American Horse Council

21/11/2024

☃️ American Horse Council’s December podcast on “The best holiday gift ideas for horse lovers!”🎁

The holidays are fast approaching and you’re thinking- “OMG, I need to find the perfect gift for my horse-loving family or friend – where do I start?”

The American Horse Council is here to help you sort this out! AHC’s monthly podcast on Horse in the Morning Radio Network for December 2024 will feature three outstanding guests to talk about gift-giving ideas for all budgets and interests.

AHC President Julie Bradway and Co-Host AHC Staffer, Emily Stearns, will chat with Martha Cook of Trafalgar Square Books, Amanda Bodkin of SmartPak, and John Nicholson of Old Friends Farm about all kinds of amazing gifts for the horse lover. Ideas that are novel, unique, customizable, educational, or heartwarming – we have many suggestions!

Join us starting December 3rd on HITM to hear things in all price ranges that will please and delight the gift receiver.

20/11/2024

We would like to share some invaluable resources from the United Horse Coalition, a vital program of the American Horse Council. Whether you're a horse owner, enthusiast, or advocate, these tools and support services are designed to help ensure the well-being of our equine friends. Check them out and spread the word! 🙌

15/11/2024

🐴Help grow the next generation of horse enthusiasts and encourage some reading time with your little ones. Check out "Power of the Pony" today!

The Power of the Pony details what it's like to have a pony at home—and all the life lessons and character-building that come with having a hooved friend to care for. The book combines rhythmic rhyme stories with notes from a child's perspective and facts about ponies. The amazing Romeo is a white pony who loves to be brushed and groomed by his girl, Savannah. She feeds him daily, grooms, rides, preps for horse shows, and shares her pony with her friends. Join in on the adventure and find out what it's like to have your dream pony.

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The Welsh Pony and Cob Society
Certified Horsemanship Association
PATH International
American Horse Council

13/11/2024

Watch now!🐎📺

American Horse Council’s November Webinar on “The Value & Importance of Equine Appraisals”

The holidays are fast approaching and that’s a prime time for lots of horses to be bought and sold!

The American Horse Council is here to help prospective buyers and sellers with its November 2024 webinar on “The Value and Importance of Equine Appraisals.”

AHC President Julie Broadway stated, “There are numerous reasons to hire an equine appraiser including proof of value in legal situations, insurance coverage, and for sales purposes. Join us for an in-depth look at why an appraisal provides an ethical, objective, and unbiased value based on research and sound economic practices.”

The guest speaker is Tracy Dopko of Daventry Appraisal Services. Considered one of the world’s leading equine appraisers & expert witnesses, Tracy is a senior equine appraiser with the American Society of Equine Appraisers, certified member with the International Society of Appraisers, accredited senior member with the American Society of Appraisers, and a private investigator specializing in equine cases.

Watch now: https://horsecouncil.org/webinars/

12/11/2024

The American Horse Council invites members of the equestrian community to speak at the 2025 AHC Conference, which will be held June 22-25, 2025 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC. The AHC Conference provides a unique platform for experts to share information, ideas, and insights to attendees, which includes both members and nonmembers and AHC and equine association/organization leaders, industry professionals, suppliers/manufacturers and stakeholders.

The theme for 2025 is "Harness the Power of Collaboration for Greater Achievement" which highlights the power of teamwork, collaboration and consensus to create success. It emphasizes that when individuals, teams, or organizations come together their combined efforts yield something far greater than the sum of their individual contributions. “We invite all kinds of experts within the horse industry, or those with interesting or important horse-related topics, to speak at the AHC Conference,” said Julie Broadway, AHC President. “We always strive to provide a wide variety of topics from knowledgeable sources. In the past, speakers have covered a range of topics from science and research, technology innovation, membership and development, etc. Consistent with our theme, we encourage speakers who have bridged disciplines, sectors, and industries, to apply."

The AHC Conference is the premier educational conference provided by AHC where attendees of all ages come together to learn, network, and share ideas to grow the horse industry. Individuals with expertise, passion, and a desire to share knowledge are encouraged to submit workshop abstracts. Presentations can be 45 minutes.

Abstracts for workshops should be submitted to [email protected], no later than January 15, 2025 and should include a workshop title and a short (100 words or fewer) description of the workshop, including the key take aways audience will get along. Please also include a copy of the presenter's CV/resume.

https://horsecouncil.org/project/american-horse-council-request-for-conference-speakers/

11/11/2024

Restoring a Veterans Day Tradition🐴

This Veterans Day, we reflect on the sacrifices of our service members, especially as we work to restore the tradition of the Army’s ceremonial caisson horses at Arlington National Cemetery. For over a year, these iconic horses have been absent due to necessary health and welfare improvements. The Old Guard, in partnership with equine experts, is working hard to provide better care, modern facilities, and more training for both horses and handlers.

As we honor veterans on November 11th, we also recognize the importance of these horses in symbolizing respect and gratitude for those who served. We stand with the Old Guard in their efforts to rebuild and sustain this sacred tradition.

Read more: https://horsecouncil.org/project/restoring-a-veterans-day-tradition/

11/11/2024

This Veterans Day, we celebrate the courage and sacrifice of our veterans and recognize the healing role that horses play in their journey to recovery.

Equine therapy is helping many veterans find peace and strength, offering a unique way to cope with PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The connection with horses fosters trust, emotional healing, and a sense of calm that’s often difficult to find.

We thank all those who served and the incredible horses who are helping them find peace.

08/11/2024

For those hoping to pursue a career with horses – the options are endless! 🐎

Whether your passion is equine health, sales, insurance, training, supplies or services like accounting, marketing, or technology like designing wearables and apps to developing and supporting websites. Today’s guest panelists will give us the 411 on how to identify and get yourself on the right career track.

Find out more on the American Horse Council Podcast now! 🎙️

https://horsecouncil.org/the-trail-to-a-horse-industry-career/

07/11/2024

The holidays are fast approaching and that’s a prime time for lots of horses to be bought and sold!

The American Horse Council is here to help prospective buyers and sellers with its November 2024 webinar on “The Value and Importance of Equine Appraisals” on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET.

AHC President Julie Broadway stated, “There are numerous reasons to hire an equine appraiser including proof of value in legal situations, insurance coverage, and for sales purposes. Join us for an in-depth look at why an appraisal provides an ethical, objective, and unbiased value based on research and sound economic practices.”

The guest speaker is Tracy Dopko of Daventry Appraisal Services. Considered one of the world’s leading equine appraisers & expert witnesses, Tracy is a senior equine appraiser with the American Society of Equine Appraisers, certified member with the International Society of Appraisers, accredited senior member with the American Society of Appraisers, and a private investigator specializing in equine cases.

This will be an informative and dynamic conversation! RSVP By November 10 at 5:00 PM ET to register.

https://horsecouncil.org/project/the-value-importance-of-equine-appraisals/

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween! From the American Horse Council United Horse Coalition and Equine Welfare Data Collective

Whether you’re dressing up your equine friends or enjoying a haunted trail ride, horses bring magic to every moment.

Share your Halloween horse photos with us using ! 🦇✨

Stay safe, have fun, and remember to treat your horses to some extra carrots! 🥕💖

30/10/2024

ICYMI: On October 25, the United Horse Coalition (A program of the American Horse Council) and the Equine Welfare Data Collective teamed up with Shelter Animals Count to spotlight the critical role of data collection for horses, dogs, and cats, featuring panelists Kelsey Buckley and Emily Sanders from the Equine Welfare Data Collective, Emily Stearns from the American Horse Council, Mike Keiley from MSPCA-Angell, and Samantha Hill from Shelter Animals Count.

Together, they discussed the importance of national data collection and its impact on the animal welfare industry. 📊

Check out the recap at https://bit.ly/3YjCn8E. 💻

ICYMI: On October 25, we teamed up with the Equine Welfare Data Collective to spotlight the critical role of data collection for horses, dogs, and cats, featuring panelists Kelsey Buckley and Emily Sanders from the Equine Welfare Data Collective, Emily Stearns from the American Horse Council, Mike Keiley from MSPCA-Angell, and Samantha Hill from Shelter Animals Count. Together, they discussed the importance of national data collection and its impact on the animal welfare industry. 📊

Check out the recap at https://bit.ly/3YjCn8E. 💻

28/10/2024

Recording is now available - "scare" away germs by practicing good biosecurity in your barn this Halloween! 🐎🎃

American Horse Council's October Webinar on “Biosecurity for the Horse Owner.”

It’s October and officially “Spooky Season.” So, what’s spookier than a ghost? Bad biosecurity! The American Horse Council is here to help horse owners keep away scary germs with its October 2024 webinar on “Biosecurity for the Horse Owner."

https://youtu.be/EUSb3lP34rw?si=eHNG9cuzVC5uvnd2

AHC President Julie Broadway stated “Whether you are a horse owner, handler or the manager of an equine facility, biosecurity plays an important role in keeping horses under your care safe and healthy. Establishing and following effective biosecurity practices is important for every equine facility to protect the health of the horses residing and visiting.”

Listen in to learn how to scare off infectious diseases and keep your horse happy and healthy and ready to dominate your local costume class.

Invited panelists includes:

• Dr. Katie Flynn of the US Equestrian Federation, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Equine Health & Biosecurity

• Dr. Holly Helbig of Zoetis, author of Show Stopping Biosecurity

• Marian “Mare” Ehlers, developer of S’Mores Code for equine biosecurity

Thank you to Zoetis for sponsoring this quarter’s AHC webinar!

24/10/2024

When it comes to treating wounds, cuts, burns, rain rot, scratches, rashes, sweet itch and more, Silver Honey 🐴🐎equine wound and skin care products are a must-have for your barn's first aid kit. ➕🍯🐝

https://absorbine.com/

Absorbine

23/10/2024

The American Horse Council (AHC) is releasing this advisory to inform the industry of important changes to the Horse Protection Act (HPA). Background on the HPA can be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/hpa.

As a general reminder, the HPA covers all equine breeds and disciplines to eliminate the practice of soring horses. The AHC and other industry stakeholders have engaged in numerous meetings with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) to obtain clarifications and details on the new revisions to the HPA Rule.

New requirements Effective February 1, 2025: Horse show and event managers will be required to:

➡️Provide notice to APHIS at least 30 days in advance of the event via mail or email.
➡️Provide any event updates 15 days in advance of the event
➡️Report any violations of the Horse Protection Act within five days post-event

Note, that the new rule defines a horse show as a public display of any horses in competition except where speed is the prime factor, rodeo events, parades, or trail rides.

One of the key changes to the rule is that USDA will be responsible for training Horse Protection Inspectors which will be licensed veterinarians or individuals with extensive equine experience with a governmental agency. These will be the individuals performing inspections at events. A video of the inspection process is on the website. Historically, USDA has inspected fewer than 50 events nationally per year.

All event managers should be prepared for potential USDA inspectors onsite. It is important to note that horse show managers are liable for any HPA violations found at their show if they choose not to hire an inspector.

USDA has notified AHC that new guidance documents and further information will be posted to the Horse Protection Act Website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/hpa. At this time, AHC does not know a timeline for when additional USDA guidance resources will be available. Individuals with questions regarding revisions to the HPA are encouraged to email [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line “HPA Question”. This will ensure AHC stays informed and can follow-up on questions/answers.

21/10/2024

🐎🎃 Today's the day! If you registered, don't forget to tune into the American Horse Council's October Webinar on “Biosecurity for the Horse Owner.”

It’s October and officially “Spooky Season”. So, what’s spookier than a ghost? Bad biosecurity! The American Horse Council is here to help horse owners keep away scary germs with its October 2024 webinar on “Biosecurity for the Horse Owner” on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET.

AHC President Julie Broadway stated “Whether you are a horse owner, handler or the manager of an equine facility, biosecurity plays an important role in keeping horses under your care safe and healthy. Establishing and following effective biosecurity practices is important for every equine facility to protect the health of the horses residing and visiting.”

Listen in to learn how to scare off infectious disease and keep your horse happy and healthy and ready to dominate your local costume class.

Invited panelists will include:
• Dr. Katie Flynn of the US Equestrian Federation, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Equine Health & Biosecurity
• Dr. Holly Helbig of Zoetis, author of Show Stopping Biosecurity
• Marian “Mare” Ehlers, developer of S’Mores Code for equine biosecurity

Thank you to Zoetis for sponsoring this quarter's AHC Webinar!

16/10/2024

Could you or someone you know use an equine assistance hotline? Take our survey today!🐎☎️

As a horse owner, have you ever wished for a resource to turn to in tough times? Or maybe you know someone who could? Perhaps you're an equine rescue who needs help networking to help more at-risk horses?

No one is immune to hardships in life - we can help.

Whether it’s finding safety net resources like feed or euthanasia assistance, or perhaps responsible rehoming options - your experiences are vital for shaping support for at-risk horses and their owners. The UHC is developing a program to meet these needs, and we need your input!

Your feedback will enhance services for the equine community and improve the welfare of both horses and their owners.

Make a difference—take our hotline survey and help us by sharing this post today!🐎

➡️For horse owners: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8017411/Horse-Hotline
➡️For rescues/sanctuaries: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8018144/Horse-Hotline-Rescues-Sanctuaries
➡️For industry organizations: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8020649/Horse-Hotline-Industry

As a horse owner, have you ever wished for a resource to turn to in tough times? Or maybe you know someone who could? The UHC is developing a program to meet these needs, and we need your input!Your feedback will enhance services for the equine community and improve the welfare of both horses and th...

10/10/2024

Want something engaging and informative to listen to during your commute? Check out the American Horse Council's latest podcast!🎙️🐎

To thrive, industries and communities need to unlock the power and potential of all types of talent – that means they need inclusion. Inclusion means everyone feels welcome, respected, valued, included and that they belong. Today’s episode will explore some ways the equine/equestrian community is striving to be more inclusive.

HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3531 –Show Notes and Links:

Your Hosts: Julie Broadway (President) and Emily Stearns (Health, Welfare, and Regulatory Affairs Liaison) of the American Horse Council

Guest: Kathy Alm, PATH Intl
Guest: Karen Hopper Usher
Guest: Kendall Kunelius, University of New Hampshire Extension
USEF Paralympic Update: Hallye Griffin, Mikhail Proctor

Sponsor: AHC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force
Sponsor:

https://horsecouncil.org/accessibility-and-inclusion-in-the-equine-industry/

03/10/2024

🐎🎃American Horse Council’s October Webinar on “Biosecurity for the Horse Owner”

It’s October and officially “Spooky Season”. So, what’s spookier than a ghost? Bad biosecurity! The American Horse Council is here to help horse owners keep away scary germs with its October 2024 webinar on “Biosecurity for the Horse Owner” on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET.

AHC President Julie Broadway stated “Whether you are a horse owner, handler or the manager of an equine facility, biosecurity plays an important role in keeping horses under your care safe and healthy. Establishing and following effective biosecurity practices is important for every equine facility to protect the health of the horses residing and visiting.”

Listen in to learn how to scare off infectious disease and keep your horse happy and healthy and ready to dominate your local costume class.

Invited panelists will include:

• Dr. Katie Flynn of the US Equestrian Federation, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Equine Health & Biosecurity

• Dr. Holly Helbig of Zoetis, author of Show Stopping Biosecurity

• Marian “Mare” Ehlers, developer of S’Mores Code for equine biosecurity

RSVP By October 18th at 5:00 PM ET to register. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpcuyurzIrHd3KGrezg65IWYo9QhS6ZAiE

Thank you to Zoetis for sponsoring this quarter's AHC Webinar!

The American Horse Council works daily to advocate for the social, economic and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.