Equine rescue facilities in Kentucky and throughout the nation are experiencing an overflow of surrendered horses. Increasingly, such facilities struggle with funding and necessary support for ongoing management and care of the horses.
In recognition of the efforts of Kentucky's equine rescue facilities, the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) regularly provides networking meetings and educational activities for equine rescue operations. Such a meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, 1-4 p.m., at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center in Nicholasville.
The meeting includes an educational hands-on seminar that will provide attendees instruction on determining body condition score using the Henneke scale and the opportunity to practice with live horses. Essie Rogers, KHC Director of Education & Welfare, will teach body condition scoring. Rogers regularly instructs horse owners, animal control officers, and peace officers in the use of the Henneke scale to determine body condition score.
"Knowing how to accurately determine equine body condition score is important for all horse owners, but especially for rescue facilities as it is an objective means of determining if a feeding or rehabilitation program is improving the horse's condition," noted Madelyn Millard, KHC Board President.
Following the training, rescues in attendance will meet to discuss current trends and issues and develop strategies for managing the expected increase in needy horses this winter.
All Kentucky equine rescue organizations are invited to attend the three-hour meeting that will be held at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, 1713 Catnip Hill in Nicholasville. For more information or to reserve a seat at the meeting, contact the KHC at 859/367-0509, e-mail erogers@kentuckyhorse.org, or visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
