AHC Release Statement of Support for Amateur Rule Changes
Subsequent to a panel discussion at the June 7, 2022 AHC Show & Competition Committee meeting on proposed amateur rules changes which included remarks from US Equestrian Federation, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association and Certified Horsemanship Association, the American Horse Council Board of Trustees and Show & Competition Committee have released the following statement:
Due to the decline of youth and young adult involvement with horses over several decades, and for the urgent need to engage youth and young adults in equestrian sports, the Show & Competition Committee calls on all equestrian competition organizations to review their amateur rules, giving greater berth of opportunities for properly certified or supervised amateur exhibitors to provide fee-for-services introductory riding lessons without the threat of losing amateur status.
Show & Competition Committee Chair, Dr. Billy Smith stated, “The horse community is missing that critical on-ramp for young riders. That same community can solve this problem if it works together, developing strategies that welcome young riders on a worldwide scale.”
AHC Board of Trustees
Dr Rick Mitchell, DVM – Chair
Marilyn Bertera – Vice Chair
Dr Glenn Blodgett, DVM – Secretary
Matt Iuliano – Treasurer
Jim Gagliano – Past Chair
David Foley
Austin Halverson
Christy Landwehr
Don Marean
Tom O’Mara
Tom Rooney
Justine Staten
Russell Williams
Joe Wilson
Show & Competition Committee
Dr Billy Smith (APHA), Chair
Darrell Bilke (PtHA)
Gary Carpenter (NRHA)
Stephan Hienzsch (USDF)
Bill Moroney (USEF)
Stan Morey (AHA)
Justin Billings (AQHA)
Rob Burke (USEA)
Scott Dorenkemp (PRCA)
Harold Palmer (TJC)
Glenn Petty (USHJA)
Kim Jarvis (Jarvis Insurance)
Bud Wills (CSHC)
About the American Horse Council
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.
Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council
Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org
