University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

 

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4-H & Youth
 
 

 
Equine Extension
 

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:

Dr. Bob Coleman
Horse Extension Specialist
rcoleman@uky.edu
Dr. Fernanda Camargo-Stutzman
Horse Extension Specialist
fernanda.camargo@uky.edu
Ms. Kristen Janicki
Equine Extension Associate
kjanicki@uky.edu

Equine Resources (from Virtual Livestock Library)

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