R.J. Layher has recently joined the American Horse Council as the Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs. His responsibilities will include equine health issues; welfare issues; and state, federal, and international requirements regarding the movement of horses. He will be the principal AHC contact to the USDA.

“It’s great to be part of an organization that understands the importance horses play in our country," Layher said. "I look forward to advocating on behalf of the horse industry to preserve this robust and dynamic facet of the agricultural economy that it is today.”

Layher grew up on a family farm in southeast Michigan and graduated from Hillsdale College in 2010 with a degree in political economy. Before coming to Washington, he managed a Michigan State House campaign and spent time in Oklahoma, Kansas, Minnesota, and the Dakotas where he worked for a custom harvester. Most recently, he was a legislative assistant for retired Congressman Timothy V. Johnson of Illinois.

“We are pleased to have R.J. join the AHC staff,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “He brings political experience and enthusiasm to this important position