By unanimous vote of the American Horse Council’s (AHC) board of trustees, three new at-large trustees have been elected to serve a two-year term starting in June 2022: Justine Staten, representing the Coalition of State Horse Councils (CSHC); Christy Landwehr filling the General -At Large seat and Austin Halvorson filling the Young Adult-At Large seat.
The AHC board consists of 12 equine industry leaders from major associations including American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Quarter Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, The Jockey Club, United States Equestrian Federation, and United States Trotting Association. In 2018, the AHC added two at-large seats to the board (CSHC and General-At Large) to provide a greater level of inclusion to ensure the organization is truly representative of a variety of stakeholder interest groups. In 2021, the board added a Young Adult-At Large seat to further expand its diversity.
Justine Staten of KS – Executive Director Kansas Horse Council and incoming CSHC Chair. Justine has extensive experience in the equine industry with family involvement in 4-H and the Blackjack Saddle Club. She provides equine education at the annual Riley County Farm Bureau Ag Kid’s Day and was a long-time volunteer with the “On the Trail to a Cure” benefit ride for cancer, as well as manager of several other American Cancer Society galas.
Christy Landwehr of Aurora, CO – Chief Executive Officer Certified Horsemanship Association. Christy is Past President of the American Youth Horse Council and past board member for the Colorado Horse Council. She also founded, competed on and coached the University of Colorado at Boulder Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team. Christy sits on the AQHA and APHA Professional Horsemen Councils and the AQHA National Marketing Committee. Christy sits on the Colorado State University Equine Sciences Advisory Council and on the Colorado Society of Association Executives Board and is the current Treasurer for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.
Austin Halvorson of Liberty Hill, TX has been passionate about equine related advocacy since his first trip to DC on behalf of AQHA in 2014. Since then Austin has worked in the halls of congress, the Texas Legislature, in political campaigns, for lobbying groups, and now for a political law firm. Austin is a graduate of Texas A&M and has served as OQHYA President (2010-2014); AQHYA Board of Directors (2010-2014); AQHYA President (2013-2014); Pledge Class President, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (2014-2015); and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council at Texas A&M (2016-2018).
Dr. Rick Mitchell, AHC Board Chair, stated, “These outstanding individuals will bring great insight to board conversations, and we are pleased they have agreed to serve.”
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