How is the Kentucky Horse Council funded? 

Funding for the Kentucky Horse Council's welfare programs come primarily from the specialty license plate, which features the foal lying in the grass. Each time a Kentucky resident purchases or renews a KHC plate, the Horse Council is allocated a $10 payment fee. The Kentucky Horse Council license plate is the ONLY specialty plate that can be purchased for both individual and farm vehicles. In addition, the Kentucky Horse Council pursues additional sources of funds, including grants and working with equine industry partners, which is also channeled into statewide equine welfare programs.

 

How does the Kentucky Horse Council use its funds?  

• KHC E-News: Our weekly Kentucky Horse News reaches nearly 11,000 horse owners and equine enthusiasts in Kentucky and across the nation. It provides news and announcements both within the state and nationally to keep the equine community up-to-date on events, horse health, equine legislation, racing and sporthorse news, equine industry issues, and more.

• Horse Association Support: Many horse associations in Kentucky have joined the Kentucky Horse Council as an association member, which provides them priority attention from the Horse Council.

• Humanitarian Aid to Horses: The Kentucky Horse Council has multiple health and welfare programs to assist at-risk horses. One key pillar to KHC welfare programming is the Livestock Investigation Training, which educates law enforcement and animal control officers on how to investigate possible equine cruelty and neglect. Through the Save Our Horses (SOHO) fund, the KHC also provides feed and hay for horse owners whose owners are in a tenuous financial situation. In addition, the KHC is actively involved in disaster relief when an area of the Commonwealth is affected.

• Agricultural Industry Presence: The Kentucky Horse Council participates actively in the Kentucky Agriculture Council and the Equine Committee of Kentucky Farm Bureau, as well as the Kentucky Livestock Coalition. The KHC also has good relationships with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky State Veterinarian's Office.

 

How is the Kentucky Horse Council organized? 

The Horse Council is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of 12 to 23 representatives from all aspects of the horse industry. The board meets bi-monthly. The is one full-time staff member, the Executive Director and multiple part-time contractors. The KHC also has multiple active committees; committees are open to all active members of the Horse Council.

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