(Washington, DC; August 26, 2020) –  Please join the American Horse Council on Wednesday, October 28th at 5:00 PM ET for the AHC’s Award Reception which will be held virtually as we honor and recognize industry leaders for their numerous contributions.

• Van Ness Award – named in honor of the late Marjorie Van Ness of New Jersey, a long-time leader and friend to the horse industry. This award is presented to an individual that best emulates the dedication and commitment of Marjorie Van Ness to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level. Without a doubt Fred Sarver of Carlisle, KY dedication and commitment to the horse industry in both Kentucky, and Virginia before that, mirror the noble example set by Marjorie Van Ness.

• Hickey Award – each year the AHC honors an individual who has been a great supporter of the horse industry and the American Horse Council with the James J. Hickey Jr. Award. The award is presented in honor of the past AHC President, “Jay” Hickey, who served from 1993 to 2016. This year AHC will present this award to G. Marvin Beeman, DVM of Littleton, CO and recognize his contributions to the American Horse Council and the horse industry in general over a sixty-three-year veterinary career, which epitomizes the spirit of this award.

• Rolapp Award – each year AHC honors a Member of Congress who has greatly supported the American horse industry with the Rolapp Award.  The award is presented in remembrance of the long-time president of the AHC, R. Richard Rolapp.  This year AHC will honor Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) to recognize his support for the $122 billion equine industry. His leadership and support of common-sense equine welfare legislation such as the PAST Act, and efforts on trails access legislation on behalf of the industry in the last Congress make the selection this year very easy. 

Registration of the AHC Conference and/or the Awards Reception opens September 1, 2020. Contact info@horsecouncil.orgfor more information or go to www.horsecouncil.org

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.                        

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen’s associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

Phone: 202-296-4031
Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org