A broad range of speakers from the federal government and the horse industry addressed the American Horse Council’s (AHC) National Issues Forum in Washington, D.C., on June 16.

The forum’s theme was “protecting and promoting the horse” and the event. sponsored by Luitpold, drew a crowd of about 175 individuals. The forum was held in conjunction with the AHC’s annual convention, which took place June 14-17.

“We were very pleased with the crowd and the presentations,” said AHC President Jay Hickey, “particularly the afternoon sessions which were very upbeat and highlighted the efforts of six organizations working hard to attract people, particularly youth, to the horse experience and keep them involved.”

USDA and the Horse Industry

Representatives from the USDA led off the morning program. Most were from the Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which likely has the most day-to-day contact with the horse industry of any department in the federal government