The American Horse Council (AHC) is a
trade organization
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. An industry trade association partic ...
in Washington, DC representing the
horse industry
The horse industry, or equine industry, is the economic activity associated with horses. This includes core agribusiness activities related to the use, possession or ownership of horses, as well as leisure activities and related economic activity ...
. The organization formed in the late 1960s, and received IRS 501(c) non-profit recognition in 1969, with a committee that became the Coalition of State Horse Councils forming in 1970, now having 43 states participating. American Horse Council Foundation was founded in 1991.
It lobbies before
Congress
A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of ...
and
Federal agencies for the interests of the horse industry, and serves as a unified voice for the horse industry.
Membership is open to anyone, but is primarily made up of the following groups:
* Horse Councils of individual states;
* breed organizations;
* horse breeders;
*
farrier
A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves, if necessary. A farrier combines some blacksmith's skills (fabricating, adapting, and adj ...
s;
*
veterinarian
A veterinarian (vet), also known as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary physician, is a medical professional who practices veterinary medicine. They manage a wide range of health conditions and injuries in non-human animals. Along with this, vet ...
s;
* horse owners;
*
rodeo
Rodeo () is a competitive equestrian sport that arose out of the working practices of cattle herding in Spain and Mexico, expanding throughout the Americas and to other nations. It was originally based on the skills required of the working vaq ...
s;
*
race tracks
A race track (racetrack, racing track or racing circuit) is a facility built for racing of vehicles, athletes, or animals (e.g. horse racing or greyhound racing). A race track also may feature grandstands or concourses. Race tracks are also ...
;
* horse industry businesses;
* individuals.
A subcommittee of the American Horse Council, the ''State Horse Councils Advisory Committee'' (SHCAC), is made up of representatives of the individual state horse councils, and works on equine issues at the state level, dealing with state legislation, trails & show facilities, state horse expos, etc.
Van Ness Award
This committee annually presents the Van Ness Award, given in honor and memory of
Marjorie Van Ness of New Jersey, a long-time leader and friend to the entire horse industry. This award is presented to an individual that best emulates the dedication and commitment of Marge Van Ness to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level. Past recipients have been:
References
External links
*
State Horse Councils Advisory Committee website
{{Authority control
Equestrian organizations
Trade associations based in the United States
Organizations established in 1991
1991 establishments in the United States
Organizations established in 1969
1969 establishments in the United States