Lexington, KY (June 15, 2020) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced a new partnership with Freedman Harness & Saddlery of Midway, Kentucky.  Freedman’s, recognizing the difficult times that many are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, sought a way to give-back to the local equine community. 

During June and July any stable halters purchased at Freedman’s Boutique in Midway, Kentucky will contribute to the Kentucky Horse Council’s Save Our Horses, or SOHO, Fund, which is used to assist horses in need. For every halter purchased in-store or over the phone, $10 will be donated to the fund, with a goal of reaching at least $2,000 in donations. In addition, Freedman’s Boutique will serve as a collection location where Kentucky horse enthusiasts can give monetary donations to support the Kentucky Horse Council’s beneficiaries, in exchange for some of the handcrafted wares from Freedman’s.

Freedman’s Boutique has long been a staple of small businesses on Main Street in the picturesque town of Midway, Kentucky. Freedman’s is an integral asset to the show horse community across the United States, specializing in English tack and harness for American Saddlebreds, Arabians, Morgans, Hackneys, and carriage driving horses. However, owners David and Nicole Freedman felt it was their responsibility to help support the horses and horse owners in their local Kentucky community, regardless of breed or discipline.

“The Kentucky Horse Council is grateful to Freedman’s for their generosity and support of the SOHO Fund,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross.  “2020 has been a difficult year for so many and we appreciate Freedman’s recognition of the impact on the greater horse community and their desire to help horses and horse owners across the Commonwealth.”

The Kentucky Horse Council’s SOHO Fund was set up in recognition that not all horses in Kentucky have access to adequate food, shelter, or veterinary care. This includes gelding and euthanasia voucher programs support for gelding and wellness clinics, as well as transportation for abandoned or neglected horses to reputable adoption or foster facilities.  In addition, the SOHO Fund offers the Equine Safety Net Program, which provides hay and grain for horse owners who have suffered a temporary financial setback, such as a job loss or medical event, to help them maintain their horses during a temporary financial shortfall. The Safety Net Program has been modified during COVID-19 to offer one-time grants for hay and grain to qualifying horse owners who have been negatively impacted by the shutdowns..

To learn more about the SOHO Fund, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.

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 the Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA), trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs,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.

ABOUT FREEDMAN HARNESS -The Freedman’s story began in 1802 and it continues today with a lineage of master craftsmen who all shared the same vision, each in a different time, and with the same results: quality craftsmanship with the finest materials. The products have changed over time, but the essence remains the same. Steeped in the traditions of equestrian sport, Freedman's harness, saddles, bridles, bags and leather goods all echo a commitment to excellence that dates back six generations. Freedman's continues to offer harness and saddlery for horses from many disciplines. The company's strength lies in carriage driving and show horse such as Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians, Hackneys and more. Recently emerging as an equestrian fashion house, their expanded product line includes elegantly handcrafted handbags, travel bags, belts and leather goods. Learn more at FreedmanHarness.com.