American Horse Council
Equestrian Trail Manuals Released
Date: June 5, 2008
Two publications concerning the design, construction and maintenance of equestrian trails, trailheads and campgrounds are now available.
The Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds, written by Jan Hancock in conjunction with U.S. Forest Service, has been released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This manual provides trail design and construction details, while explaining the particular physical and psychological needs of equines and their riders that necessitate them. The information in this guidebook is applicable to trails at all levels of development and locations.
Recreational Horse Trails in Rural and Wildland Areas: Design, Construction, and Maintenance, was written by Gene W. Wood, in conjunction with 16 contributing authors. This guidebook concentrates specifically on horse trail development in rural and wild land areas. An emphasis is placed on trial design, construction and placement that will make long term use by equestrians possible. The American Horse Council was involved in facilitating the funding of this book.
Equestrian accessible trails are of the utmost importance to the horse community. Both of these books are needed and will be of great help to recreational riders throughout the country.
Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds is offered free of charge online at the FHWA website http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/07232816/index.htm or a hard copy can be ordered through the FHWA Report Center: Recreational Trails Program Reports Order Form.
Recreational Horse Trails in Rural and Wildland Areas: Design, Construction, and Maintenance, is available for a fee from Clemson University's Forestry and Natural Resources website at www.clemson.edu/forestres/.
Links for Unwanted Horse Issue Forum Proceedings
Date: May 28, 2008
The American Horse Council and the United States Department of Agriculture are co-sponsoring a forum on The Unwanted Horse Issue: What Now? This one day educational forum will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 in Washington, D.C and is open to all. The forum will be an opportunity to focus on the many factors that surround the problem of the unwanted horse and bring some clarity to the extent of the problem.
Proceedings are being developed to be distributed at the meeting and to be available for additional distribution after the meeting. The proceedings will include information from each of the forum’s speakers. It will also have a list of websites from different organizations that have information or positions on the unwanted horse issue. If you have a website that you would like included in these proceedings, please email the link to Camie Heleski from Michigan State University at heleski@msu.edu.
Please send these links to Ms. Heleski as soon as possible, preferably by next Wednesday, June 4, 2008, since the proceedings will be printed prior to the forum. For more information on this Unwanted Horse Issues Forum, please visit the AHC website - www.horsecouncil.org.
American Horse Council – Unwanted Horse Coalition
Date: May 20, 2008
The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) gets requests from equine groups around the country for a UHC representative to speak to their group about unwanted horses, what the UHC is, what it does, etc. Due to the number of requests and the varied locations, a UHC representative is often not available to attend these meetings and events.
The UHC would like to set up a volunteer program involving horse owners who could represent the UHC at meetings in their particular region and present UHC information. Members of AHC state horse councils would seem a good place to look for such volunteer representatives. The coalition would provide training and materials to interested persons, including a PowerPoint presentation. The coalition thinks that this is a great opportunity to spread the word about the issues surrounding unwanted horses and the work of the coalition to equine groups across the nation.
If you would be interested in participating in this program, please contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.
Thank you.
Congress Passes Farm Bill – Includes Provisions Beneficial to Horses
Date: May 15, 2008
After months of negotiations between the House and Senate, Congress finally passed the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, commonly known as the Farm Bill. The House passed the bill on May 14 by a vote of 318 to 106. The Senate passed it today by a vote of 81 to 15. President Bush has announced that he will veto the bill because of the overall cost, which approaches $300 billion. If he does, Congress can override the veto by a two-thirds vote of both chambers. Based on the votes for the bill, it appears likely that Congress will override a Bush veto for the second time in his presidency.
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 includes several provisions that benefit the horse industry.
Depreciation of Race Horses Shortened
The tax portion of the bill will amend the current depreciation schedule for race horses to make it uniform at three years. Effective January 1, 2009 all race horses will be depreciated over three years, regardless of their age when placed in service. Prior to then race horses will continue to be depreciated over seven years if they are placed in service before they turn two. This change to the tax code for race horses will “sunset” after five years, ending at the end of 2013.
Last year Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) introduced the Equine Equity Act (EEA), which proposed to put all racehorses in the three-year category for depreciation purposes and make horses eligible for capital gains tax treatment after being held for twelve months. The EEA was included in the Senate version of the Farm Bill by an amendment offered by Senator McConnell. Although the EEA was not in the House-passed Farm Bill, the depreciation provision was included in the final Farm Bill through the efforts of these Senators, particularly Senator McConnell who shepherded this provision through the conference between the Senate and House on the overall Farm Bill.
With the passage of this provision, horse owners will no longer have to decide whether to place their race horse in service at the end of its yearling year, and depreciate it over seven years, or wait until the horse reaches 24 months and a day in order to use the three-year depreciation schedule. Beginning in 2009, all race horses will be uniformly depreciated over three years regardless of when placed in service. This means that an owner will be able to depreciate the horse twice as fast. This amendment will also end the inequitable situation of depreciating race horses over seven years, a period that is about twice as long as their actual racing life.
The second tax provision in the EEA, which would have shortened the capitol gains holding period for horses from two years to one year, was not included in the final conference version of the Farm Bill passed by Congress.
Equine Farmers and Ranchers Eligible for Emergency Loans
Another provision in the bill makes horse breeders eligible for the first time for emergency federal loans following a disaster. This change includes “equine farmers and ranchers” within the group of producers specifically eligible for these federal emergency loans.
Horse breeders have not been eligible for these loans, which have been available to other livestock producers. Horse breeders suffer losses from hurricanes, drought, ice, floods and other natural disasters just like other livestock producers do. This provision will end the disparate treatment of horses and horse breeders by making them eligible for emergency loans under the same conditions and limits as other livestock producers. Again, the horse industry owes thanks to Senator McConnell for his efforts in passing this provision.
Horses Specifically Included as Livestock in Disaster Assistance Program
The Farm Bill also includes a new disaster assistance program that will provide relief funds to farmers and ranchers who suffer losses in areas that are declared disaster areas by USDA. This program is intended to make funds available to producers sooner following a disaster. Horses are specifically included within the definition of livestock eligible for the program. The inclusion of horses was pursuant to an amendment offered by Senator Bunning to the Senate Farm Bill and was kept by the conference committee.
The horse industry has been working for these last two changes for some time. The industry is now treated like other livestock producers with respect to federal emergency programs.
2008 National Issues Forum To Focus On Getting Involved In The 2008 Elections
Date: May 15, 2008
The American Horse Council (AHC) will host the 2008 National Issues Forum June 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. This is an exciting opportunity to bring together industry leaders and participants to discuss important national equine issues.
The general session on Tuesday, June 17th, will feature sessions designed to educate horse organization leaders and individuals as to how they can be actively and effectively involved in the 2008 election process. Speakers include Jeff Glassie, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, on “What’s an Organization to do” – IRS/FEC Limits”; J. Scott Jennings, Senior Strategist at Peritus Public Relations discussing “Getting in on the Ground Floor – Opportunities Elections Provide”; Gregory M. Cohen, President and CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance, and Derrick Crandall, President of the American Recreation Coalition, addressing “Developing/Delivering the Message to Candidates”. In addition, Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY) and Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional Horse Caucus, have been invited to discuss the industry’s involvement in the elections.
In the afternoon, the AHC will provide an update on national issues affecting the horse industry and urges participants to make appointments to visit with their elected officials. Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday have been set aside for these Congressional visits.
For those interested in the issue of Unwanted Horses, a USDA/AHC Unwanted Horse Forum has been scheduled at USDA from 8 am – 4 pm on Wednesday, June 18th. There is no admission fee for this forum. To register, send your name, affiliation and email address to Marsha Stephens Hurd, 800 9th St., SW, Rm. 3150, Waterfront Center, Washington, DC, 20250-2220; telephone: 202-401-5352; fax: 202-401-6156; or email either mhurd@csrees.usda.gov or rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov.
More information about the 2008 National Issues Forum, including registration forms, schedules and more, can be found at the AHC web site, www.horsecouncil.org or by calling the AHC offices at 202-296-4031.
Trade press credentials are available. Please contact the AHC offices for further information.
CONGRESSIONAL RECEPTION
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC
In conjunction with its 2008 National Issues Forum, the American Horse Council is planning a Congressional Reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening, June 17th, on Capitol Hill. The exact room for the reception is yet to be determined.
If you are planning to be in Washington to attend the meeting and/or the reception, a personal invitation to a Member of Congress from an individual with a good relationship with the particular member can be very helpful in getting a Congressman or Senator to attend. We know that some of you have such a relationship with various Senators and Representatives.
Because the calendars of Members of Congress fill quickly, please don’t wait to issue the invitation. We want to place this event on his or her schedule as soon as possible. We leave it to you to determine the best way to issue this invitation, but attached is a draft letter to use as a guide if you wish. We suggest you fax the letter to the Member’s office as regular mail can take extra time to be delivered due to the scanning process it must go through before delivery. Once you have issued the invitation, please let us have the name(s) of your invitee.
Thanks for your help and we look forward to seeing you in June
HOTEL RESERVATION NOTICE
LAST CHANCE FOR GUARANTEED RESERVATIONS
If you are planning to attend the American Horse Council 2008 Issues Forum being held June 15-18, and have not made hotel reservations we suggest you do so immediately. The cut-off date for reservations is Tuesday, May 13th. The hotel expects to be sold out during some of the dates of our meeting so space may not be available after May 13th. If you need to make reservations, you should contact the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill at 202-737-1234 or 800-233-1234. You may also make reservations via the internet at
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=66272
Be sure and tell them you are with the American Horse Council meeting in order to obtain the convention rate.
American Horse Council 2008 National Issues Forum is Approaching!
The American Horse Council 2008 National Issues Forum is right around the corner! It will be held in Washington, DC from Sunday, June 15th through Wednesday, June 18th. Make sure to keep the dates open to attend this important and informational event.
The Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, which is only a few blocks from the Capitol, will be the site for this year’s forum. To make room reservations, call 202-737-1234 and ask for the American Horse Council per night rate of $242 single; $267 double; $292 triple or $317 quadruple. You may also make reservations on-line by using the following direct link to the Hyatt Regency website: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=66272. The cut-off date for guaranteeing a room at the AHC special rate is TUESDAY, MAY 13TH , so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible!
Below is a tentative meeting agenda and registration information. Keep checking the AHC website, www.horsecouncil.org, for further details on the 2008 National Issues Forum this June, in Washington D.C. We look forward to seeing you there!
AHC and USDA Collaborate on Unwanted Horse Issue Forum
Date: April 21, 2008
The American Horse Council and the United States Department of Agriculture are co-sponsoring a forum on The Unwanted Horse Issue: What Now? The all-day forum will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at the Department’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
The forum will piggy-back onto the AHC’s 2008 National Issues Forum, which will be from June 16 through the 18th in Washington. The Unwanted Horse Forum is open to all. By holding it immediately after the AHC meeting, those who attend the AHC meeting will have the opportunity to also attend the Unwanted Horse Forum.
There is little data about the size of the problem, the numbers of unwanted horses, the ability of the current system to care for them, whether there is an increase in neglect and similar issues. This forum will be an opportunity to focus on the many factors that surround the problem of the unwanted horse and bring some clarity to the extent of the problem.
Various newspapers and other media have recently reported that state agencies and horse rescue groups are seeing a growing number of horses that can no longer be cared for by owners. Some of the reports suggest that rescue groups are being overwhelmed and may have to start turning horses away. The media reports suggest numerous factors for the increase, including overbreeding; the downturn in the economy; sharply rising costs of hay; the drought that has affected many parts of the U.S.; the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal; and the closing of the nation’s three slaughter facilities.
Whatever the causes, and they probably include all of these factors, this is not an optimistic forecast and reinforces the need for the horse industry and others to proactively address the unwanted horse issue.
The one-day educational forum is free and open to all. It will focus on the current situation and the next steps that might be taken. Invited speakers will discuss the knowns and unknowns of the unwanted horse issue at this time, as well as possible solutions and options to deal with the problem and decrease the number of unwanted horses in the country. The forum will cover a variety of topics including historical, ethical and general perspectives on the unwanted horse issue, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, transportation issues, and potential solutions and options.
For more information on this Unwanted Horse Issues Forum, please visit the AHC website, www.horsecouncil.org. To register, send your name, affiliation and email address to Marsha Stephens Hurd, 800 9th St. SW, Room 3150 Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 20250-2220; telephone: 202.401.5352; fax: 202.401.6156; or email either mhurd@csrees.usda.gov or rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov.
Committee Meeting Schedule
AHC 2008 National Issues Forum
June 15-18, 2008
Here is the Board of Trustees and Advisory Committee meeting schedule for AHC’s 2008 National Issues Forum being held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill here in Washington. Registration information and a more detailed schedule will be available shortly. However, if you know your arrival and departure dates, you may wish to make your reservation by contacting the hotel at 202-737-1234 or you can use the following direct link to the Hyatt Regency website, https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=66272. The American Horse Council has negotiated a per night rate of $242 single or $267 double. The cut-off date for guaranteeing a room at the AHC special rate is TUESDAY , MAY 13TH, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible.
Sunday, June 15
4 pm – 6 pm State Horse Council Advisory Committee Orientation Meeting
6 pm Reception (sponsored by State Horse Council Advisory Committee)
Monday, June 16
8:30 am – 4 pm State Horse Council Advisory Committee
9 am – 10:30 am Equine Species Working Group
Noon – 3 pm Unwanted Horse Coalition
Noon – 4 pm Health & Regulatory Committee
1 pm – 2:30 pm Recreation/State Horse Council Committees Joint Meeting
2:30 pm – 4 pm Recreation Committee
2 pm – 4 pm Animal Welfare Committee
3 pm – 4 pm Horse Show Committee
3 pm – 4 pm Racing Advisory Committee
5 pm – 6 pm Board of Trustees/Committee Chairs/Staff Reports & Discussion
6 pm – 7:30 pm Reception
7 pm Board of Trustees Dinner Meeting (Trustees Only)
Tuesday, June 17
9 am – 2 pm General Session – National Issues Forum
2 pm – 5 pm Congressional/Federal Agency Visits
4 pm – 5:30 pm Board of Trustees Business Meeting
6 pm Congressional Reception
Wednesday, June 18
All Day Congressional/Federal Agency Visits
8:00 am – 4 pm USDA/AHC Unwanted Horse Forum at USDA – No Admission Fee
This is a public forum. We hope you will attend as part of your Washington visit