsor L...

06/09/2025

A HUGE thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting the 2025 American Horse Council Conference & National Issues Forum! 🙌

Your commitment helps bring together leaders, advocates, and innovators from across the equine industry to discuss the most pressing issues and shape the future of our community.

We couldn't do it without you!

📅 Only 10 DAYS left to register! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://horsecouncil.org/american-horse-council-conference/

C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc.
Zoetis Equine
The Wild Horse Refuge
Populous
Pyranha
SmartPak
Absorbine
Markel Horse
Merck Animal Health

The American Horse Council’s 2025 National Issues Forum will be June 22-25 in Washington, DC, Omni Shoreham Hotel CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE BOOK YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION Conference Schedule American Horse Council 2025 National Issues Forum Speakers Sunday, June 22 Time slot Sponsor L...