Speakers Set for AHC National Issues Forum

American Horse Council

The speakers and panelists have been set for the American Horse Council’s annual National Issues Forum, June 16 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The forum is part of the AHC’s annual convention June 14-17 in Washington, D.C.

Kicking off the program will be Gary Woodward, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Woodward and other APHIS staff members will review the agency’s goals, discuss the allocation of resources, and identify opportunities for the horse industry. APHIS may have the most day-to-day federal interaction with the horse industry of any federal agency.

Following Woodward’s presentation will be a panel presentation, entitled “Promoting the Equine Experience,” which will provide information on several new initiatives to promote horses to the public.

The panelists will include an update from Patti Colbert of PCE Enterprises on the “Time to Ride Challenge,” a grassroots initiative designed to encourage existing horse businesses to attract and engage newcomers to the industry; Ross Peddicord of the Maryland Horse Industry Board, which created a network of Horse Discovery Centers where people of all ages can learn about equine activities and equestrian traditions; and Anne Sabatino Hardy of Horse Country, Inc., a new non-profit organization that was formed to promote and arrange tours of Central Kentucky farms, equine clinics, and area attractions.

A second panel, entitled “Going to College,” will highlight several collegiate programs and the problems they sometimes face in promoting horse sports to college students. The panelists are Meghan Boenig, equestrian coach at the University of Georgia, representing the National Collegiate Equestrian Association; Patte Zumbrun, equestrian director at Goucher College, representing the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association; and Cindy Schonholtz, director of industry outreach for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All of these organizations promote riding and equestrian sports at colleges, either independently or with the NCAA.

The AHC’s convention will also include the AHC’s Congressional Reception the evening of the Issues Forum, the Congressional Ride-In June 17 and meetings of all AHC committees and the Unwanted Horse Coalition June 15 during the AHC’s annual meeting.

Complete information on the Forum and the entire AHC annual meeting, including registration and hotel information, can be found on the AHC’s website.

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