In a recently released Kentucky Equine Survey, it stated the Bluegrass State is home to 242,000 horses and the total value of the state's equine and equine-related assets is estimated at $23.4 billion.
About 15,000 horse owners will be surveyed beginning the week of June 24 for a study on Kentucky's equine industry, officials said June 19.
State and federal organizations are conducting a major survey of the equine population in Kentucky in the hope of developing plans to move the industry forward.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Equine Education Project, and the Kentucky Horse Council announced Oct. 6 that horses have been added to the "Kentucky Proud" program.
The Kentucky Horse Council said Jan. 12 it has modified its mission statement to offer a "more accurate reflection" of how its role in the equine community has evolved.
Students and adults who are interested in a career with horses are being given a chance to learn more about their educational opportunities in the equine field.
Indiscriminate breeding has widely been recognized as one contributing factor to the increasing numbers of unwanted horses. The Kentucky Horse Council is now offering incentives for responsible Kentucky horse owners to reduce the number of horses capable of reproduction through a geld voucher program.
In an attempt to improve the unwanted horse situation, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the first annual John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair June 28, named for the late champion who passed away at the park last fall.
Madelyn Millard, president of the Kentucky Horse Council board, welcomed three new members Aug. 6: Latonna Wilson, Dr. Doug Byars, and Kristin Hix.
Trainer Monty Roberts will be the guest speaker at a reception to introduce this year's recipients of scholarships from The Race for Education, the Kentucky Equine Education Program, and the Kentucky Horse Council. The reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 14 at Victorian Square in Lexington.
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky Horse Council, and the Race for Education have announced a joint effort to promote Kentucky's equine scholarships.
The Kentucky Horse Council is in the midst of collecting data for an Equine Impact Study. To help ensure the questionnaires are completed, Pat Day will appear in public service announcements urging people in the horse industry to participate.
Kentucky's equine industry will be the focus June 18 when the recently formed Subcomittee on Horse Farming of the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources holds its first meeting.
