• Disease Control: Who’s Really Responsible? Equine diseases have dramatically affected racing, showing, breeding, sales and the movement of horses over the last two years. This is an opportunity to take a look at prevention and management at the federal, state and individual levels.
• The Unwanted Horse Coalition: “Own Responsibly” With the closing of processing plants, the issue of the “unwanted horse” is even more critical. Get an update on the UHC’s recent activities and future plans.
• Equine Identification/National Animal Identification System: Is There Life Left? A candid look at the ID system in regard to horses. The USDA says the national ID system is voluntary. What does this mean for the proposed system?
• World Equestrian Games: A Great Opportunity for All. Featuring an update from World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. CEO Jack Kelly. The 2010 games will be an opportunity for the horse industry to showcase itself on the national and international stage. Find out how your breed can participate.
• Horse Parks: Should Your State Have One? As more states consider horse parks, what can you do so that your state is not left behind?
• A Collaboration Success: Partnerships Pioneer New Programs to Maintain Trails. As access to trails diminishes, how can you keep the remaining ones open to horses?

The AHC also encourages forum participants to visit the congressional offices of their elected representatives and various federal agencies while in town for the Issues Forum to bring to their attention issues important to the equine industry.

The AHC will host the 2007 National Issues Forum at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC. Only a few blocks from Capitol Hill and within walking distance of the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums, L’Enfant Plaza Hotel offers immediate access to many of the most recognizable sights of our nation’s capital.

Hotel rooms are available at a special American Horse Council per night rate. However, please note that the cut-off date for guaranteeing a room at this special rate is WEDNESDAY, MAY 16th, so be sure to call to make your reservations as soon as possible. To make room reservations at L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, call 1-800-635-5065 or 202-481-1000 (reservations cannot be made on line) and ask for the American Horse Council room rate.

More information about the 2007 National Issues Forum, including registration forms, daily 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.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.