The American Horse Council’s 2008 National Issues Forum will be held June 15-18, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill here in Washington, DC.

Monday, June 16th will include various committee meetings and an opening reception, with the National Issues Forum, Awards Luncheon and Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill to be held on Tuesday, June 17th.  This year’s National Issues Forum will focus on how the horse industry and individual members can be involved in the 2008 federal elections.  “With a third of the Senate and all the members of the House of Representatives up for reelection, there is an opportunity for the horse industry to be involved in that process,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council.

The horse industry has many issues, including taxes, immigration, gaming, welfare, access to public lands, interstate and international movement of horses, that are considered by Congress.  “When Members of Congress are running for election, that is an opportunity for the industry to get their attention and explain these issues and the importance of the horse industry to the national, state and local economies, sporting life and recreational activities,” said Hickey.  “The Forum will explain how to be involved.”

In addition, on Wednesday, June 18th, a USDA/AHC all-day public forum entitled “The Unwanted Horse Issue:  What Now?” has been added to the schedule.  This forum will be held in USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, DC.

“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,” said Hickey.  “We hope that 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 and potential solutions.”

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.  The forum will cover a variety of topics including historical, ethical and general perspectives on the unwanted horse issue, transportation issues, and potential solutions and options.

American Horse Council meeting registration information, the tentative meeting agenda and information on the Unwanted Horse Issues Forum, can be found on the AHC website, www.horsecouncil.org.  To register for the Unwanted Horse Issues Forum , 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

If you plan to attend the 2008 National Issues Forum and know your arrival and departure dates, you should 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.  Thecut-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.