Michigan Horsemen P.L.U

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2007

Washington, D.C. —The American Horse Council (AHC) and member organizations are initiating “The Congressional Cavalry Program,” a new direct grassroots effort, to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC.

The purpose of the program is to identify at least one member of participating organizations in each Congressional District across America who will agree to contact his/her Representative/Senator or other federal officials when asked.

AHC member organizations represent all segments of the horse industry.

“If we can involve just one member in these organizations in each Congressional district across the country in the grassroots effort,” said AHC President Jay Hickey, “think of the potential effect that could have when contacting Representatives and Senators about issues important to the industry.”

Horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, shows, stables and others who desire to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington are encouraged to join the Congressional Cavalry Program.

“We are hoping to include individuals from as many AHC member organizations as possible to get a cross-section of the horse industry identified in each district to represent themselves, their organization and the horse industry when called upon,” said Hickey.

Member organizations already signed onto the Congressional Cavalry include the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Paint American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the U.S. Trotting Association.

Individuals will be mobilized when there is a need for grassroots lobbying. The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is necessary.

“Other Congressional Cavalry activities may include visits with Members of Congress in Washington or back in their home district and invitations to Members of Congress to visit your facility, event or activity,” according to Hickey.

Please contact the equine association you are a member of or join the American Horse Council to become a part of this exciting initiative.

Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org

In an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC, the American Horse Council and the Appaloosa Horse Club have organized a new grassroots effort entitled, “The Congressional Cavalry program.” ApHC members can participate and help to make a difference in federal legislation and regulations that affect the horse industry.

A new Congress will begin in January of 2009. If you care about the national issues that impact you and the horse community, now is the time to get involved.

All ApHC members, including owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, and others who wish to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington are encouraged to join the Congressional Cavalry program. The purpose of the program is to enlist individuals from all segments of the horse industry and in every Congressional district who will agree to contact their Representative/Senator or federal official when asked.

Cavalry members will be mobilized when there is a need for grassroots contacts, such as letters and phone calls. Members of the program will be put on an email or fax list so they can be contacted and activated quickly. The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is necessary. Participants will be free to do as much as they feel comfortable doing.

If you want to sign up or have any additional questions about the Congressional Cavalry program, please contact the American Horse Council at 2o2-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.

American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org

AHC’s Congressional Cavalry Program Grows

April 16, 2008, Washington, DC - The Congressional Cavalry, organized by the American Horse Council and some of its member organizations, continues to grow. “The most recent organizations to sign on are the American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and the U.S. Equestrian Federation,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “They join the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the U.S. Trotting Association. We’d like to have many more of our member organizations participating by the end of the year.”

The Congressional Cavalry was formed last year by the AHC in an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry before Congress. All horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, and anyone who desires to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington may join the Congressional Cavalry .

“If we can involve just one person from a few of our member organizations in each Congressional district with an expressed desire to be involved in the grassroots effort, think of the potential effect that could have when contacting Representatives or Senators about issues important to the horse industry,” said Hickey. “That’s a lot of ‘Horse Power’.”

“Just like the real Cavalry, the Congressional Cavalry will be called upon when needed. This will not be a lot of work. Last summer, when the appropriations bill for the Department of Agriculture surfaced with a misguided provision that could have shut down the interstate and international movement of horses, we activated the  and other Congressional Cavalry organizations and were able to point out the problems the bill would have caused. We got a great response and the provision was changed before the House voted on it,” said Hickey.

The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is required to take action. Participants will be contacted as necessary and activated quickly. “We hope the Cavalry  will eventually provide the base for additional activities like visits with Members of Congress back home; invitations to Members of Congress to visit a facility or event; and regular reports to Congress about activities back in the district that illustrate the importance of the horse industry to the state and local economy, sport and recreational life,” said Hickey.

Anyone who wants to enlist in the Cavalry  or has additional questions about the program should contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.