The June 26 National Issues Forum presented by the American Horse Council (AHC) in Washington, D.C., will focus on "Reinvigorating the Horse Industry," the organization said April 25.

The forum is part of the AHC annual meeting scheduled for June 24-27. The meeting will include visits with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, a congressional reception, and a breed roundtable, as well as satellite meetings including the Unwanted Horse Coalition.

"Over the last few years the number of horses being bred and overall participation in equine activities has declined," the AHC said in a press release. "Clearly, a major factor is the downturn in the economy, but there is a growing concern in the industry that the long-standing connection between horses and people is at risk for additional reasons.

"Many organizations are looking at how they can get more people active with horses, attract more participants and spectators to their events, and restore the demand for horse ownership by growing the horse community