Walking On Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2016 | Page 16

Industry Info

AHC’s 2016
National Issues Forum to Focus on
“Putting More Horsepower in Congress”
Microchipping To Be Highlighted Also

The American Horse Council has announced that its
theme for this year’s National Issues Forum, sponsored
by Luitpold Animal Health, is “Putting More Horsepower in Congress.”  The forum will feature several Congressional speakers.  In addition, a primary focus of AHC
committee meetings this year will be on how the horse
community can better deal with legislation affectin g the
industry.
While gridlock has been the common denominator
of the last five Congresses, there is an expectation in
Washington that the 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 up16 • Walking On

for-grabs in this year’s elections, there could be changes
that might break the Congressional logjam,” noted AHC
president Jay Hickey.  “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,”
said Hickey.
In addition to Congressional speakers, the National
Issues Forum will hear 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.  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,” said Hickey.
This year’s AHC annual meeting will be held June 12
to 15 at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington,
DC.  AHC committee meetings will be held on Monday,
June 12, and the National Issues Forum will be on Tuesday morning, June 13.    
This year the annual Congressional Ride-In will begin
on Tuesday afternoon and extend through Wednesday,
June 15.  “We have shortened the National Issues Forum
this year to allow more time for attendees to visit their
elected officials,” noted AHC Vice-President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass.  “AHC committee
members and other attendees are encouraged to visit
with their elected officials beginning on Tuesday afternoon.”  AHC staff is ready to help anyone in making
appointments for Congressional visits and will provide
materials for those making Hill visits.  “Appointments
should be made as soon as possible.  The sooner, the
better.  There are many important issues facing the horse
community in this Congress,” said Pendergrass.  “It’s not