In November 2011, the University of Kentucky announced the plans for the Kentucky Equine Survey, in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council. KHC was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Agriculture Development Funds for this survey, with a promise of another $100,000 in funds if the equine industry would match that $100,000 with an equal amount.
“This survey is of extreme importance to the future of our industry,” said Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council. “This will be the first comprehensive survey of Kentucky’s horses in 35 years. We need an accurate and detailed baseline to determine areas for industry growth. Our pledge is a commitment to this effort. The KHC Board hopes other groups/businesses will respond to this challenge pledge. All donations, no matter how large or small, are important steps toward this industry goal.”
Dr. Nancy Cox, Associate Dean in the UK College of Agriculture, said, “On behalf of the Kentucky Equine Survey Team, led by UK Ag Equine Programs faculty, many thanks go to the Kentucky Horse Council for this generous expression of confidence in the importance of this survey to Kentucky and its horse owners. Our team considers this the only appropriate way to provide accurate information about the breadth and depth of equine economic activity in the Horse Capital of the World. KHC has shown how much a unified group of horse industry members can accomplish when they participate and invest in our equine community.”
“We appreciate the Kentucky Horse Council Board’s support and value the relationship UK and KHC have as we both work to benefit Kentucky’s horse industry,” added Dr. Ed Squires, University of Kentucky Equine Programs Director.
Ginny Grulke, Executive Director of the KY Horse Council, explained the source of the pledge funds. “The Council is able to make this significant pledge by using some “rainy day” funds that the Council has saved over the years. We plan to replace these funds over the next four years.”
The National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) has been contracted to collect the names of horse owners in the state; both UK and KHC encourage horse owners to submit their information, which NASS does not reveal to any person or agency. The deadline for sending names to NASS is February 17, 2012. To read about the survey or submit a name, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org/KES-names/.
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 the Kentucky Horse Council, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org or call 859-367-0509.