American Horse Council Announces Opportunity for USDF Members

For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Saddle Up for the Congressional Cavalry Program!

In an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC, the American Horse Council (AHC) has organized a new grassroots effort, entitled "The Congressional Cavalry Program."  The AHC represents the horse industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies on important national issues.  The AHC invites USDF members to  participate in this program and help make a difference in federal legislation and regulations that affect the horse industry. 
 
All USDF members who wish to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington, DC can join the Congressional Cavalry Program at their discretion. The purpose of the program is to identify people in each Congressional District across America who will agree to contact their Representative/Senators or other federal officials when asked by the AHC. Contacts from constituents are the most effective way to persuade a Member of Congress or a federal official to take action with respect to a particular issue regarding horses. 

Individuals will be mobilized when there is a need for grassroots contacts, such as letters and telephone calls.  Members of the program will be put on an E-mail or telefax list so they can be contacted and activated quickly.  The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is necessary.  Any level of commitment by participants is welcome.

The Congressional Cavalry Program might 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 reports to Congress about activities back in the district that illustrate the importance of the horse industry to the state and local economy, the sport, and recreational life.

If you want to sign up for or have any additional questions about the Congressional Cavalry Program, please contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.