Walking On Volume 6, Issue 1, January 2019 | Page 8

Industry Info
American Horse Council Celebrates
50 Years of Advocating for Equine Industry
In 1969 when the founders of the
American Horse Council (AHC)
first gathered to discuss formalizing
an organization to advocate for the
equine industry, no one had a crystal
ball to look into the future to see all
possible changes that could take place
or how things could evolve so rapidly
in 50 years.
Through the years the one endur-
ing variable has been the necessity for
the industry to have a voice and to
leverage horse enthusiasts, cultivate
their knowledge and skills, to meet
the changing needs of the industry.
It’s these visionaries and extraor-
dinary members whom AHC will
honor and celebrate in its 50th year.
To commemorate its golden anni-
versary, AHC members and stake-
holders will join together in a year-
long 50th anniversary celebration
that will carry through to the AHC
Annual Meeting and Conference to
be held in Washington, DC on June
9-12 at the Georgetown Marriott.
Mark your calendars!
Call for Abstracts
The 2019 AHC conference is right
around the corner, and we are accept-
ing abstracts for presentations.
Share something new, cutting edge
and important with horse indus-
try leaders. Submission deadline is
March 1, 2019.
Conversely, got a topic you’d like
to hear more about? Let us know
and we’ll see if we can put together a
presenter or panel of subject matter
experts. Suggestions are welcome!
 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 suppli-
ers and state horse councils.
NATRC Now Offers the New Leisure Division
The nation’s premier competitive
trail ride organization, the North
American Trail Ride Conference
(NATRCTM), announces its newest
competitive trail ride sanctioning
option ... the Leisure Division!
Now riders can arrive in the morn-
ing, compete in the ride, and travel
home the same day. The Leisure
Division is the fourth division option
in 1-day rides. It consists of 8-12
miles of trail with an average pace of
3-4.5 mph, has one pulse and respi-
ration condition check and up to five
8 • Walking On
judging observations.
Unlike the other divisions – Open
(O), Competitive Pleasure (CP), and
Novice (N) - this division has a lower
entry fee, does not require camping,
has no stabling checks, and hoof or
leg protection is unrestricted. An
NATRC approved judge evaluates
the equine and rider as a team. The
judge assigns placings, through 10th
place, based on the combined equine
and rider scores, thus rewarding their
partnership. Equines must be at least
four years old.
Competitors can earn points
toward regional year-end awards and
accrue mileage credits toward chev-
rons and mileage milestone awards.
Credits are ten miles per completed
ride.
Angie Meroshnekoff, NATRC
board president, stated that she
expects this division will appeal to
a variety of riders ranging from the
seasoned equestrian to someone just
starting in trail competition.
She added, “Examples of these
competitors are those with limited