Oldham County Equine Council
Welcome!
"Horses and dogs have been man's most intimate and faithful companions since the dawn of history, but the horse has certainly been the most useful. In sport, agriculture, transport and warfare, the horse has contributed more to human pleasure, ambition and progress than any other animal."
-Prince Phillip (1921-) Forward to Monique and hans B. Bossenback, the Noble Horse (1987)
The Oldham County Equine Council is up and running in Oldham County. The council is open to all persons with an interest in the Oldham County equine industry.
The mission of the Oldham County Equine Council is to build a county-wide, broad-based educational and professional forum to increase awareness of the impact of the equine industry within Oldham County; to develop a comprehensive directory of equine businesses, services, and support businesses; to promote jobs and economic opportunities for equine operations and related support businesses. Additionally, the Council works with Oldham County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky governments and equine organizations to support state-wide equine initiatives and industry best practices.
Compost Workshop
Monday, June 30, 2008, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Sponsored by the Eagle Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, Oldham County Conservation District, Equine Waste Composting, Thoroughbred RC&D, Licking River RC&D and Hermitage FarmLocation: Oldham County Cooperative Extensive Service Office in Buckner, and Hermitage Farm (U.S. Hwy 42)
Download a registration form and additional information
Classes and Demonstrations Include:
Composting Overview***Making Compost--Getting Started***Compost Use in Agriculture and Horticulture***
Compost Use in Agriculture and Horticulture***Compost Economics and Funding Options***
Making Compost (Field Demonstration at Hermitage Farm)The Eagle Resource Conservation and Development Council provides guidance and assistance to Northern Kentucky Communities and landowners on agricultural and conservation related issues. The Council is a USDA Program administered by the UDSA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, which provides the technical support to our non-profit council that serves Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Henry, Oldham, Owen, and Trimble Counties. Primary objectives for Council projects are water quality, agricultural waste management, agricultural economic development, recreation and tourism, and farmland preservation.
April 29, 2008
Governor Beshear Names Three from Oldham County to Kentucky Horse Racing Authority
Governor Steve Beshear has appointed five new members to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, including three prominent Oldham County horse people.
Lexington attorney Robert Beck, Jr. of Stites & Harbison, is the new chairman. Beck is the founder, director and president of the American College of Equine Attorneys. Also appointed is Lexington standardbred breeder Alan J. Leavitt, the owner of Walnut Hall Ltd.The three new members from Oldham County are Oldham County Equine Council members Ned Bonnie and Betsy Lavin, and veterinarian Foster Northrop.
Read the Press Release from the Governor's Office
Read the Lexington Herald-Leader story from April 29.Congratulations to these leaders of the Oldham County equine community!
Alex Rankin Featured in Business First
Alex Rankin, president of Sterling G. Thompson Co., an insurance company that sells policies for home, health, life, auto and horses was featured in the April 18 edition of Business First.
Rankin began working in equine insurance niche industry in 1982, the same year he purchased his great uncle's cattle farm in Goshen and turned it into a Thoroughbred horse farm.
Business First correspondent Kym Voorhees Raque conducted an interview with Rankin, who said his firsthand experience in the industry helps him evaluate a horse's worth, work with clients to determine the appropriate policy for their needs and assist with overall risk-management issues associated with owning horses.
Read the Business First article
Message from the Kentuck Trail Riders Association President Brett Donner:
Howdy Folks:
THE XTREME COWBOY CHALLENGE is coming to the Red Barn Arena in Taylorsville, June 21st and September 20th 2008. If you would be kind enough to print the the flyer and post it in your barn or office, everyone at the KTRA would appreciate it very much.
Hope you can participate or attend, we are looking forward to a very competitive year.
Happy trails,
Brett Donner KTRA
Alert!
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Establishes Hay Hotline
With the moderate to severe drought that is affecting much of Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is asking producers with hay available for sale to call our toll-free hay hotline at (888) 567-9589 to be put on our list. The KDA will post sellers that call our hotline as it begins collecting information. Producers that have had their hay tested by KDA will still be listed on the (Tested Hay) part of its website.
KDA makes no guarantees or claims to the quality, price, or nutritional value of hay and forages submitted through the hay hotline. Producers and brokers with hay for sale will be listed below as we collect information through the hotline.
Hay For Sale (excel spreadsheet) Hay For Sale (pdf document)
Sources of Livestock Feed and Feed Ingredients (Kentucky Farm Bureau)
USDA Weekly Hay Market Reports
USDA Weekly Feedstuffs Report
University of Kentucky (Forage Information)Out-of-State Sources of Hay
Texas Hay Hotline
Iowa Hay Directory
North Carolina Hay Relief Program
Mississippi Hay Directory
http://thefencepost.com (This is a magazine in northern Colorado that has several listings for hay. Click on their classifieds section and scroll down to find grass or alfalfa.
www.haybarn.comFinally, please spread the word among your friends (whether or not they own horses!) and your horse clubs about the SOHO program, which is a tax-deductible donation program for helping to feed horses in Kentucky as well as other horse welfare programs. DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO HELP PURCHASE HAY RIGHT NOW!! To donate, go to:
http://www.kentuckyhorse.org/SOHO_describe.shtml and click on DONATE at the left.
April 28, 2008SLAUGHTER vs. RESCUE by Gregory A. Hall
The rising costs of caring for horses run head-on into the debate over the ban on killing the animals in U.S. for meatApril 27, 2008
Retired Thoroughbreds Given Fresh Start by Byron Crawford
What happens to racehorses after they cross the finish line for the last time?
January 21, 2008
The Oldham County Cooperative Extension Office has released its updated 2008 Oldham County Equine Directory. The directory includes a listing of Oldham County horse breeders and sellers; arenas; boarding operations; equine supplies; farrier services; equine organizations and riding clubs; riding instruction businesses; transport; veterinarians, and more.
For changes and additions to the directory, contact Traci Missun at (502) 222-9453.
December 4, 2007
Oldham Equine Council Releases First County-Wide Equine Study
Download a Report Highlights Presentation (PowerPoint)
Download the December 19 Courier-Journal Article by Melissa Gagliardi
Download the December 27 Article in the Oldham Era by Elizabeth Troutman
Download the January 2008 RoundAbout Article by Helen McKinney
CRESTWOOD, KY (December 4, 2007) The Oldham County, Kentucky equine industry is a major contributor to Oldham County’s economy, according to a equine survey commissioned by the Oldham County Equine Council and Oldham Ahead.
Ken Heppermann of Equine Business Resources LLC conducted the first Oldham County-wide survey and one of the few county-wide equine economic impact studies in Kentucky and in the United States.
The breeding, raising, training, showing, racing, riding, and care of thousands of equine each year in Oldham County collectively make a significant contribution to the Oldham County economy. The equine industry is a thriving part of the Oldham County economic landscape and has the potential to grow even larger according to the study.
The equine industry is a leading component of the Oldham County agricultural sector. The study reflects that as of December 31, 2006, there were approximately 377 equine operations housing 3,186 equine, situated on more than 10,000 acres of the county. These operations generate an estimated 388 jobs and have an economic impact of more than $48.9 million.
The equine operations in the county represent a major land use in the county, providing necessary acreage for the equine industry while providing intangible benefits to residents and visitors. Tertiary benefits of horse property include the provision of open spaces and scenic vistas in one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky. The 13,929 acres associated with equine operations represent 22 percent of the total of 62,500 acres of agricultural land in the county recorded during the 2002 Census of Agriculture.
The study affirms that Oldham County is a leading equine county in Kentucky and the nation. The 2002 Census of Agriculture reflected the county’s 2002 equine inventory of 2,959 placed Oldham County eighth in Kentucky and in the top seven percent of counties nationwide. Based on this year’s survey, the horse inventory continues to grow in the county.
Mary Lowry, president of the Oldham County Equine Council believes the results of the study will be useful to local and state elected leaders in making land-use decisions and developing equine related legislation. The results should also be useful for regional and state equine organizations in their efforts to quantify the economic impacts Kentucky’s signature industry.
The breadth and depth of Oldham County’s equine industry suggest that there is significant untapped potential for equine related tourism in the county and that efforts to establish a regional horse park should be pursued.
Download the report to see the full impact of Oldham County's equine industry on the county's economy.
December 28, 2007
University of Kentucky Trail Riders On-Line Survey
A University of Kentucky graduate student is conducting a research project about equine trail riding. If you ride horses and go trail riding at all, we would appreciate you clicking on the link below and filling our the on-line survey. Please forward the link to your trail riding friends.
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/surveys/equine1.html
Thanks for your assistance.
Membership and Board
(Photo by Michael Hayman, The Courier-Journal)
Oldham County Equine Council membership is free and open to all individuals, families, companies, students, and organizations with an interest in the Oldham County equine business and recreation areas.
Mary Lowry has recruited an impressive initial Board that represents a broad cross-section of Oldham County equine interests—from the Thoroughbred, Saddlebred, Morgan, and other breed communities; boarding and lesson operations; fox hunters and trail riders. Board members, in addition to Mary Lowry include: Ashley Bowles, Alf Caldwell, Brett Donner, Whitney Drury, Tawana Edwards, Sandy Gerbino, Susan Harris, Diana Hinto-Beard, Kathy Hockersmith, Betsy Lavin, Del Lowell, Traci Missun, Duane Murner, Lori Osborne, Emily Ragan, Sara Rankin, and Maggie Rataj.
Betsy Lavin was appointed to the Kentucky Racing Commission by Governor Steve Beshear in late April, 2008.
Others that would like to serve on the board or serve on committees that will be formed should contact Mary Lowry at (502) 228-9539.
The Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service is assembling an Oldham County Equine Directory. The directory provides a means for equine related businesses to advertise for free and for individuals to easily locate equine service providers. This free directory will be available in print and online at the council’s web site.
Businesses and individuals can download the directory form on the equine council website and return it to the UK Cooperative Extension Service, 1815 N. Hwy 393, LaGrange, KY 40031. For additional information, contact Traci Missun, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent at (502) 222-9453, or email her at traci.missun@uky.edu.
New Oldham County Equine Directory is Available
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service of Oldham County has assembled a new Oldham County Equine Directory.
The directory provides a means for equine related businesses and activities to advertise for free and for individuals to easily locate equine service providers in Oldham County.
The directory will be a "living document" and will be updated at least quarterly. Businesses and individuals can download the directory form on the equine council website and return it to the UK Cooperative Extension Service, 1815 N. Hwy 393, LaGrange, KY 40031. For additional information, contact Traci Missun, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent at (502) 222-9453, or email her at traci.missun@uky.edu.
Download the 2007 Oldham County Equine Directory
Click here for more information
Kentucky Equine Humane Center
Kentucky Equine Humane Center Opens Doors
All horses in need are welcome in the newest addition to the Kentucky Horse Park.
168 HORSES IN KENTUCKY GIVEN SHELTER
LEXINGTON, KY (April 23, 2008) More than 168 of Kentucky’s horses of various breeds have been provided with shelter and other humane assistance this year thanks to the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC).
The KyEHC is a first-of-its-kind facility, established with the specific goal of providing owners with a humane option when they need to give up their horses. Horses receive protection from abuse, neglect and slaughter.
The Center is located on a tranquil, 72-acre horse farm just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, which serves as a safe refuge for at-risk horses of all breeds and disciplines. No horse in a precarious situation has – or will ever be turned away.
This month the KyEHC, which is funded entirely by donations, celebrated its one year anniversary. It has already offered refuge to more than 168 horses (60% Thoroughbreds), and adopted 83 horses into caring homes.
Staci Hancock, president and founder of the KyEHC noted, "The horse industry in Kentucky is waking up to the need to protect our valued equine and is stepping up to meet their responsibility. With their help, I’m very proud to say that in less than one year’s time, the Kentucky Equine Humane Center has eliminated the excuse for anyone in the state of Kentucky to neglect a horse or send a horse to slaughter. Any owner who can no longer care for his horses can call us and be ensured that their animals will receive humane treatment."
In less than one year, the KyEHC has fulfilled their mission of accepting every horse that has needed shelter (more than 168 to date); adopted 83 horses into caring homes; leased a 72-acre farm; hired three salaried employees; organized volunteers who have donated more than 4,200 hours; developed corporate partners who have provided services, equipment and supplies; developed a website; launched the John Deere and NTRA Advantage KyEHC All Breed Charity Horse Show; and received more than $100,000 in grants.
Hancock concluded, "Our one-year anniversary is a great time to acknowledge the tremendous assistance we have received from a lot of notable entities in the horse business, without whom we could never have come so far so fast."* She continued, "Each partner, donor, volunteer and board member can take satisfaction in knowing they have saved the lives of these horses and given them a second chance."
Download the 2007 Oldham County Equine Survey
Oldham County's Brett Donner is President of the Kentucky Trail Riders Association
Oldham County Coroner and Oldham County Equine Council Board Member Brett Donner also serves as President of the Kentucky Trail Riders Association.
The organization's ultimate goal is to educate our younger riders and improve our horse trails and horse camps across Kentucky.
The Kentucky Trail Riders Association is scheduling rides, events, acquiring permission from land owners for trail riding, writing a monthly newsletter and maintaining its web site, www.kytrailriders.org.
RoundAbout Features Oldham County Equine Stories in June's Paper
The RoundAbout Entertainment Guide, published by Kentuckiana Publishing Inc. is a free monthly paper available at stores, restaurants and other locations in Oldham County. RoundAbout has consistently produced quality equine-related articles since 1999, and June's edition is no exception.
We urge you to pick up a copy this month and read:
Covered Bridge Road Corridor Preserves Equine History
Oldham Fair Board Wants to Build New Facilities
2002 Census of Agriculture Horses and Ponies Census Figures
According to the Department of Agriculture 2002 Census of Agriculture, Oldham County's inventory of horses and ponies totaled 2,959. Oldham County was ranked 8th in the State based on these figures, and 217th in the nation.
The Oldham County Equine Council is conducting the first county-wide equine economic study. The Council will provide surveys to Oldham County equine community members to determine the current equine inventory, economic contribution, and value of equine and equine related assets.
Please participate in the survey if you haven't already. We appreciate all of those who have submitted your surveys to date.
Economic Impact of Horses Nation-Wide
According to a study performed by the American Horse Council, there are more than 6.9 million horses in the United States, including both recreational and commercial use. Racing and race horse breeding account for 725,000 of those horses, and 4,944,000 participate in the showing and recreational activities while another 1,262,000 are used in in farm and ranch work, police work, rodeo and polo. There are more than 7.1 million Americans involved with those horses...This translates to one in every 25 Americans is involved with horses.
Every horse owner requires the support of three or more professionals: the owner, the veterinarian, and the farrier, all of whom pay taxes, buy and sell homes, maintain offices, support local police and fire departments, send their children to schools...and so on and so forth.
A tertiary benefit of horse property to the community is a more aesthetic one. The neatly fenced and maintained horse farm lends a pleasant vista to visitors passing through the area.
Pastureland, with its grass and trees, aids the environment as a natural windbreak reducing water runoff and aiding in soil retention.
Download statistics from the American Horse Council
Download the 2007 New Jersey Equine Economic Impact Study
For anyone that has participated in a horse show, be it at the national, state or local level, there is no doubt that these activities generate a lot of money. The American Horse Council’s Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States study includes some impressive statistics that confirm the significant impact of the horse show industry.
Among horse owners, 481,238 are primarily involved in competition. That accounts for 10.33 percent of the total number of people who participate in equestrian activities, be they horse owners, employees or family members or volunteers.
Equestrian Artist Karen Barry Featured in May RoundAbout
Read the Story by Helen McKinney
Karen Barry will be one of 115 artists participating in the “Arts on the Green” juried art show, June 7-8 at the Oldham County Courthouse Square.
For more information on Arts on the Green, contact Marion Gibson at (502) 338-4391 or visit: www.artsassociationofoldhamcounty.org.
Karen Barry specializes in equestrian art, such as this oil painting of “Roo” above.
News from the Kentucky Horse Park
NEW ARENA GETS BUSY
Kentucky Horse Park Attracts Major Shows to Kentucky
LEXINGTON, KY (April 24, 2008) Today the Kentucky Horse Park announced several major horse shows that have already signed contracts or are confirmed to host their events beginning in 2009 in the new Indoor Arena, which is currently under construction.
John Nicholson, executive director of the park, stated, “Kentucky’s investment in our new Indoor Arena is already paying off. For several years the managers of a number of prestigious shows have expressed an interest in holding their events at the Kentucky Horse Park, if there came a time when we had the facilities to accommodate them. Today I am very pleased to welcome some of those show managers who have signed contracts to hold their events in our new Indoor Arena beginning in 2009.”
These new shows include:
Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championships,
September 2009 and 2011-2013
The Tradition Futurity – The East Coast Championships, September
2009, 2011 and 2012
Kentucky Breeders Classic Sale & Exposition, January 2010
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships, May
2010
Indoor Hunter/Jumper Winter Series, November 2009-March 2010
On hand to make the announcement was Kentucky’s first lady, Jane Beshear, who is an accomplished horsewoman and has served on the board of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation for many years. Representatives from several of the horse shows were also in attendance.
Bill Pennington, the Sport Horse Nationals Show Commission Chairperson said, “The Kentucky Horse Park possesses all the features of a facility that will allow Sport Horse Nationals to expand to include more events and more horses. The park is known throughout the world as a premier horse facility and we are excited to be a part of such a renowned reputation.”
Dave Duncan, show manager for the IHSA said, “We are excited to be bringing the IHSA National Horse Show to Lexington, Kentucky in May of 2010. With the outstanding facilities available at the Horse Park along with such an outstanding city, we anxiously await 2010.”
Nicholson concluded, “It is a tremendous compliment to the Kentucky Horse Park and the Commonwealth of Kentucky that these show organizers have placed their confidence in us by committing their events to our new arena while it is yet unfinished. Our state will reap benefits from the investment in this arena for decades to come.”
Park Hours and Rates: From March 15 through October 31, the park is open seven days a week. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children 7-12. Children six and under are always admitted free of charge. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse – In Association with the Smithsonian Institution - and the American Saddlebred Museum.
From Equestrian Economic Impact Analysis: How Your Community Benefits, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, Lexington, Kentucky
Visit the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource at www.elcr.org
News and Photographs Needed
We welcome your input, news, and photo's to make this site interesting and relevant to the Oldham County equine community. Please forward your input and digitals photos to: equinecouncil@oldhamequinecouncil.org
Contact:
Oldham County Equine Council
P.O. Box 1223
Crestwood, KY 40014
email: equinecouncil@oldhamequinecouncil.org
06/04/2008
