Good horse owners do their best to ensure their horses are cared for to the best of their ability, often having a team of farriers, veterinarians, barn owners and trusted friends to guide them through the journey of equine ownership. But what happens when an owner is no longer able to advocate on behalf of their horse?

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) will welcome Joshua Beam, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl law firm, for a candid conversation about how horse owners can prepare for their equines, dogs and cats to be taken care of should the need arise. This Dinner & Discussion (formerly called the Kentucky Equine Networking Association or “KENA”) will take place on Wednesday, November 15, at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Center, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. All equine enthusiasts are welcomed and audience questions are encouraged.

“Planning for your pet’s care when you’re not there is something that can be hard to think about, but it’s imperative to ensuring your horse--and other pets--don’t end up in a potentially perilous welfare situation,” says Sarah Coleman, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Council. “The Kentucky Horse Council fields calls multiple times a year from relatives who have inherited animals – often with no experience in their upkeep and no idea what to do with them. This unintentional lack of planning adds angst to an already- stressful time.”

Though the situation can be tricky to navigate, having uncomfortable conversations while not under the pressure of a life-altering event gives horse owners the opportunity to consider multiple possibilities completely. This hour-long presentation will guide owners though multiple options of care for horses and other animals should he or she be unable to make decisions on their behalf. Beam will also offer words of advice on how to broach the potentially difficult subject matter with friends and family, how to choose a caretaker and what to consider when unlimited funds for horse care are not an option.

This dinner is part of the Horse Council’s Dinner & Discussion event series, which provides an educational and social venue for equine professionals and horse enthusiasts from all breeds and disciplines to share ideas, business strategies and knowledge; and to obtain up-to-date information on horse and farm management, as well as on issues affecting the equine industry.

For details and reservations for the November 15 event, click here. Tickets are $30. Interested in sponsoring this event? Click here.