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Monetary Donations:
Financial donations are preferred because of the difficulty in getting supplies from outside of the region to affected horses. The AAEP Foundation Equine Disaster Relief Fund, National HBPA Foundation, and USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund are all accepting support that will be distributed among credible programs and organizations helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts. Additionally, please consider giving directly to PATH International, as several of their therapeutic riding facilities sustained extreme flooding damage.
Supply Donations:
A supply drive is also being coordinated in Lexington, Ky., through a partnership of local equine groups. Click here to see a current list of needed supplies requested by first responders. Supply donations will be accepted at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) office inside the Kentucky Horse Park:
4033 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
(859)-233-0147
Donation hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Labor Day hours are 7:30 a.m. to noon. Call the AAEP office if directions are needed. After hours donations may be arranged by contacting Keith Kleine at kkleine@aaep.org or (859)-327-8750.
The first supply truck will leave bound for a property in Katy, Texas sheltering displaced horses. The AAEP Foundation is working closely with first responders on the ground to determine the most urgent needs and locations for future shipments. The Foundation is grateful for both the support and patience of the community as we work diligently to determine the ever-changing needs of affected areas.
For more information about how to help horses and their caretakers, visit the AAEP Foundations Harvey relief page, social media outlets for supporting organizations, and search #HarveyHorseHelp on Twitter.
Supporting Organizations
American Association of Equine Practitioners & Foundation
American Horse Council
American Quarter Horse Association
Breeders' Cup Limited
Brook Ledge Horse Transportation
Creech Horse Transportation
Equine Land Conservation Resource
Equine Medical Associates, PSC
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute & Pharmacy
Horse Country
KBC International
Keeneland Association
Kentucky Equine Humane Center
Kentucky Horse Council
Kentucky Quarter Horse Association & Youth Association
Kentucky Thoroughbred Association
Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders
Maker's Mark Secretariat Center
National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Park Equine Hospital
PATH International
Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital & Pharmacy
The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Charities of America
Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
United States Equestrian Federation
United States Hunter Jumper Association
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities through KENA, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits. The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs
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Lexington, KY (July 31, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced the topic for the August Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner: How to Respond to Equine Emergencies. The dinner, presented by Neogen, will be held on August 15, 2017, at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, Ky. KENA is a dinner and educational series open to equine professionals, horse owners, and recreational riders and will feature a networking reception from 5:30-6:00 PM, followed by dinner with the main speakers from 6-8 PM.
The group, focused on the Kentucky thoroughbred, sport, and pleasure horse community, is charged with the mission of providing an educational and social venue for equine professionals and horse enthusiasts from all disciplines. KENA, which is organized by the Kentucky Horse Council and supported by the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Program, provides the opportunity for attendees to share ideas, business strategies and knowledge, and to obtain up-to-date information on horse and farm management.
A representative from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will discuss the latest updates on large animal emergency rescue and what horse and barn owners can do when they find a horse in a precarious situation as well as who to call for assistance. A first responder will also discuss what to do in case of a barn fire and what steps you can take to prevent a fire from breaking out.
“Horses have an innate ability to get themselves into bad situations and that, along with fire, is every horse owner’s nightmare,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “We are looking forward to an informative panel discussion on what to do when you find yourself in one of those situations and helping horse owners in Kentucky educate themselves on how to handle these emergencies.”
The August 15 dinner is presented by Neogen Corporation. Neogen’s Animal Safety Division manufactures and markets a complete line of diagnostics, veterinary instruments, veterinary pharmaceuticals, therapeutic supplements, disinfectants, and rodenticides. Neogen’s family of Animal Safety products and services are trusted, valued and supported by veterinarians, retailers, and animal lovers.
The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to attend the August 15 event. For details and reservations, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
CONTACT: Kentucky Horse Council
Katy Ross
Executive Director
(859) 367-0509
Kentucky Horse Council Opens Registration for Updated Livestock Investigation Training Level II
Lexington, KY (June 21, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council’s Livestock Investigation Training Level II is being held this summer from July 30 to August 2, at Morehead State University. Registration is now open to all county and state officials, such as Animal Control Officers, Sheriffs, and Police Officers.
Developed by the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) in partnership with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) with input from experienced enforcement officers, veterinarians, and livestock producers, this three-day course is tailored to the needs of the Commonwealth. For 2017, the curriculum has been updated to reflect current accepted animal care standards and the changes in the law that impact those investigating abuse and neglect cases.
The summer training is a Level II training, where attendees will take what they learned at the Level I training and further their knowledge of difficult animal behavior, assess body condition scores, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. Attendees also practice handling and evaluating live horses and livestock as well as examining Kentucky statutes and enforcement procedures. This training also focuses on small ruminants and swine in addition to horses and larger livestock. Revisions to Kentucky statutes on animal welfare in the past few years have been incorporated to make sure that attendees are well versed on the latest laws and regulations.
“We are excited to be offering the updated Livestock Investigation Training this year,” said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. “These trainings fill a vital need for education of peace officers on animal abuse and neglect cases in the Commonwealth and advance the mission of the Kentucky Horse Council. The laws in this area have changed in the past few years and we are pleased to be able to educate Kentucky officials on the latest standards and processes.”
Peace Officers attending the training are eligible for Continuing Education Units through the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
Cost to attend the three-day training is $150 per officer. Out-of-state officials may attend at $250 per officer. Limited scholarships for tuition are available.
This program is sponsored by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, ASPCA, the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and the Kentucky Poultry Federation.
For more information, to register for the class, or for partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org, or contact the Kentucky Horse Council at 859-367-0509 or info@kentuckyhorse.org.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a 501©3 non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits. The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs.
SMART GROWTH STRATEGIES AND PARTNERSHIP KEY TO LAND PRESERVATION IN THE BLUEGRASS
Kentucky Equine Networking Meeting Focused on Land Conservation in Kentucky
For Immediate Release Contact: Katy Ross katy@kentuckyhorse.org 859-367-0509
May 22, 2017 – Lexington, KY – A varied group of equine enthusiasts gathered at Fasig-Tipton for the spring session of the Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA). Presented by the Equine Law Group of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, the evening was intended to educate equine professionals, horse owners and recreational riders on the issue of land loss in the Kentucky’s infamous horse country.
The stellar set of panelists included Holley Groshek, Executive Director of the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR), Susan Speckert, Executive Director of the Fayette Alliance, Ashley Greathouse of Bluegrass Land Conservancy and Roy Cornett, currently serving as the Treasurer for the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA).
Groshek, who represents a nationwide organization, spoke of the creation of the ELCR to “sound the alarm” about land loss to equestrians. As most horseback riders are now aware that land loss is an issue, the focus of the organization has shifted to a more-local level and partnership with local entities also seeking to preserve land. “We’re losing 6,000 acres of land a day to development,” Groshek said. Much of the land that is being developed is being developed poorly, she noted.
The concern over “urban sprawl” was reiterated by Susan Speckert of the Fayette Alliance, a land-use advocacy organization in Fayette County, Ky., that is not afocused solely on equines. “People understand what makes our community [of Lexington] great,” Speckert said. In addition to the active, engaged community members, the history and heritage of agriculture are what make Lexington, Lexington. The Fayette Alliance strives to preserve farmland and promote innovative development—which means limiting urban sprawl.
Kentucky has what is deemed “prime farmland soils and soils of statewide importance,” in its Bluegrass Region. The farmland that makes the area renowned for its Thoroughbred racehorses is what Speckert dubs the “factory floor” – this economic engine drives 1 out of 9 jobs in Fayette County and brings in $2.4 billion each year. Speckert reiterated that the Fayette Alliance is not against growth, but it does advocate for smart growth strategies that minimize sprawl.
Ashley Greathouse of the Bluegrass Land Conservancy detailed options available to landowners in the Bluegrass Region wishing to permanently protect their land from development. Designed to protect both land and heritage, the Conservancy focuses on protecting lands that are used as habitat, that are historic, and those that are used for equine and cattle farms in the region. The organization also focuses on preserving fresh water.
Roy Cornett, an active member of the Back Country Horsemen of America, spoke of the need for riders to have access to public lands on which they can ride. He feels that partnership is the key to keeping lands open and rideable, whether that is partnering with other organizations that use the land (like hikers and bikers) or partnering with those tasked with caring for the land.
“This was one of the most diverse crowds KENA has had to date,” said Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “The depth of the topics covered was impressive, informing the audience on everything from the amount of money farmland brings to the table in the Kentucky economy to how land owners can protect their lands from development. It’s refreshing to see this vast and varied group of people focus on working together to help solve issues that ultimately affect us all.”
Each of the panelists spoke of the need for equestrians to be active in their local communities; for them to have a unified voice to ensure that land is preserved from urban sprawl; and for them to be educated about the issues that face them as equine enthusiasts.
The next KENA meeting will take place on August 15 at Fasig-Tipton.
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Kentucky Horse Council Announces MAY KENA Topic:
SAVING GROUND - pRESERVING ky’S hORSE cOUNTRY
Lexington, KY (April 11, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced the topic for the May Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner: Saving Ground - Preserving KY’s Horse Country. The dinner, presented by the Equine Law Group of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, will be held on May 16, 2017, at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, Ky. KENA is a dinner and educational series open to equine professionals, horse owners, and recreational riders and will feature a networking reception from 5:30-6:00 PM, followed by dinner with the main speakers from 6-8 PM.
May’s speakers will be Holley Groshek, Executive Director of the Equine Land Conservation Resource, Susan Speckert, Executive Director of the Fayette Alliance, and Roy Cornett, currently serving as the Treasurer of the Back Country Horsemen of America. The panelists will speak on the importance of land conservation to the equine industry, in terms of farmland, competition venues and access to trails, as well as steps individuals can take to help protect Kentucky’s equine lands.
“The issue of protecting Kentucky’s farm land is important to every member of the Kentucky horse industry, whether you are a trail rider, breeder, or sport horse competitor,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “We are thrilled to have a panel with three distinct perspectives on this issue and that will touch all of our membership.”
The May 16 dinner is presented by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s Equine Law Group. Dinsmore & Shohl is a full-service law firm with offices in twenty-nine cities throughout nine states and the District of Columbia, including Kentucky offices in Lexington, Frankfort, and Louisville. The Dinsmore Equine Law Group is a generous supporter of the KENA dinner series.
The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to attend the May 16 event. For details and reservations, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.
Registration open for kentucky horse council’s UPDATED livestock investigation training May 22-24
Lexington, KY (March 30, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council’s Livestock Investigation Training is back this spring and will be held from May 22-24th at Morehead State University. Registration is now open to all county and state officials, such as Animal Control Officers, Sheriffs, and Police Officers.
The May training is a Level I training, where attendees will learn how to handle horses and cattle, assess body condition score in both species, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. Attendees will gain hands-on experience to best prepare them for cases in the field. A Level II training will be offered July 31-August 2nd, also at Morehead State University.
“We are excited to be offering the updated Livestock Investigation Training this year,” said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. “These trainings fill a vital need for education of peace officers on animal abuse and neglect cases in the Commonwealth and advance the mission of the Kentucky Horse Council.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kentucky horse council HOSTS First Boyd county
Recreational Rider Day
Lexington, KY (March 3, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced its second Recreational Rider Day of the year and its first to be held at the Boyd County Fairgrounds on March 11, 2017 from 9 am to 4 pm.
This program is an educational and informational day in conjunction with a vendor fair. Educational seminar topics include horse first aid basics, horse feed 101, pasture management, trailer safety, and more. Educational seminars are approved for 4-H education credits and may qualify for Certified Horsemanship Association continuing education credits. There will also be informational booths for equine nonprofits, associations and organizations, as well as vendor booths with tack and other supplies.
“We are excited to host this successful program in a second venue. Our Recreational Rider Days have received such overwhelming feedback and support in Louisville, we are thrilled to be able to offer this program at the other end of the Commonwealth.” said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. “The Boyd County Fairgrounds provides a unique facility that allows us to have educational and hands on workshops. We remain dedicated to the education of youth and horse owners in Kentucky and could not do it without the support of our members and sponsors.”
Admission is $5 cash at the door. Children under 5 are free.
The Recreational Rider Day still has informational booths available as well as vendor space. For more information or to reserve vendor space, please contact info@kentuckyhorse.org.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities through KENA, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits. The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides a source of revenue for KHC programs
Kentucky horse council HOSTS Second ANNUAL
Lexington, KY (February 13, 2017) - The Kentucky Horse Council has announced its second annual Recreational Rider Day to be held February 25, 2017 at the University of Louisville Shelby Road campus from 10 am to 4 pm.
This program, presented by the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, is an educational and informational day in conjunction with a vendor fair. Educational seminar topics include horse first aid basics, horse feed 101, equine degrees, trailer safety, barn fire prevention and more. Educational seminars are approved for 4-H education credits and may qualify for Certified Horsemanship Association continuing education credits. The United States Pony Club will be bringing their interactive educational display and there are also be informational booths for equine nonprofits, associations and organizations, as well as vendor booths with tack and other supplies.
"We are excited to host this new program for the second year. Our first Recreational Rider Day in 2016 received such overwhelming feedback and support, we are thrilled to be able to offer this again in 2017." said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. "We remain dedicated to the education of youth and horse owners in Kentucky and could not do it without the support of our members and sponsors."
The program is presented by the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program with support from the United States Pony Club and Bannon Woods Veterinary Clinic. Admission is $5 cash at the door. Children under 5 are free.
The Recreational Rider Day still has informational booths available as well as vendor space. For more information or to reserve vendor space, please contact info@kentuckyhorse.org or visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.
Kentucky Horse Council Katy Ross Executive Director (859) 367-0509
Kentucky horse council announces FEBRUARY KENA Topic: EHV-1 101 – What do i need to know?
Lexington, KY (January 23, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced the topic for the February Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner: EHV-1 101 – What do I Need to Know? The dinner will be held on February 21, 2017, at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, Ky. KENA is a dinner and educational series open to both equine professionals and horse owners and will feature a networking reception from 5:30-6:00 PM, followed by dinner with the main speakers from 6-8 PM.
KENA, focused on the Kentucky thoroughbred, sport, and pleasure horse community, is charged with the mission of providing an educational and social venue for equine professionals and horse enthusiasts from all disciplines. KENA, which is organized by the Kentucky Horse Council and supported by the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Program, provides the opportunity for attendees to share ideas, business strategies and knowledge, and to obtain up-to-date information on horse and farm management.
With horses testing positive for EHV-1 in Kentucky in January, the February topic is very timely. Dr. Kenton Morgan, Equine Technical Services Veterinarian with Zoetis, will discuss the different strains of EHV-1 and the risks associated with each. Dr. Joe Lyman, Professional Services Veterinarian with Neogen Corporation, will discuss biosecurity and how to minimize the risk to your horse, at home or while traveling. Rusty Ford, Equine Programs Manager for the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s Office, will provide an update on the current status of the EHV-1 outbreak in Kentucky and the protocols put in place by the State Vet’s Office.The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to attend the February 21 event. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For details and reservations, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org or email info@kentuckyhorse.org.
Kentucky Horse Council Announces New Officers, Directors for 2017
Lexington, KY (November 9, 2016) -The Kentucky Horse Council elected new Directors to the Board at the October 23 Annual Meeting. Immediately following, 2017 Officers were elected at a Board Meeting. Both meetings were held at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Erin Woodall was elected to serve a second two-year term as President, following being elected to a second term as a director.
Melissa King, the Kentucky Facilities Director for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, was elected to serve a one-year term as Vice President.
Dixie Hayes, the Program Coordinator/Instructor at the North American Racing Academy, was elected to her third one-year term as Secretary.
Nicole Rivera, the Equine Events Director for the Kentucky Horse Park, was elected to a one-year term as Treasurer.
The director elections include Dr. Brittany Adams-Pope, Assistant Professor in the Equine Industry Program in the College of Business at the University of Louisville; Tanya Boulmetis, an associate at Regard Law Group, PLLC; Kari Collier, Human Resources manager for the Kentucky area Sam's Clubs and horse owner; Sarah Liebert-Garner, realtor and founder of the Oldham County Saddle Club; Steve May, Director of Pari-Mutuel Wagering for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission; Howard Moore, Hydroprocessing Technologist with Marathon Pertroleum and Partner in Team CEO Eventing; Hannah Niebielski, Director of Dressage National Programs at the United States Equestrian Federation; Kelsea Rookard, Director of Marketing and Communications at Lexington Catholic High School; Katie Shoultz, Owner of Isidore Farm and Communications/Public Relations Consultant; and Erin Woodall, Activities and Events Director for the United States Pony Club. Dr. Janice Holland of Midway University has been appointed the Equine Education Consortium representative to the Board of Directors for a one-year term.
"We are excited to add such a wide-ranging group of people from all over the Commonwealth to our Board of Directors and to have such strong leadership as the result of our elections," said Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. "The diversity of the new directors, combined with the experience and leadership of the returning board members, will help the Kentucky Horse Council as it expands existing programs such as Livestock Investigation Training, Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training and reaches out to both Eastern and Western Kentucky with Recreational Rider Day and gelding and wellness clinics."
For the complete list of the Kentucky Horse Council Board of Directors, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities through KENA, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits. The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs.
Call or Email Us
Office: 859-367-0509
Email: info@kentuckyhorse.org
Fax: 866-618-3837
Address:
4037 Iron Works Parkway
Suite 120
Lexington, Kentucky 40511
