What is the Kentucky Horse Council?

The Kentucky Horse Council is a statewide, all-breed non-profit group which is committed to the horse and horse owners, their activities, and the horse industry environment through focused education, communications, and financial benefits.  The Kentucky Horse Council is the official affiliate of the American Horse Council, located in Washington, DC, a national organization representing all segments of the horse industry.

Any resident of Kentucky can be a member of the Kentucky Horse Council.  In addition, horse clubs and horse-related businesses can also be members, with membership benefits which support club growth and activities, and support the health and vitality of our horse businesses.

In 2007, the Kentucky Horse Council has been revitalized. The excitement and growth of equine tourism and horse ownership participation is exploding, driven primarily by two main factors:  Anticipation of the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the rapid growth in adventure tourism exemplified by trail-riding in our beautiful Kentucky mountains.

In 2007, the Kentucky Horse Council is traveling around the state, visiting with clubs and organizations, and attending events and conferences – quickly assessing where our support can be most effective.

How is the Kentucky Horse Council funded?

The Kentucky Horse Council's operating funds come from the specialty license plate featuring the horse.  Each time a resident purchases one of the plates, the Horse Council is allocated a payment fee.  The Kentucky Horse Council license plate is the ONLY specialty plate which can be purchased for both individual and farm vehicles.

In addition, the Kentucky Horse Council plans to pursue additional sources of funds, working with equine industry partners, which we plan to put right back into statewide horse programs.

How does the Kentucky Horse Council spend its money?

There is a list of significant programs coming from the Horse Council, and as we gear up in 2007 this list will grow.

Grants:  Each year the Horse Council awards grants ranging from $2000 to $10,000 to qualified non-profit organizations for projects that will help the horse industry in Kentucky.  Past recipients include Riding for Hope, the LUCI center, The Western Kentucky 4-H Horse Camp,

Scholarships:  Each year $8000 in scholarships are awarded to students who major in equine studies.  Eligible majors include Equine Science, Pre-Vet, Farrier, Equine Alternative Therapies, Jockey Training, Farm Management, etc.

Educational Seminars:  Education is a major part of the Horse Council mission.  As such, we provide financial support for seminars and conferences which feature experts on topics such as trail building, nutrition, large animal rescue, horse show management, and others. 

One such very successful program is Horse College. Dr. Bob Coleman, UK Horse Specialist and head of the new UK Equine Initiative, travels around the state delivering talks to horse owners about various relevant horse ownership topics, from nutrition to disease to pasture management.  The Kentucky Horse Council provides all class materials for the attendees.

Another successful program the Horse Council has underwritten in 2006 is the 3-day Trail Building Course taught by Mike Riter, a nationally known expert in building equestrian trails.

Horse Industry Conferences:  The Horse Council provides significant funding for conferences such as OVETS (Ohio Valley Equestrian Trail Seminar), which brings together speakers and attendees from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

The Horse Council also supports the Annual Kentucky Trail Summit, sponsored by TREK, which provided trail enthusiasts access to information from land managers from both state and national lands, as well as advice and information from trail groups from other states.

In 2007, the Kentucky Horse Council will host the State Conference of Horse Council's annual meeting in Lexington.  This is a group of representatives from State Horse Councils around the country, who have expressed incredible excitement at meeting in Kentucky, the "Horse Capital of the World".  We expect this meeting to have a record attendance for this group.

 Natural Gaited Show Awards:  In recognition of the many breeds in the state of Kentucky which are gaited, the Horse Council sponsors a “Natural Gaited Pleasure” class at a number of shows around the state with Tennessee Walking Horses, Saddlebred, and the gaited horses related to the Rocky Mountain horse.  A year-end high point award is given for participants who excel in this class.

Horse Club Support:  Many horse associations in Kentucky have joined the Kentucky Horse Council at the club level, enabling the Horse Council to help the clubs financially as well as provide them priority access to information and promotions.

Annual Horse Industry Directory:  A handy, booklet sized directory listing Kentucky horse industry resources and information.

Humanitarian Aid to horses:  the Kentucky Horse Council assisted with hay shipments to horses affected by Hurricane Katrina.  We also have strong support for horse rescue operations and the unwanted horse issues.

How is the Kentucky Horse Council organized?

The Horse Council is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of seventeen representatives from all aspects of the horse industry. The board meets quarterly.  In addition, there is a staff consisting of an Executive Director and an Administrative Assistant. 

Several active committees such as scholarships, grants, education, communications, and trails shape the direction of programs.  In addition, there is an All-Breeds Advisory Council which defines the needs of breeds around the state, and a Regional Council which provides a way for all corners of the state of Kentucky to have input into Horse Council direction.

What are the membership benefits for a horse owner?

In 2007, Kentucky Horse Council members receive the following as part of their individual ($35) or family ($50) membership:

• A $1Million Excess Personal Liability policy which covers liability for anything related to your horse activities. (Note:  You are able to opt out of this policy if you choose, and receive a $19 (individual) or $38 (family) rebate after joining.
• NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Association) discounts which provide significant savings for John Deere equipment, Dodge trucks, UPS shipments, Office Max supplies, and more.
• Newsletters six times a year
• Email updates on equine events, legislative action that affects the horse industry, equine medical news, local club activities, etc.
• An annual meeting with respected expert speakers on topics including taxes, rescue efforts in Mississippi and New Orleans, pasture management, national animal identification system, legal aspects of the horse business (both from the boarder and boarding aspects), and large animal rescue.