American Horse Council

What American Horse Council does

The American Horse Council (AHC) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1969 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, that serves as the sole national advocacy body representing every segment of the U.S. equine industry before Congress and federal regulatory agencies. Its mission is to advocate for the health and welfare of the horse and the economic and legislative interests of the equine industry, which its own 2023 Economic Impact Study sized at $177 billion in annual economic contribution, 2.2 million jobs, $122 billion in wages and benefits, and 6.65 million horses. AHC operates a portfolio of wholly-owned programs and affiliated entities including the AHC Foundation, United Horse Coalition, Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), Coalition of State Horse Councils (CSHC), and Equine Welfare Data Collective, alongside grassroots tools such as Muster the Cavalry and member resources including the Horse Industry Directory, National Trails Directory, Economic Impact Study publications, webinars, a podcast, and the annual Conference and National Issues Forum held in Washington, D.C.

AHC's business model is membership-based and non-software. Revenue is generated through member dues from breed registries, national and state equine associations, state horse councils, racetracks, veterinarians, farriers, rodeo and recreational associations; corporate sponsorships across Platinum (Purina/Land O'Lakes), Gold (Zoetis, C. Jarvis Insurance, The Wild Horse Refuge), Silver, and Bronze tiers; registration fees and sponsorship revenue from the annual conference; and transactional sales of publications (Economic Impact Study, Tax Handbooks, appendices) via the AHC Atlas e-commerce storefront. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; membership is quote-based on annual billing. Technology is primarily operational and advocacy-oriented (website, member portal, Muster grassroots platform, podcast distribution) rather than a product architecture, with no public API and only a 2026 internship-led closed-environment AI automation pilot.

AHC serves a diversified customer base spanning racing (NTRA, USTA), breed registries (AQHA, USEF), equestrian sports (USEF), professional veterinary and farrier associations (AAEP, AFA), rodeo (PRCA), recreational riding (BCHA, endurance ride conferences), welfare/rescue organizations, equine-assisted services providers (PATH Intl. members), and youth programs through the American Youth Horse Council (AYHC). With 15 employees and a hybrid operating model, AHC coordinates industry-wide consensus positions, drives grassroots advocacy, and serves as the principal interface between the equine industry and federal lawmakers, USDA-APHIS, and other regulatory bodies on issues including the Farm Bill, Horse Protection Act, screwworm response, tariffs, and international horse movement.

Name

American Horse Council

Legal name

American Horse Council

Website

https://horsecouncil.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The American Horse Council is a 1969-founded nonprofit trade association in McLean, Virginia that serves as the sole national advocate in Washington, D.C. for every segment of the U.S. equine industry through membership dues, sponsorships, research, and a portfolio of welfare and disease-communication programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

McLean

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The AHC operates as a membership-based organization where breed registries, national and state equine associations, state horse councils, recreational associations, and organizations representing various equine stakeholders pay membership dues to support advocacy efforts.
2. Annual Conference Revenue: The AHC generates revenue through its annual conference and National Issues Forum held in Washington, D.C., including registration fees for attendees.
3. Publications and Reports Sales: The AHC sells publications including the 2023 Economic Impact Study, Appendix reports, and Tax Handbooks through its member portal e-commerce store.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors at Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers support the organization in exchange for recognition and visibility with the equine industry.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The American Horse Council is the only national association exclusively representing every segment of the U.S. equine industry in Washington, D.C. It delivers unified federal advocacy, regulatory representation, economic research, and grassroots mobilization on behalf of breed registries, state horse councils, racing organizations, recreational riders, veterinarians, farriers, and welfare groups. The organization sells memberships, sponsorships, conference registrations, and industry publications.

Product overview

The American Horse Council is a membership-based nonprofit advocacy organization serving as the national association exclusively representing every segment of the U.S. equine industry. Its offerings include: advocacy programs (Muster the Cavalry grassroots platform, Congressional Scorecard), welfare initiatives (United Horse Coalition, Here For Horses, AHC Foundation, Coalition of State Horse Councils), information services (Equine Disease Communication Center, AHC Microchip Look-Up, Horse Industry Directory, National Trails Directory), professional development (Equine Industry Executive Forum, Annual Conference & National Issues Forum, Webinars), media content (AHC Podcast), research publications (Economic Impact Study), and membership benefits. The organization connects industry stakeholders through advocacy, education, and coalition-building rather than a traditional software product architecture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Muster the Cavalry: AHC's grassroots advocacy platform that enables members to contact congressional representatives on equine industry issues
• United Horse Coalition
• Farrier Direct
• AHC Foundation
• American Youth Horse Council

Products and services

• AHC Membership Program Annual membership program for breed registries, national and state equine associations, state horse councils, recreational associations, racetracks, veterinarians, farriers, rodeos, and other equine organizations. Provides advocacy representation before Congress and federal agencies, exclusive resources, member portal access, and participation in industry coordination.
• Annual Conference & National Issues Forum Annual event held in Washington, D.C. bringing together equine industry leaders for education, advocacy training, and networking. Includes Congressional Fly-In component for members to engage directly with federal legislators.
• Muster the Cavalry Digital grassroots advocacy platform that enables members and supporters to contact their congressional representatives on equine industry legislative issues. Provides talking points and automated representative matching.
• 2023 Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry Comprehensive economic study reporting $177 billion contribution to the U.S. economy, 2.2 million jobs supported, and 6.65 million horses across racing, recreation, competition, work horse, assisted services, and rescue sectors.
• Congressional Scorecard Annual scorecard tracking congressional voting records on issues affecting the equine industry.
• National Trails Directory Directory helping users find horse-friendly trails across the United States, including trail etiquette and land preservation information.
• AHC Podcast Monthly podcast featuring industry professionals, legislative updates, and discussions on horse-related topics.
• AHC Webinars Quarterly webinars covering topics such as finance, accounting, biosecurity, equine welfare, and industry best practices. Replays available on the website.
• Horse Industry Directory Comprehensive directory of equine-related businesses, associations, and organizations across the industry.
• Farrier Direct Program designed to help horse owners find and connect with farriers to help keep horses with their owners.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Tiered sponsorship program (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) for corporate sponsors supporting AHC's advocacy efforts in exchange for recognition and visibility with the equine industry.

Quantifiable outcome

• The equine industry contributes $177 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting 2.2 million jobs and $122 billion in wages/benefits
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and supporting.

• Purina (Land O'Lakes)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of the American Horse Council. Purina has been devoted to researching and discovering what's best for animals since 1894, with a team of over 100 Masters of Sciences, Ph.Ds, veterinarians, nutritionists, microbiologists, geneticists, and immunologists. Provides research-proven equine nutrition products and advocates for local communities and the agricultural way of life.
• ZoetiscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor. As the world's leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. The company generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. Zoetis Equine division is committed to providing horse care with a comprehensive, innovative portfolio of equine products and services.
• C. Jarvis Insurance AgencycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor. Family-owned company founded in 1946 providing equine, liability, ranch, and farm, as well as personal insurance coverage. Now owned by granddaughter Kimberly Jarvis and operated alongside sister Sandy Jarvis and daughter BrookeMarie Jarvis, continuing the tradition of professionalism, compassion, and hands-on experience.
• The Wild Horse RefugecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor. A private, non-profit sanctuary dedicated exclusively to rescued Mustangs removed from Colorado's Herd Management Areas (HMAs). Home to nearly 250 Mustangs roaming across 47 square miles of protected, contiguous land, offering true rewilding and a natural, free-roaming life.
• Equestrian Directory / ENSO Media GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor and media partner. The Complete Guide for Horse Enthusiasts created for owners, riders, professionals, and businesses of all disciplines. Published by ENSO Media Group, a multi-faceted marketing firm with more than 60 years of combined experience in the publishing industry.
• PopuloussupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor. Global design firm that began with a singular focus to draw people together through experiences. Designs iconic spaces for sports and entertainment including equestrian venues and event spaces. Headquartered in Kansas City with regional headquarters in London and Brisbane.
• SmartPak / SmartEquinesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor. Since 1999, SmartPak has been on a mission to make the world a better place using smarts to power healthy horses and happy riders. Known for innovative equine supplement and supply solutions.
• AbsorbinesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor. Founded by Mary Ida Young in late 19th-century Massachusetts. Grew from humble beginnings to become a trusted brand for equine and pet care products including Veterinary Liniment. The exact formula remains a family secret after more than a century.
• Markel InsurancesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor. Offers specialized insurance policies for horse owners, farms, and equine operations with over 50 years of experience insuring the equine industry. Provides coverage including horse mortality, property damage, and liability.
• Merck Animal HealthsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor. Research-driven company that develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of veterinary medicines and services. With offices in more than 50 countries and products in 140+ countries, offers innovative portfolios spanning prevention, treatment, and control of disease in all major farm and companion animal species.
• Standlee Premium Western ForagesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor. Established in 1981, Standlee has been dedicated to carefully growing and manufacturing sun-cured forage as the perfect feeding solution for animals. Committed to maintaining peak health and performance through premium forage and animal care products.
• American Horse Publications (AHP)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Has united equine-related publishing media, businesses, media professionals, colleges, and students for over 50 years. Professional membership association that promotes excellence in equine media and encourages relationships and communication within the horse industry through education and networking.
• Horses in the MorningsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. The world's leading daily morning podcast for the horse world with listeners in over 90 countries. A light, lively, entertaining look at the horse world featuring entertaining conversation, training tips, health segments, and listener call-ins.
• AHC FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe charitable arm of the American Horse Council. Currently conducting the 2028 National Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry. Offers 'Future Leaders Professional Development' scholarships for agriculture/equine students to attend the AHC Annual Conference. Publishes the technical appendix and consumer data report for the National Economic Impact Study.
• United Horse Coalition (UHC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition dedicated to helping horses and the people who care for them. Maintains the UHC Equine Resource Database (UHCERD) containing resources of all assistance programs available for horse owners. The AHC Operations Manager serves as Operations Manager for the United Horse Coalition. Conducts membership drives and educational outreach.
• Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative organization working to communicate accurate and timely equine disease information. Provides disease alerts, fact sheets, and outbreak tracking. Critical resource for the AHC's health and welfare advocacy work and screwworm response coordination.
• Coalition of State Horse Councils (CSHC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition representing state horse councils across the United States. Works to strengthen state-level equine advocacy and coordinate with federal policy. Recently developed a State Horse Council Toolkit to help form and activate state councils. Hosts webinars on the future of state horse councils.
• American Youth Horse Council (AYHC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth-focused division of the AHC. Partners with National Home School Association to provide youth resources. Offers internships, scholarships, and leadership development programs for young people in the equine industry. Develops youth resource handbooks and career content.
• Here For HorsessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition focused on equine welfare initiatives and industry collaboration. Links to AHC programs page indicating collaborative relationship on welfare advocacy efforts.
• Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the National Trails Directory development. Offers talking points for explaining liability issues to landowners, liability management tools, guidelines for fostering positive relationships with landowners, and model rules of usage. Critical partner for trails and land preservation advocacy.
• Back Country Horsemen of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in National Trails Directory and land conservation efforts. Focuses on maintaining public land trails for equestrians through physical work and policy advocacy. Critical voice for public lands access and trail preservation.
• American TrailssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in National Trails Directory. National organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing America's network of trails. Collaborates on trail resources and advocacy efforts.
• USDA / APHISflagshipOthersPrimary federal regulatory partner. AHC formally requests USDA to delay HPA regulations, submits comments on NAHMS 2026 Equine Study, and advocates for equine health and welfare funding in Farm Bill. Works closely with USDA on screwworm response, Horse Protection Act implementation, and disease surveillance. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden spoke at AHC Conference.
• U.S. CongressflagshipOthersPrimary legislative advocacy target. AHC coordinates Congressional Fly-Ins, issues Congressional Scorecards, and mobilizes members through the 'Muster the Cavalry' platform. Engages with House Agriculture Committee, Senate Agriculture Committee, and individual legislators on Farm Bill, HPA, equine health funding, and veterinarian shortage issues.
• National Animal Control Association (NACA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAHC internship program involves creating a directory of animal control officers in collaboration with NACA to help horse owners in need of assistance.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Farm Bureau Federation: The largest U.S. agricultural trade association, representing farmers and ranchers including equine interests at the federal level. Comparable to AHC as a national membership-based advocacy organization, though with a broader agricultural scope.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): National professional association for veterinarians, including equine practitioners. Comparable advocacy structure on animal health, welfare, and veterinary workforce issues that directly intersect with AHC's regulatory priorities.
• Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC): National trade association for the pet industry with federal advocacy focus. Closely mirrors AHC's role as a membership-based advocacy organization representing animal-related stakeholders before Congress and federal agencies.

Direct peers

• American Feed Industry Association (AFIA): National trade association representing the U.S. animal feed industry. Directly comparable structure to AHC with corporate membership tiers, federal advocacy on regulation, and an annual conference — and a natural sponsor partner for AHC.
• U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF): National governing body for equestrian sports in the U.S. and an AHC member. Operates a similar membership-based structure with breed/competition stakeholders, overlapping advocacy on issues like the Horse Protection Act and equine welfare.
• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP): Professional association for equine veterinarians and an AHC member. Highly comparable membership-based organization focused on equine health, welfare, and practice issues, with parallel advocacy engagement on Horse Protection Act and biosecurity.
• American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA): The world's largest equine breed registry and an AHC member. Comparable membership-based association representing a specific equine constituency with its own advocacy and member-service programs targeting breed owners and competitors.
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association: National trade association for the U.S. cattle industry. Closely comparable structure to AHC as a membership-driven advocacy organization representing livestock producers before Congress and federal agencies on industry-specific legislation and regulation.
• The Jockey Club: Breed registry and organization for Thoroughbred horses in North America. Comparable membership/registry-based structure with industry advocacy on racing integrity, equine health, and traceability — and an AHC member organization.
• National Pork Producers Council (NPPC): National trade association for the U.S. pork industry. Highly analogous to AHC as a livestock-sector membership-driven advocacy organization with federal policy focus, conference programming, and grassroots mobilization capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AmericanHorseCo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdBtNkiAZffIDV7Nx92swzg
• Facebookfacebook.com/AmericanHorseCouncil
• Instagraminstagram.com/americanhorsecouncil
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-horse-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Horse Council