On Monday evening, the National Western Stock Show hosted a spectacular dinner and show for the conventioneers at their arena in Denver. Aside from the swinging country music of Runaway Express, there were magnificent performances by Jerry Diaz and his amazing trick horses. Champion reiners Terry Wegener and Lindsay Cover performed reining patterns, dressage duos, Dolly Hannon and Whit Watkins, orchestrated a beautifully-choreographed dressage test to music and the nationally acclaimed drill team, The Westernaires, performed breathtaking drills that seemed to defy any and all riding stunts. Also on hand has was popular cowboy entertainer Baxter Black who amused the crowd with his humorous poetic tales. Tuesday morning featured reports and recommendations from AHC committee chairmen.
Funding is needed to enforce the Humane Transportation Act that was enacted last year.
The committee recommended also that a letter be forwarded to USDA relaying the very positive response to the changes in the Contagious Equine Metritis rules as reflected in the improved trade in horses. As always, this year's convention concluded on Wednesday with the Tax and Business Workshop, which included speakers Richard Craigo, Charles Stivers, Robert Hill, George Johnson, Richard Wilcke, Julie Fershtman and John Goetz. Presentations were made on issues such as material participation, and passive loss requirements, depreciation rules, equine insurance, and contracts. The American Horse Council, the national legislative representative for the horse industry, works daily with Congress, federal agencies and the industry itself to create an environment that benefits horses and the people who depend on, care about and enjoy them. A non-profit organization, the AHC's activities are funded entirely through membership dues.