Kentucky Horse Council Releases RSS Feed

Kentucky Horse Council Recognizes Outstanding Service at Annual Convention

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Lexington, KY, January 31, 2012 - At their annual banquet on January 13, 2012, The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) presented awards for excellence in support to the equine industry. The 2011 KHC Volunteer of the Year is Brian Rogers of Mercer County. Brian has always cheerfully volunteered to help with booths, set up for events, and transport materials when needed. An emergency room nurse at the UK Hospital, Brian has a busy and changing work schedule, but has managed to arrange his schedule to be available to volunteer. He is also a volunteer President of the Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen, and in his spare time drives to Auburn where his wife is attending Vet School. The 2011 KHC Horsemen's Hero was presented to Tom Tuck of Murray, Kentucky. Tom and his wife Theo have worked with the Murray State University Rodeo Team for many years, both before and after they both retired. He supports the student team in fund-raising, transports their rodeo equipment...

KHC Announces USRider Promotion for Members

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Lexington KY, January 18, 2012 - The Kentucky Horse Council today announces a new partnership with USRider. USRider has created a special limited-time program just for Kentucky Horse Council members. For any member of KHC who joins USRider between January 13 and February 29, 2012, each KHC member will receive $10 off the $29 activation fee. In addition, USRider will donate $10.00 for each new primary membership to KHC. KHC members may join by calling 1-800-844-1409 or join online at www.usrider.org, using a promo code to assure credit to KHC. For more information on this special promotion, visit www. kentuckyhorse.org/usrider/. In addition to the limited time offer above for members, when a KHC member purchases a USRider primary membership anytime in 2012 after February,29th, USRider will donate $10.00 to the Kentucky Horse Council. For more information about this program, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org/usrider/. If you travel with your horse, USRider is...

Kentucky Horse Council Welcomes New 2012 Board Members

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Lexington KY, January 17, 2012 - The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) welcomes the following new members to the 2012 KHC Board: Jeff Fisk- Jeff Fisk has been involved with the Kentucky Paint Horse Association, the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association, and the Kentucky Cutting Horse Association for many years and is currently a National Director for the National Cutting Horse Association. In addition, his equine activities include involvement in the North American Livestock Exhibition, the Kentucky State Fair Association, KEEP and Thoroughbred Sales. Jeff is also on the Kentucky Horse Park Board and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board. Ottis Jean Lane - Ottis Jean Lane has been a horse owner for over fifty years. Over the years she has owned, shown and bred Mountain horses, Tennessee Walking horses and American Saddlebreds. She is licensed to judge all of the Mountain breeds of horses and all flatshod gaited breeds affiliated with Friends of Sound...

Kentucky Horse Council Forms New All-Industry Advisory Council

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Lexington KY, January 16, 2012 – The Kentucky Horse Council today announces the formation of the Kentucky Breed & Discipline Council (KBDC). This council is a formal part of the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) and consists of one representative from each equine breed association or equine discipline association in the Commonwealth. Associations that are members of the Kentucky Horse Council will be represented on KBDC.

The KBDC coalition ensures that there is a direct link between the Kentucky Horse Council and the entire equine industry. Example of projects the group may tackle is increased youth involvement, legislative awareness, industry growth, equine business development, industry promotion to the general public, and more.

KBDC will elect representatives to serve on the Kentucky Horse Council board and recommend new projects to KHC through their board representatives. Implementation of new projects will be managed by KHC.

"Our industry is so diverse. " commented Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council board. "That diversity often serves us well, but there are many opportunities that can only be realized through a consolidated effort of all breeds and disciplines."

"The amount of expertise and resources in the Kentucky equine industry is incredible," said Ginny Grulke, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council. "Moving the industry forward with major initiatives can only be accomplished if we all pull together towards common goals. This is the objective of KBDC."

The first KBDC meeting date will be in February 2012. For more information, contact Ginny Grulke at the Kentucky Horse Council at director@kentuckyhorse.org.

Horses Added to Kentucky Proud Program

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT

For immediate release CONTACTS: Cara Stewart, KEEP 859-259-0007 Ginny Grulke, KHC 859-367-0509 Bill Clary, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, 502-564-1137 Lexington, KY (October 6, 2011) -- The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), and the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) announced today that horses have been added to the Kentucky Proud program. As new members of Kentucky Proud, horse farms in the Commonwealth will be eligible to receive financial grants from the state Department of Agriculture, will be eligible to participate in a cost-share program, and will be able to use the Kentucky Proud logo in advertising their equine products. The Kentucky Proud program was created to promote Kentucky-agricultural products. Over the years, the program has grown significantly and now includes businesses that support and sell Kentucky products as well as...

Horsemen Embrace Wildlife Opportunity in Western Kentucky

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jarrad Rudd, President West Kentucky Back Country Horsemen 270-389-2574 kimjarrad@hotmail.com Morganfield, Kentucky - September 5, 2011 - About 40 men, women and children gathered on August 14th near Morganfield, Kentucky to clear hiking and horseback riding trails at the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area. Cicadas provided the music. Volunteers provided a rewarding lunch that included smoked deer meat sandwiches. Many volunteers were members of the Western Kentucky Back Country Horsemen, a non-profit affiliate of Back Country Horsemen of America. BCHA advocates for continued, responsible horse use of public lands and provides information about conservation and maintenance of land and other natural resources used for equine-based recreation and travel. The Kentucky Horse Council provided volunteers as well. Western Kentucky Back Country Horsemen, formed in 2005, hosts cleanup days for the equine and...

KY Horse Council Leads Strategic Planning Session for Equine Industry

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Kentucky's horses are often referred to as a signature industry, providing the September 24, 2011 Time: 8:00 - 4:30PM Location: Fayette County Extension Office By Invitation Only Commonwealth with an identity that goes beyond state and national borders. Horses provide Kentuckians thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue to the Commonwealth, and hours of pleasure for Kentucky horsemen and women. Despite the size and impact of the industry, Kentucky does not engage routinely in long-term strategic planning of initiatives to benefit all breeds and equestrian disciplines. The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) hosts a Kentucky Equine Strategic Planning Session on September 24, 2011. KHC seeks the involvement of all equine associations throughout the Commonwealth for this important process. This planning effort to develop initiatives for the benefit of all owners,...

Unwanted Horses: Why We Still Have Them & How It Affects You

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Lexington, KY, June 24, 2011 - Four years ago a myriad of events led to an increase in unwanted horses. Unwanted horse is a loose term that defines every horse which does not have a purpose, including horses that are owned and cared for but are actually unwanted, those whose owners are neglectful, and abandoned horses. Reports of hundreds of abandoned horses running loose on strip mines and in communities found their way into popular press and the internet. Likewise, images of emaciated horses have been top news stories in Kentucky and around the country. Is the situation as bad as some portray? How do you separate the myth from reality? Is there really anything that can be done? How do the incidents of unwanted horses affect the average horse owner? At the July 19th KENA (Kentucky Equine Networking Association) dinner meeting, a panel of experts will provide insight into the blight of Kentucky's unwanted horses. Presenters include: Dr. Bob Stout, Kentucky State...

KY Horse Council's Equine Disaster Relief Fund Recipient of Fund Raising Effort

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The Kentucky Horse Council's (KHC) US Disaster Relief Fund, which provides a central coordination point for Kentucky's efforts to support horses affected by natural disasters, was chosen as the recipient of Horse Radio Network's (HRN) Horse World Gives Back program. Horse World Gives Back is a nationwide charitable initiative aimed at uniting the horse community in a fund raising drive to benefit horses and horse owners affected by the recent flooding and tornadoes across the United States. HRN hosted a 3 hour LIVE broadcast on June 6, 2011 called the Horse World Gives Back Radiothon, followed by a Horse World Gives Back Retail Day on June 7, 2011. Participating retailers gave back 5% of the day's sales to KHC's US Disaster Relief Fund and the American Red Cross. Through the radiothon and retail day, KHC raised money to supplement its US Disaster Relief Fund. The US Disaster Relief Fund provides feed and temporary housing for horses across the country displaced by...

Kentucky Horse Council Sponsors Equine Leadership Meeting

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Lexington, KY, May 25, 2011 - Representatives of 35 equine associations from around the Commonwealth met at Claudia Sander's Dinner Restaurant in Shelbyville on May 17, 2011. They participated in presentations and discussions about the future of the equine industry, challenges and threats, and the need for industry wide initiatives. In attendance were Presidents and board representatives from equine breed and discipline associations, Thoroughbred racing organizations as well as university equine studies programs. The dinner, organized and sponsored by the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC), included a video welcome by First Lady Jane Beshear and a kick-off by special guest John Nicholson, CEO of the Kentucky Horse Park. Nicholson commented on the effect that the World Equestrian Games had on uniting various segments of the industry as well as the non-horse community. Nicholson encouraged, What you start tonight will affect the equine industry ten years down the road. ...

KHC Continues to Coordinate Kentucky Support to Horses Affected by Natural Disasters

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) provides a central coordination point for Kentucky equine rescue efforts to support horses affected by hurricanes, tornados, floods, fire and other natural disasters. KHC has experience responding to equine crisis through the US Disaster Relief Fund and the Save Our Horses (SoHo) Fund. Supporting the efforts of other states to address the needs of horses impacted by natural disaster is the best way we can help them recover. By coordinating fund raising efforts within the state, we enable Kentuckians to show their concern for all horses, remarked Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council. The Kentucky Horse Council has been speaking with representatives from the Alabama Horse Council regarding the extensive tornado damage and destruction across the state. The Alabama Horse Council is coordinating efforts to provide feed for those horses affected by the raging storms and they need financial assistance. Through the US...

KENA Dinner Meeting to Focus on Spring Pasture Management

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Properly managing pastures and carefully overseeing turnout during the spring months is especially important for all horse owners, breeders, and managers. At the May 19th Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner meeting, Dr. Ray Smith of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Joe Pagan of Kentucky Equine Research will share their expertise in preventing devastating forage related medical problems for Kentucky horses. The networking meeting begins at 6 p.m. with registration and a cash bar. During dinner a brief practical tips segment on using facebook to improve business marketing and a special discipline overview of dressage are scheduled. The Keynote presentation on Management of Horses on Spring Pasture with Dr. Smith and Dr. Pagan begins following dinner at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky. He works at UK Extension as a Forage Extension Specialist. His research...

KY Equine Associations to Collaborate on Strategies to Strengthen Horse Community

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Lexington, KY, April 25, 2011 - Kentucky proudly touts itself the Horse Capital of the World. But a visit to Marion County Florida reveals that Ocala makes the same claim. On the surface this may seem like a battle of semantics, but in reality defining Kentucky as the Horse Capital of the World means a great deal more than just words on a page. One of Kentucky's greatest challenges to maintaining a stronghold as the Horse Capital of the World is the diverse nature of our equine community, encompassing many breeds and ways of using horses, from the casual trail rider to the high powered race horse. In an effort to gain common ground and work toward the development of stronger relations across breeds and disciplines, the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) is facilitating a May 17, 2011 invitation-only dinner meeting of all Kentucky equine association leaders. The complimentary dinner event is at Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelbyville. At this session KHC will lead a...

Ag Industry Groups Provide Livestock Investigation Training to KY Officials

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) and Kentucky Cattlemen's Association (KCA) are partnering for the third consecutive year to offer Level I Livestock Investigation Training in Morehead, Kentucky on May 11-13, 2011. The three day intensive hands-on training prepares animal control and peace officers for the investigation and case management of livestock situations. Unique to the Commonwealth, this training was developed by experienced enforcement officers, veterinarians, livestock producers, and Kentucky Horse Council professionals. Throughout the Level I course, attendees learn how to handle horses and cattle, access body condition score in both species, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. Teaching our county officials how to properly handle horse investigations is a huge service to the horse community. This training teaches officers how to respond to animals running at large and in neglectful situations. It also...

Additional Benefits Available for KY Horse Council Members

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Today the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) announced enhanced membership benefits. New complimentary perks for KHC members include a $2,000 accidental death/dismemberment policy, discount health service plan, and child safe kit.

Currently KHC members enjoy weekly informational e-newsletters, optional million dollar personal equine excess liability policy, discounted or free advertising on the KHC website and in the e-newsletter, buy one get one free admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, discounts through the NTRA program, discounted admission to KHC events, and discounted purchase of KHC apparel and other retail items.

“At a time when many companies and individuals are cutting back, the Kentucky Horse Council continues to grow and expand,” observed, KHC Board President, Anna Zinkhon. “Providing a useful benefit, such as this accidental death policy, is just one of the many ways that membership in the largest Kentucky all breed membership organization is relevant.”

The new benefits, provided by American Income Life, are free for all types of Horse Council membership. All current KHC members will receive a letter with instructions on how to access the new offering.

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. For more information about KHC visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.

Three New Directors Join Kentucky Horse Council Board

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In November 2010, Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) members enacted a change to the agency bylaws which increased the board of directors from nineteen to twenty-three. The change was made in an effort to increase the reach and breadth of the membership based, non-profit organization. Polly Haselton Barger of Winchester, Darryl Leifheit of Lexington, and Cynthia Higgs of Lexington, were recently appointed to the KHC Board of Directors. Haselton Barger has spent her entire adult life teaching others to ride in a correct and safe manner. She is a CHA Master Instructor/Clinician and was the 2005 CHA Clinic Instructor of the Year. She is also a CHA Clinician for Riders with Disabilities and Equine Facility Management. Polly has been actively involved with the Tennessee and Kentucky Horse Councils, chairing and/or participating on committees on safety and education. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and ran a large riding program for...

Learn to Improve Your Personal Brand in the Horse Business

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The deadline to register for this upcoming KENA Meeting is fast approaching! All registrations must be turned in by Monday, March 14 at noon in order to attend this meeting. Branding an equine business can be tricky, even for experienced marketers. Striking the right balance between making a unique brand and appealing to niche clientele is an art. Doug Emerson understands proven strategies for improving personal brand in the horse business. On March 17, 2011 at the next KENA (Kentucky Equine Networking Association) dinner meeting, Emerson will share three tips on branding the equine business with a presentation called Horses Don't Write Checks, Customers Do. Emerson is the author of Profitable Horsemen, an online resource for horse professionals. He travels the country conducting workshops and seminars on equine business profitability and produces a weekly newsletter exclusively devoted to making money in the horse business. In this challenging economic...

Kentucky Officials Learn About Livestock Through KHC Training

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) in partnership with the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association (KCA) offers Level I Livestock Investigation Training in Wilmore, Kentucky on March 16-18, 2011. The three day intensive hands-on training prepares animal control and peace officers for the investigation and case management of livestock situations. Developed by experienced enforcement officers, veterinarians, and livestock producers, this training is unique to the Commonwealth. Throughout the Level I course attendees learn how to handle horses and cattle, access body condition score in both species, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. By expanding the knowledge base of Kentucky officers we've positively impacted the outcome in several equine cases, commented KHC Board President, Anna Zinkhon. To date 103 Kentucky officers, representing 49 counties, have completed the Level I training while 34 completed the Level II course. ...

Representative Rick Nelson Receives Equine Heritage Award

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 GMT

In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) introduced a new award which recognizes public officials who make a significant contribution to keeping Kentucky's horse community vibrant and growing. The first recipient of this award, the KHC Equine Heritage Award, was Representative Rick Nelson whose district includes Harlan and Bell counties. Representative Nelson was commended for his perseverance in helping Harlan County re-open a historic trail that connects to Cumberland Gap National Park. The trail, known as the Brush Mountain Trail, had been used for many years as a route for Hensley Settlement pioneers to come down the mountain for supplies, and more recently by local horsemen as a beautiful route to access horse trails in the Cumberland Gap National Park. Representative Nelson committed to getting the trail opened, and spent hours in strategy sessions, meetings with state officials and initiated a bill to achieve those goals, commented Ginny Grulke, KHC Executive...

KY Horse Council Honors 2010 Accomplishments and Industry Contributions

noemail@kentuckyhorse.org — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:15:00 GMT

At the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) Annual Conference on January 14, 2011, outstanding achievements in the Kentucky equine industry were recognized. High point individual accomplishments were recognized through six KHC programs: Youth Saddlebuster, KHC Natural Pleasure, KHC Trail Pleasure, Eventing/Dressage Horse of the Year, Hunter/Jumper Horse of the Year, and Stock Seat Horse of the Year. For the second consecutive year, Colt McGuire of Campbellsburg earned the 2010 Youth Saddlebuster Award riding his Rocky Mountain Horse. McGuire received an embroidered bridle bag and $25. Suzanne Meeks of Louisville and her horse Wildfire Jewels were awarded the KHC Natural Pleasure 2010 High Point Winners and presented with a $300 check. Morehead resident Melissa Marcum and her horse I'm Clean and Sober tied with Debbie Smothers of Nicholasville and her horse She is a Bad Cat for 2010 KHC Trail Pleasure High Point Winners. Marcum and Smothers each received a $150 cash...