American Horse Council announces governance changes

Posted: Sept. 6, 2017

The Washington, D.C.-based American Horse Council has made two governance changes designed to provide additional perspectives from the equine industry.

The current 15-person AHC Board of Trustees is made up of individuals representing organizations that hold AHC organizational memberships at the “strategic” level. The organizations include The Jockey Club, American Association of Equine Practitioners, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, United States Trotting Association, United States Equestrian Federation, Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America, and the American Quarter Horse Association.

In January 2018 the AHC board will add two at-large seats. The first at-large seat will be filled by the current Chair of the Coalition of State Horse Councils. The second at-large seat will be determined by applications.

In January the AHC President will call for applicants for the second at-large seat from current AHC member organizations to serve a maximum two-year term on the AHC board. Only member organizations paying dues at the level designated for their size are eligible. The organization must be willing to commit to the time needed to serve on the board and cover expenses necessary to attend meetings.

In March of next year the board will review all applicants and elect a trustee based upon the need for that sector of the industry to have a voice not currently represented by sitting trustees, and the individual’s background and knowledge of the equine industry.

“As part of the AHC’s strategic plan, a task force was formed to review the organization’s overall governance structure and ensure relevancy and best practices,” AHC President Julie Broadway said. “Based upon their research it was recommended that additional voices and perspectives would be beneficial.

“We look forward to these additions to the board and would like to express our appreciation to the Governance Task Force and Membership Task Force for their research and input.”

“As the national organization representing the equine industry in Washington, D.C., the AHC strives to be inclusive while ensuring the board is a manageable size and the trustees are strongly committed to AHC’s mission,” AHC Chairman Dr. Jerry Black said. “These additions will serve the AHC well as we look ahead at challenges facing the equine industry.”