The American Horse Council (AHC) is the horse owner’s voice to Congress. They represent all aspects of the equine industry and are dedicated to making the horse industry the best it can be. Because it takes time to get results either in Congress or through the federal regulatory agencies the AHC uses persuasion and education on a daily basis to get legislation passed. AHC collaborates with other equine industry-related organizations to achieve their goals.
The AHC is supported by the majority of the horse industry representing, owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries, and horsemen’s associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
Several years ago the state horse councils created the Coalition of State Horse Councils. This offshoot of the AHC meets twice each year to discuss specific issues facing the equine issues at the state levels. One of the goals is to provide tools for accessing and talking with state legislatures and agencies that impact their state’s horse industry.
Recent accomplishments include the passage of the multi-year national highway bill known as the FAST ACT which reauthorizes the Recreation Trails Program (RTP) for the next five years and provides 85 million dollars annually for the program. RTP is important to recreational riders across the country, including here in VT, where our funding comes through the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.