The American Horse Council - An Interview with Bridget Harrison
Horse lovers in our nation's capital? You Bet. Learn about Bridget Harrison's work for the American Horse Council.
Many of us own and ride horses, whether it’s for competition, a career or fun. While we’re in the saddle, we’re hopefully not focused on the many obstacles horse lovers face with horses in America, but 
they are ever-present.
The American Horse Council (AHC) was founded in 1969 to promote, protect and unify the equine industry, working in Washington to lobby Congress and federal agencies for the interests of the horse industry.
I was able to meet with Bridget Harrison, who leads the AHC’s communications, membership and development efforts, at her offices in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the AHC’s efforts and issues and how as individuals, we can help.
Darley Newman: What is your background with horses and how did you land a job working on behalf of horses and horse lovers in Washington, D.C.?
Bridget Harrison: I have been riding horses since I was six years old. I grew up competing in the hunter / jumper divisions and currently ride several young horses that I take lessons on and occasionally show. I started my career in marketing and fundraising at various equine and environmental non-profit organizations. Advocacy and grass roots efforts have always been important to me, so when I learned that the American Horse Council was hiring it seemed to be the perfect way to apply my practical work experience with one of my greatest passions.
Darley Newman: You work in Washington at “Keeping Opportunities Open” for the horse industry. Who are your members and how are they involved in these efforts?
Bridget Harrison: The AHC is proud to have over 150 different equine organizational members, 1,200 individual members, and 10 commercial sponsors. Our members are involved in many different disciplines, breeds, and styles of riding. Because the AHC is involved with every facet of the industry, it is important that support come from all horse enthusiasts. Our members are able to support the efforts of the AHC through various levels of membership, as well as through grassroots efforts led by the AHC.
Darley Newman: What are some key issues the AHC is working to address in 2011?
Bridget Harrison: For trail riders there are many issues the AHC is working on right now, however the most pressing are reauthorization of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and the proposed Forest Service planning rule. The RTP provides money for trail construction around the country and if this program is not reauthorized in the next highway bill, trail users will lose this important source of funding. The Forest Service has proposed a new planning rule that will guide all individual forest rules in the future. The AHC is working to help make certain the final planning rule addresses recreation and does not negatively impact equestrians who use the National Forests.
Darley Newman: As a trail rider, what is the American Horse Council doing to address land conservation for equestrian use?
Bridget Harrison: The AHC works with the federal land management agencies on a daily basis to preserve equestrian access to public land and has also been a participant in the President’s Americas Great Outdoors Initiative, which focuses on conservation and also on reconnecting Americans with our public and working lands. The AHC continues to support legislative efforts to provide incentives for placing land in conservation easements.
Darley Newman: What are some benefits to joining the AHC and what can individuals do on a grassroots level to support the equine industry?
Bridget Harrison: By becoming a member of the AHC you are supporting our efforts to protect and promote the horse industry in front of Congress and other government agencies in Washington. Without member support, the AHC would not be able to achieve its mission to make certain the horse community has a voice in Washington.
Members of the horse community can also support the AHC by join our grassroots program, the Congressional Cavalry. As a member of the Congressional Cavalry, you will receive periodic updates that will let you know when new developments happen in Washington and when and how to take action. To join all you need to do is email the AHC at ahc@horsecouncil.org.
I want to express my gratitude to you and Equitrekking for sharing AHC’s passion for horses with their viewers. I hope that the new season of Equitrekking takes these viewers beyond their wildest dreams!
Darley Newman: Thanks Bridget!
Learn more about the American Horse Council on their website at horsecouncil.org
