Lexington, KY (August 19, 2020) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced it will host a virtual meeting on September 1 for the Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA).  The topic for this meeting, presented by WesBanco, will be “Can You Make a Right Call? Equine Events During a Pandemic.”   The meeting will happen on Zoom at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.  Registration is required. 

Due to recent event cancellations in Kentucky, this topic is being presented to give exhibitors and participants a glimpse into the decision-making process that event organizers and facility managers are using to determine whether or not to proceed with their horse shows during COVID19.  This virtual meeting will feature four panelists who will discuss various factors that impacted their decision and the public reaction to their choices. 

Anne Guillory, an attorney in the Louisville office of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, will discuss the legal issues an event organizer faces during a pandemic as well as the efficacy of waivers.   Jen Roytz, Executive Director of the Retired Racehorse Project, will discuss the factors that led to RRP deciding to cancel the Thoroughbred Makeover scheduled for October 7-11, 2020.   Justin Billings, Chief Show Officer of the American Quarter Horse Association, will discuss proceeding with the 2020 AQHYA World Show.  Nicole Rivera, Sales and Event Manager for the Kentucky Horse Park, will discuss the challenges the international venue faces hosting events during this time.  

“2020 has presented incredible challenges to the equine industry, most recently manifested in the cancellation of major horse shows and equine events in Kentucky,” Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross.  “We believe this well-rounded panel will provide great insight to the decisions that have been made regarding cancelling or going forward with events due to COVID19.”   

KENA is charged with the mission of providing an educational and social venue for equine professionals and horse enthusiasts from all disciplines. Organized by the Kentucky Horse Council, KENA provides the opportunity for attendees to share ideas, business strategies and knowledge, and to obtain up-to-date information on horse and farm management and on issues affecting the equine industry. KENA is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Dinsmore Equine Law Group, WesBanco, Neogen, University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, KESMARC Kentucky, and Equine Land Conservation Resources. 

The September meeting is presented by WesBanco, a multi-state bank with offices throughout Kentucky.  WesBanco is a generous supporter of the KENA dinner series.

The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to participate in the July meeting. All participants must register at https://kentuckyhorse.org/KENA.