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Lexington, KY (October 10, 2018) - A core tenet of the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) is its dedication to the protection of the state's equine community and its horses. The organization has multiple programs in place to act as safety nets for horses in the state of Kentucky, but one opportunity in particular focuses on strategic teamwork to preserve the safety of horses and other Bluegrass livestock: the Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training.
Offered to all Kentucky-based emergency service responders, veterinary professionals, animal control officers and the public at large, the training prepares attendees for a large-animal emergency rescue situation, focusing on keeping humans and animals as safe as possible during the event. Offered yearly, the course focuses on the facilitation of open conversation between veterinarians, firemen, volunteers and police, showing each how to better assist the other when responding to emergency situations where large animals are involved.
Begun in 2014, the three-day training has both hands-on and classroom learning opportunities. Scenarios that are discussed include entrapments, barn fires, trailer accidents on the roadway, water rescues, natural disaster preparation and response, and riding accidents, among others.
In 2018, 40 people received nearly 24 hours of instruction from Tori and Justin McLeod of 4Hooves Large Animal Service LLC. Based in Spring Lake, N.C., the husband-and-wife duo specialize in large animal technical rescue emergency response and in training for emergency responders and veterinary professionals.
Richard Nolan, a member of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture/Farm Safety Team, attended the Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training and had several "aha" moments during the course. "I'm a firm believer in that 'you can't lead someone where you have never been,'" Nolan says. "Justin and Tori McCloud are great teachers because of their breadth of experience."
While he recognizes that no two scenarios will ever be the same, one of the biggest takeaways he had was that "The broader the knowledge of the team executing the rescue or recovery, the greater the opportunity for success."
This focus on teamwork permeated every aspect of the workshop. Officer Scott Lynch, a mounted police officer with the Lexington Mounted Patrol, says he "gained an understanding of the requirements to succeed and therefore have a better opportunity to keep the situation from becoming worse until personnel and equipment can reach the scene."
"This training is absolutely worthwhile and necessary for first responders or persons working around large animals. The main thing I took away from this ... is the need for preparation before an incident," he explains.
"The Kentucky economy depends on the success of our equine and cattle industries," says Katy Ross, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council. "We've all heard the stories of both horses and cattle finding themselves in interesting predicaments. It's critical that we have first responders and veterinarians who are properly trained in how to deal with these situations, not only to protect and save the animals' lives, but to protect the humans dealing with them as well."
Want to learn more about the Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training or find out how to register? Click here. https://kentuckyhorse.org/Large-Animal-Emergency-Rescue. Thank you to our 2018 sponsors: US Equestrian Disaster Relief Fund, Otterbein University, Neogen, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Zoetis, Kentucky Horse Park, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Rocky M. Mason, DVM with Lexington Equine Medical.
The 2019 Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training will be held September 20-22 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
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Lexington, KY (August 28, 2018) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced the recipients of two Equine Scholarships for the Fall 2018 semester, Morehead State University student Brittany Rust and University of Kentucky student Morgan Dailey.
The Equine Scholarship is awarded to student members of the Kentucky Horse Council currently enrolled with a university or college in Kentucky in an equine-related major or a horse-related program, or a student accepted into an equine related major or program to start in the Fall 2018 semester. Some examples of courses of studies for which the scholarships are intended are Equine Science/Studies, Equine Business Management, Equine Therapy, Pre-Veterinarian, Farrier Training, Professional Jockey Certificate, Professional Horsemen’s Certificate, etc.
Brittany Rust is a sophomore at Morehead State University majoring in pre-veterinary science. Originally from Cold Spring, Kentucky, Brittany has been an active member of both the Northern Kentucky Horse Network and the Future Farmers of America. She plans to become an equine veterinarian and works with and shows rocky mountain horses.
Morgan Dailey is a freshman at the University of Kentucky studying biology on the pre-vet track. From Louisville, Kentucky, Morgan is a lacrosse player and long-time American Saddlebred rider. She also plans to become an equine veterinarian.
“The Kentucky Horse Council received a large number of very impressive applicants for the Equine Scholarships,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “These two young ladies were selected for their academic excellence and their involvement in the horse industry. We are proud to be able to help them further their studies and careers.”
The Kentucky Horse Council will offer scholarships for the Spring 2019 semester. Student memberships are free and interested students may sign up at www.kentuckyhorse.org
Lexington, KY (July 23, 2018) -The Kentucky Horse Council has announced the topic for the August Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner. The August topic, presented by Zoetis, will be Mitigating Risk for Farm and Horse Owners. The speaker panel for the event will feature Dr. Tim Potter, Travers Manley and John David Christman. The dinner will be held on August 21, 2018, at The Red Mile Clubhouse in Lexington, Ky. KENA is a dinner and educational series open to equine professionals, horse owners, and riders and will feature a networking reception from 5:30-6:00 PM, followed by dinner with the main speakers from 6:00-8:00 PM.
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 and supported by the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Program, 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.
Dr. Tim Potter is employed as an Animal Scientist with Robson Forensic, Inc. He provides technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation involving areas of animal science, including appraisals, behavior and training, facility design and construction, fencing, nutrition, reproduction, and safety issues. Travers Manley is an attorney with Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP practicing in the firm's Equine Law Group. He will address the equine activity liability act, waivers and releases and other ways to limit liability for individuals and businesses in the horse industry. John David Christman is an agent with Equus/Standardbred Station, Inc. and will discuss farm and horse insurance and how to use that insurance to limit the financial risks for owners.
"There are so many risks associated with owning a horse farm, business or even just a horse," says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. "We are excited to have this diverse panel to help members understand those risks and how to protect themselves, legally and financially."
The August 21 dinner is presented by Zoetis.
The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to attend the August 21 event. For details and reservations, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Lexington, KY (July 13, 2018) -The Kentucky Horse Council has announced they will be extending the scholarship deadline until Friday, July 20. All scholarships must be postmarked or emailed by this date.
The Kentucky Horse Council will be awarding two $1,500 scholarships to Kentucky students already attending college, or accepted into a college who have demonstrated academic success, equine industry involvement and community service for the Fall 2018 Semester.
The Equine Scholarship will be awarded to students currently enrolled with a university or college in Kentucky in an equine-related major or a horse-related program, or a student accepted into an equine related major or program to start in the Fall 2018 semester. Some examples of courses of studies for which the scholarships are intended are Equine Science/Studies, Equine Business Management, Equine Therapy, Pre-Veterinarian, Farrier Training, Professional Jockey Certificate, Professional Horsemen's Certificate, etc. Applicants must be student members of the Kentucky Horse Council.
"The Kentucky Horse Council is thrilled to once again be offering scholarships to college students in Kentucky," says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. "Education is an important part of our mission and we look forward to supporting the efforts of deserving students as they explore a future in the equine industry."
Applications for the scholarship will be accepted until July 20, 2018. The scholarship will be awarded on August 15. The student is required to be a member of the Kentucky Horse Council. Student memberships are free and interested students may sign up at www.kentuckyhorse.org.
To download the scholarship application, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.
All emailed scholarships may be sent to info@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 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
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Lexington, KY (June 22, 2018) -The Kentucky Horse Council announces Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park from August 10-12, 2018.
The LAER training will be taught by 4Hooves Large Animal Services, LLC and instructors Justin and Tori McLeod. Both instructors have extensive experience with equine and livestock as well as working as emergency responders. They also operate the North Carolina Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team as well as being instructors in technical large animal emergency rescue.
The course is geared towards veterinarians, first responders and emergency personnel as well as animal control officers and any horse owner or industry professional. The course will cover subject matter from animal behavior, safety considerations, restraints, containment, entrapments, motor vehicle accidents and overturned trailers, barn and wildfires, unstable ground, water rescues, and natural disaster preparation and response. Specialized instruction will be given to participants based on their background and auditors are welcome.
"We are excited to be offering this training this year," said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. "There is a real need for Large Animal Emergency Rescue training in this part of the country. It is an excellent opportunity for veterinarians, volunteers and first responders to receive in-depth, technical training for situations that unfortunately arise too frequently. We are grateful to the Kentucky Horse Park for allowing us to use their facility."
This course is approved by the AAVSB RACE for a total of 24 CE Credits for veterinarians and veterinarian technicians for Category 2: Non-Scientific Clinical.
This course is being sponsored by the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund, Hagyard Equine Medical Center, Otterbein University, Neogen Corporation, Zoetis, Rocky M. Mason, DVM and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. More sponsors are being accepted at this time.
For more information, to register for the class, or for partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org, or contact the Kentucky Horse Council at 859-367-0509.
Lexington, KY (June 4, 2018) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced they will be awarding two $1,500 scholarships to Kentucky students already attending college, or accepted into a college who have demonstrated academic success, equine industry involvement and community service for the Fall 2018 Semester.
The Equine Scholarship will be awarded to students currently enrolled with a university or college in Kentucky in an equine-related major or a horse-related program, or a student accepted into an equine related major or program to start in the Fall 2018 semester. Some examples of courses of studies for which the scholarships are intended are Equine Science/Studies, Equine Business Management, Equine Therapy, Pre-Veterinarian, Farrier Training, Professional Jockey Certificate, Professional Horsemen’s Certificate, etc. Applicants must be student members of the Kentucky Horse Council.
“The Kentucky Horse Council is thrilled to once again be offering scholarships to college students in Kentucky,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “Education is an important part of our mission and we look forward to supporting the efforts of a deserving student as they explore a future in the equine industry.”
Applications for the scholarship will be accepted until July 15, 2018. The scholarship will be awarded on August 15. The student is required to be a member of the Kentucky Horse Council. Student memberships are free and interested students may sign up at www.kentuckyhorse.org.
Lexington, KY (May 1, 2018) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced its topic for the May Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner. The May topic, presented by Dinsmore Equine Law Group, will be Tax Issues Facing the Horse Industry. The guest speaker for the event will be Jen Shah and the discussion will be moderated by Alex Waldrop. The dinner will be held on May 15, 2018, at The Red Mile Clubhouse in Lexington, Ky. KENA is a dinner and educational series open to equine professionals, horse owners, and riders and will feature a networking reception from 5:30-6:00 PM, followed by dinner with the main speakers from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Jen Shah, CPA, is the Director of Tax Services for Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC and currently leads the firm’s equine practice. She speaks regularly on business and tax considerations for horse owners and the tax implications of all aspects of the equine industry. Alex Waldrop is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) where he leads the thoroughbred industry’s national office responsible for matters pertaining to federal legislative advocacy, racing safety and integrity. Among the NTRA’s many accomplishments are new tax regulations regarding withholding for pari-mutuel wagering, bonus depreciation for horses and certain equipment, and other tax deductions that benefit farm and horse owners.
“Taxes are intimidating to the average person, and horse owners are no different. With changing tax laws on both the federal and state level, it is important for the equine industry to stay informed because tax policy has a huge impact on individuals, as well as large and small equine operations,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “We are excited to have Ms. Shah and Mr. Waldrop share their expertise on a variety of tax issues facing equine businesses and owners.”
The May 15 dinner is presented by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s Equine Law Group. Dinsmore & Shohl is a full-service law firm with offices in twenty-three cities throughout eleven states and the District of Columbia, including Kentucky offices in Lexington, Frankfort, Louisville and Covington. The Dinsmore Equine Law Group is a generous supporter of the KENA dinner series.
The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to attend the May 15 event. For details and reservations, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Lexington, KY (March 29, 2018) – The Kentucky Horse Council’s Livestock Investigation Training is back this spring and will be held at two locations across Kentucky, Western Kentucky University and Morehead State University. Registration for both trainings is now open to all county and state officials, such as Animal Control Officers, Sheriffs, and Police Officers.
Developed by the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) in partnership with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) with input from experienced enforcement officers, veterinarians, and livestock producers, this three-day course is tailored to the needs of the Commonwealth. The curriculum was updated in 2017 to keep up with changing animal welfare laws and standards.
Both 2018 offerings are Level I trainings, where attendees will learn how to handle horses and cattle, assess body condition score in both species, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal cases. Attendees will gain hands-on experience to best prepare them for cases in the field. The Western Kentucky training will be held May 14-16, 2018 and the Morehead State Training will be held June 25-27, 2018.
“We are excited to be offering the Livestock Investigation Training in two locations this year,” said Katy Ross, Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director. “These trainings fill a vital need for education of peace officers on animal abuse and neglect cases in the Commonwealth. This training has never before been offered in the Western portion of the state and we are thankful for the opportunity to educate officials across the state to help animals.”
Peace Officers attending the training are eligible for Continuing Education Units through the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
Cost to attend the three-day training is $150 per officer. Out-of-state officials may attend at $250 per officer. Limited scholarships for tuition are available.
For more information, to register for the class, or for partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org, or contact the Kentucky Horse Council at 859-367-0509 or info@kentuckyhorse.org.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a 501©3 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, 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.
Lexington, KY (January 24, 2018) – The Kentucky Horse Council has announced the topic for the February Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA) dinner as well as a new venue. The February topic will be The Right Horse Initiative presented by speaker Christie Schulte Kappert. The dinner will be held on February 20, 2018, at The Red Mile Clubhouse in Lexington, Ky. KENA is a dinner and educational series open to equine professionals, horse owners, and recreational riders and will feature a networking reception from 5:30-6:00 PM, followed by dinner with the main speakers from 6-8 PM.
KENA, focused on the Kentucky thoroughbred, sport, and pleasure horse community, is charged with the mission of providing an educational and social venue for equine professionals and horse enthusiasts from all disciplines. KENA, which is organized by the Kentucky Horse Council and supported by the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Program, 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.
Christie Schulte Kappert is the Program Director for The Right Horse Initiative. The Right Horse is an initiative funded by the WaterShed Animal Fund dedicated to improving the lives of animals. The Right Horse’s goal is to massively increase the number of successful horse adoptions in the United States by working together to reframe the adoption conversation and shatter the stigma surrounding horses in transition. The Right Horse focuses its grantmaking efforts on creating the infrastructure necessary to support successful training and adoption programs, driving innovation within the equine industry to increase humane transitions for at-risk horses, providing resources in communities to promote responsible horse ownership, and working on collaborations between equine welfare advocates and the horse industry.
“The Right Horse Initiative is changing the conversation surrounding horse adoptions,” says Kentucky Horse Council President Erin Woodall. “We are excited to have Ms. Kappert come and share more information about the Right Horse and educated the Kentucky equine community on the mission and vision of the Right Horse and how we can work together to aid horses in transition.”
The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners, professionals and enthusiasts to attend the February 20 event. For details and reservations, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Lexington, KY (November 16, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Council hosted the 2017 Coalition of State Horse Councils Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky from November 10-12, 2017.
The Coalition of State Horse Councils includes forty-three state horse councils that work together to provide grassroots support and education to state horse councils, encourage and grow participation in state horse councils and the equine industry, and to provide national issues support to the American Horse Council. Representatives from eighteen states, the National Equestrian Trails Conference, and the American Horse Council attended the 2017 Annual Meeting in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Horse Council organized three days of meetings, panel discussions, and tours to educate and entertain the Coalition group. Tours included Darby Dan Farm, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. Presentations were made to the group by Vicki Lowell from US Equestrian, Keith Kline from the AAEP Foundation and more. Panels on Saturday discussed community involvement with equine events, agritourism in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the growing interest in thoroughbred aftercare.
“The Kentucky Horse Council is proud to be able to showcase the extensive Kentucky equine industry to representatives of other state horse councils and the American Horse Council,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “We are blessed to be located in the Horse Capital of the World and privileged to have access to so many beautiful venues, equine organizations, and amazing horses. We are pleased to be able to share this with others and facilitate new relationships, connections and ideas for horse councils around the country.”
The Coalition of State Horse Councils rotates its annual meeting around the country and the 2018 meeting is scheduled to be hosted by the Arizona Horse Council in Phoenix, AZ.
The 2017 Annual Meeting in Lexington would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship from the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, the NTRA, The Jockey Club, Equine Equipment Savings, Dinsmore Equine Law Group, Equisure, and the Equine Land Conservation Resources. In kind donations were also made by Darby Dan Farm, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Horse Country, Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, The United States Pony Clubs and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Without the support of these organizations, the CSHC meeting would not have been possible.
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Office: 859-367-0509
Email: info@kentuckyhorse.org
Fax: 866-618-3837
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Lexington, Kentucky 40511
