American Horse Council

The American Horse Council, based in Washington, is the national trade association representing the equine industry in the United States, founded in 1969. The organization serves as the unified voice of the American horse industry before Congress and federal agencies on policy matters including equine welfare and slaughter prohibition legislation, slaughter horse transport regulations, gaming and pari-mutuel wagering tax policy, public land grazing permits for wild horses and burros, and veterinary drug availability for equine practitioners. The council commissions the American Equine Industry Economic Impact Study, most recently conducted by the consulting firm Deloitte, which documented that the American horse industry contributes approximately one hundred twenty-two billion dollars annually to the national economy and directly employs over seven hundred thousand people across breeding, racing, showing, recreation, and equine-related services. Member organizations include the Jockey Club, the United States Equestrian Federation, the American Quarter Horse Association, breed registries, state horse councils, racetracks, veterinary schools, and equestrian sports organizations.