American Horse Council

30/04/2025

🐎 The American Horse Council (AHC) and the AHC Foundation are delighted to announce that the 2023 AHC Economic Impact Study has reached significant milestones in its distribution. More than 500 copies have been disseminated across 35 states and ten foreign countries. The 2023 report has been cited in the press, Congressional testimony, state legislatures, local governments, academic research, and private sector market studies. This achievement underscores the importance and significance of the growing influence of the equine industry within the agricultural industry.

Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council and the AHC Foundation, stated, “Our Economic Impact Study, with its extensive data, has long been considered the ‘gold standard’—the only comprehensive picture of the entire U.S. horse industry. It’s not a census; it’s something more. It provides context to the numbers, allowing users to analyze and apply the data for public policy and business decisions.”

“This is what we use to make our case for the significance of the horse industry. We are an economic engine—horse-powered. Our total value added to the U.S. economy is $177 billion. We account for 2.2 million jobs. That’s not horse hockey—those are the facts.”

Board Chair Marilyn Bertera added, “The AHC has conducted National Economic Impact Studies since the 1980s, including in 1987, 1997, 2007, 2017, and most recently in 2023. These studies tell an evolving story. They highlight how much the horse community and industry contribute to job creation, consumer spending, and tax revenue. By quantifying the industry’s contributions, we strengthen the case for advancing equine health and welfare.”

To obtain a copy of the 2023 study or learn more, go to: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

28/04/2025

🚨 Calling all equine professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts! 🐴

The American Horse Council's National Issues Forum & Conference is where the entire industry comes together — and YOU belong in the room.

Education? ✔️
Networking? ✔️
Policy Influence? ✔️
Brand Promotion? ✔️
Celebration & Recognition? ✔️

Unlike niche events, AHC’s Forum covers it all — from real-world challenges to future-shaping solutions. Whether you're here to learn, lead, connect, or advocate, this is your space to make an impact.

Join us for powerful discussions, expert speakers, and even a “fly-in” day to meet with federal agencies and congressional members.

Let’s celebrate the industry's changemakers during our awards luncheon — and maybe even raise a glass at our cocktail reception! 🍸

📅 Mark your calendar & register now:

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

Let’s shape the future of the horse industry—together.

Save the Date! 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...

21/04/2025

The American Horse Council is proud to support the launch of the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign to help create the 25th state office of outdoor recreation and encourage all states to have an office dedicated to the $1.2 trillion recreation economy. In just over a decade, 24 states have created offices of outdoor recreation to improve the health and well-being of their communities and strengthen local economies. Let’s help make your state the 25th!

Learn more: https://recreationroundtable.org/priorities/25in2025/

16/04/2025

The American Horse Council is proud to announce our 2025 Award Honorees, to be recognized at the AHC Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 23, during our Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to promote, protect, and uplift the horse community. This year’s honorees include:

🏅 Van Ness Award – Sarah Coleman, Kentucky Horse Council
🏅 Hickey Award – Dr. Angela Pelzel-McCluskey, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
🏅 AHC Champion Award – Dr. Scarlette Gotswals, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation & Kathy Alm, PATH International
🏅 UHC Unity Award – Love this Horse, Equine Rescue Inc.
🏅 Rolapp Award – Representative Andy Barr (KY)

Please join us in celebrating these inspiring leaders and their unwavering dedication to the equine community.

Register now to attend the AHC Awards Luncheon and Conference:

https://horsecouncil.org/project/american-horse-council-announces-2025-award-recipients/

14/04/2025

🚨 Big News for Equine Welfare!

The American Horse Council has been awarded a $275,000 USDA grant to boost biosecurity at equine welfare organizations nationwide!

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), AHC is one of just three livestock industry groups selected for this honor. This two-year project, led by the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), will help at-risk horses and the organizations that care for them by:

✅ Raising awareness about disease prevention
✅ Improving quarantine capabilities
✅ Providing critical PPE & resources
✅ Supporting long-term health and sustainability

“AHC is so grateful for this funding to do research that will inform and help biosecurity for equine welfare organizations,” said AHC President Julie Broadway.

We’re looking forward to promoting a safer, healthier future for equines everywhere. 💙

https://horsecouncil.org/project/american-horse-council-awarded-usda-grant-to-boost-biosecurity-at-equine-welfare-organizations/

10/04/2025

🎉 Huge CONGRATULATIONS to AHC’s very own Julie Broadway for being named a finalist for the 2025 Equine Industry Vision Award! 🏆🐴

Since 2002, this prestigious honor has celebrated individuals and organizations whose visionary achievements have made a profound impact on the equine world. Julie’s dedication, leadership, and passion for the horse industry continue to inspire and uplift us all.

She joins an incredible group of finalists, including:

Active Riding Trips - Equestrian Vacations – empowering global horseback travel since 2003
Carole Herder – founder of Cavallo Hoof Boots, advocating for healthy, barefoot horses
Mariah Wilson – trainer and mentor at Platinum Performance Horses, shaping future equestrians

The winner will be announced May 16 at the American Horse Publications Cowboy Up Lone Star Seminar in Dallas, TX, during the breakfast sponsored by Zoetis.

We're so proud of you, Julie! 🐎💙

09/04/2025

🚦Read the latest update (04/09/2025) regarding what you need to know about tariffs and the equine industry.

https://horsecouncil.org/project/tariffs-the-horse-industrys-journey-into-the-great-unknown/

08/04/2025

🎤 Today, American Horse Council President Julie Broadway took the stage at the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) annual conference!

She shared her insights during three impactful panels:

🔹 License to Operate
🔹 Ag Legislation Panel with Association Executives
🔹 License to Operate Interactive Work Session

The NIAA conference brings together leaders in animal agriculture to connect, collaborate, and champion the industry's future. This year’s theme? "Securing Our Future: Don't Just Talk...Act!"

Share your thoughts with us! How does SLO impact your business?

07/04/2025

If you haven't done so already, head on over and check out some of the educational videos created by the folks at the American Feed Industry Association on ingredients used to manufacture safe and wholesome horse feed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJZ159VtCTE

Members of the American Feed Industry Association share their thoughts on ingredients used to manufacture safe and wholesome horse feed.

03/04/2025

🎙️🐎Check out the AHC's latest podcast!

Green is the New Blue—Environmental Sustainability for the Equine Industry

Spring is here! To celebrate, get to know Green Is The New Blue and learn about an effort for the equestrian community to become environmentally conscious. For the Legislative and Regulatory Update, we’re diving into the Waters of the US and the Clean Water Act.

Listen in! https://horsecouncil.org/green-is-the-new-blue-environmental-sustainability-for-the-equine-industry/

02/04/2025

🚨 Calling all equine professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts! 🐴

The American Horse Council's National Issues Forum & Conference is where the entire industry comes together — and YOU belong in the room.

Education? ✔️
Networking? ✔️
Policy Influence? ✔️
Brand Promotion? ✔️
Celebration & Recognition? ✔️

Unlike niche events, AHC’s Forum covers it all — from real-world challenges to future-shaping solutions. Whether you're here to learn, lead, connect, or advocate, this is your space to make an impact.

Join us for powerful discussions, expert speakers, and even a “fly-in” day to meet with federal agencies and congressional members.

Let’s celebrate the industry's changemakers during our awards luncheon — and maybe even raise a glass at our cocktail reception! 🍸

📅 Mark your calendar & register now:
🔗https://horsecouncil.org/project/ahc-opens-2025-annual-conference-registration/

Let’s shape the future of the horse industry—together.

Save the Date! The American Horse Council’s 2025 National Issues Forum will be June 22-25 in Washington, DC, Omni Shoreham Hotel Registraton will open on April 1, 2025 Conference Schedule American Horse Council 2025 National Issues Forum Speakers Sunday, June 22 Time slot Sponsor Location Moderato...

01/04/2025

📣American Horse Council Announces New Member Loyalty Rewards Program! 🐎

AHC is excited to announce the launch of its new Member Loyalty Rewards Program. And no, this is NOT an April Fools’ joke! We’re serious about rewarding our dedicated members for their continued support and engagement.

The Member Loyalty Rewards Program is designed to thank our members by offering points for participation in AHC activities, which can be redeemed for exclusive products and discounts.

AHC President Julie Broadway shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Just like your favorite grocery store or gas station, people love rewards programs! We are thrilled to partner with some fantastic businesses to provide meaningful perks to our members.”

The best part? Members don’t need to do anything special—just stay active and involved. We’ll track the points and deliver rewards directly when goals are reached!

Redeem your points for exclusive rewards, discounts, and equine industry perks valued at over $300!

As a reminder, these are just some of the amazing benefits we offer as part of your AHC Membership:

✔ Real-time updates on key issues
✔ Member-only discounts from top brands (John Deere, SW Paints, Big Ass Fans & more!)
✔ All-new Loyalty Rewards Program
✔ Monthly newsletters & insider bulletins
✔ National Issues Forum & Annual Conference
✔ Direct access to equine industry leaders
✔ And so much more.

Don’t be fooled—we mean every word! Get involved, earn points, and enjoy the rewards!

Join the American Horse Council today: https://horsecouncil.org/ahc-member-benefits/

Check out the many member benefits available to our American Horse Council members!