Industry Info ture National Agricultural Statistical service ( USDA-NASS ), and Tom Zitt of The Innovation Group . They examined the various equine-related studies that each organization has undertaken , and the differences between them . “ There has been confusion with the differences between AVMA ’ s Pet Study , USDA-NASS Equine census , and the AHC ’ s Economic Impact Study ,” said AHC President Julie Broadway . “ This panel was helpful in showcasing the differences in the data that each collects , and how we can continue to use the data from each to seek new opportunities to advance the industry .”
Closing out the Morning Session was the “ Building the Youth Pipeline ” Panel featuring Katie Blodgett of PGA First Tee , Ivan Levin of Outdoor Nation , and Rachel Piacenza of Take Me Fishing . A consistent theme throughout their presentations was that participants are aging out of their respective industry areas , and their organizations are coming up with new and exciting ways to target the younger generation . “ Of course , each industry has their own unique challenges ,” said Ms . Broadway . “ This panel was helpful to show attendees that the horse industry is not the only industry creating new initiatives to reach out and get newcomers involved . It was also great to see how some organizations are integrating leadership development into their programs , and finding ways to make newcomers first experience fun and memorable so they keep coming back .”
Kicking off the Afternoon Session was Dan Ashe , CEO of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums , where he discussed animal welfare and conservation issues that zoos and
aquariums face . “ Throughout my career at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service , including nearly six as director , I had the opportunity to work closely with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , as well as AZA-accredited facilities , on numerous occasions ,” said Mr . Ashe . “ As we move deeper into the 21st century , we face a complicated conservation landscape and effective conservation will demand broader and stronger partnerships .”
“ The AZA community collectively brings more people face-to-face with wild animals in a way that no other organizations can match . Connecting that many people to wildlife and nature provides a powerful opportunity for us to engage them in efforts to save endangered wildlife and wild habitats around the globe ,” continued Mr . Ashe . Like the equine industry , AZA-accredited facilities play influential roles in their communitiesthey create jobs , stimulate economic activity , and serve as an environment for families to enjoy a day with nature .
Attendees were also treated to a presentation from the Man O ’ War Project , which is a program that is developing and testing Equine Assisted Treatment for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ). Founded by Earle I . Mack , the program also uses thoroughbreds from rescue facilities to work with the veterans . “ Saving veterans AND saving horses ,” said Ann Poulson , Executive Director of the Man O ’ War Project . “ PTSD is the signature disorder among returning veterans ,” said Dr . Prudence Fisher , one of the researchers at Columbia University who is involved with the project . “ Up to 30 % of veterans suffer from PTSD , including many veterans from previous eras who remain symptomatic . Because of this , they have an increased suicide rate- approximately 20 veterans a day commit suicide .” The Man O ’ War Project is also putting concrete data with the treatment- veterans undergo MRI scans to compare brain regions before and after working with the horses .
Trending on the theme of rescue , an Equine Aftercare Panel with Erin Crady of Thoroughbred Charities of America , Kristin Werner-Leshney of The Jockey Club , and Russell Williams of United States Trotting Association ( USTA ) spoke on the different initiatives their respective organizations are doing to help horses in the rescue pipeline and move them on to second careers .
Finally , a Congressional Panel of Laurie Flanagan from the H-2B Coalition and Stephanie Gadbois from the House Judiciary Committee briefly discussed the status of the H-2B program as well as the Agricultural Guest Worker Act introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte .
After the Afternoon Session , attendees participated in breakout discussion sessions on issues such as Disaster Preparedness & Response , Safe Sport , Immigration & Visa Challenges , Import / Export , and Data & Trends- Next Steps .
Closing out the National Issues Forum was the Congressional Reception , which was widely attended by both meeting attendees , as well as several Congressional members , including Congressional Horse Caucus Co-Chairs Rep . Andy Barr ( R-KY ) and Rep . Paul Tonko ( D-NY ).
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