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.”
Colonel Walter Herd, U.S. Army (RET) and KHC board member, presented an analysis of the threats to American equestrianism, both internal and external. His study was created with the expertise of a military analyst who is trained to assess the vulnerability of military operations.
KHC Executive Director, Ginny Grulke, connected the broad risks to a Kentucky perspective. She listed a number of challenges that the Kentucky Horse Council staff and board have noted as they work with horsemen across the Commonwealth.
The evening concluded with an open discussion of the equine leaders in attendance. While many expressed frustration with certain current conditions in the industry and the Commonwealth, overwhelmingly there was a sense of optimism. Most pledged support for new initiatives in the Kentucky horse community.
“Coordinating equine association networking and taking an active role leading the industry forward is the role of state horse councils. As organizational leaders, we all must join forces to insure a strong equine community in the years to come,” exclaimed KHC Board President, Anna Zinkhon. “We have a lot of hard work ahead but I am confident that we can dramatically impact the future of the Kentucky horse community by having frank, open discussions and creating a long term plan.”
The group will reconvene in the fall of 2011 to develop a five year Equine Industry Strategic Plan. The date and location for the Strategic Planning Session will be announced early this summer.
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, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.
Contact
Ginny Grulke
Executive Director
director@kentuckyhorse.org
Kentucky Horse Council, Inc.
www.KentuckyHorse.org
info@kentuckyhorse.org
(859) 367-0509