R.J. Layher has joined the American Horse Council as 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 United States Department of Agriculture.
"It's great to be part of an organization that understands the importance horses play in our country," Layher said in a release.
Layher, who grew up on a family farm in Michigan, managed a Michigan State House campaign and spent time in Oklahoma, Kansas, Minnesota, and the Dakotas working 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 in a statement. "He brings political experience and enthusiasm to this important position."