|
 Kentucky
is known as the horse capital of the world.
The horse industry in 2006 generated more than
$4 billion in farm gate receipts, the largest
of any livestock commodity in Kentucky, and
generated more than 31,000 jobs in Kentucky.
While the Thoroughbred industry leads the state
in terms of income generation and visibility,
there is an active sport and recreation part
of the industry that is outside of racing.
The 2005 American Horse Council survey reported
that more than 50 percent of the horses in
the state are used in non-racing activities
such as showing and recreation. Although the
population of Quarter horses in the state is
larger than the Thoroughbred population, there
are also significant numbers of other breeds
in Kentucky, such as American Saddlebreds,
Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, Standardbreds,
American Paint Horses, Sport Horses (warm bloods),
and others. In total, it is estimated that
there are approximately 320,000 horses in Kentucky.
In
addition to the economic value of the horse
industry, there is a significant social value.
Many new horse owners are turning tot he horse
as a means of family recreation.. The youth
activities in the state include a very active
horse program. Currently more than 6,000 youth
are enrolled in the 4-H Horse Project.
To
meet this need for information, the Extension
specialists and associates coordinate and deliver
a wide variety of educational activities across
the state for both youth and adult audiences.
Providing information to those involved in
the 4-H program is more direct, but it is somewhat
difficult in targeting the adult horse owner.
As mentioned, many of these people are new
to the horse industry and may not belong to
any equine-related association. Nor do many
of these people routinely consult their county
Extension agent. The biggest challenge is finding
the most appropriate method of providing information
to these new horse owners.
Adult
Extension
Youth
Extension
Calendar
of Events
For
more information, contact:
Equine
Resources (from Virtual Livestock
Library)
|
