by Dale Zahn, for Harness Horsemen International

Burlington, NJ — At its May Board meeting, the leadership team of Harness Horsemen’s International, as led by President Gene Oldford, moved to support the American Horse Council’s National Welfare Code of Practice.

The HHI now joins a long and growing list of equine related associations dedicated to the welfare and safety of horses. In general terms, the HHI has lent its support to the Code of Practice that commits to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.

Harness Horsemen International is a worldwide organization comprised of 16 associations representing nearly 10,000 members and all members are encouraged to support this important Code of the AHC, based in Washington, D.C.

By lending its support, HHI will be part of a strong and unified group that maintains a strong voice in the public, the media and with Federal and State officials within the equine community regarding important issues. The first principle of the commitment to all horses and the horse industry as stated in the AHC Code is “The welfare, safety and stewardship of the horse is the guiding principle in the decision making process for all segments of the horse industry.”

In other business at the Board meeting, the group decided to move forward towards the creation of an internet presence for HHI to further expand the group’s reach and exposure and to keep members and the public well informed of the organization’s work.