09.07.13

Study Shows State’s Equine Industry Has $3 Billion Economic Impact

Posted in Economics, Kentucky, Kentucky Horse Council, Press Release at 9:18 pm by EPR

Study Shows State’s Equine Industry
Has $3 Billion Economic Impact

Lexington, Ky.  Kentucky’s equine industry had a total economic impact of almost $3 billion and generated 40,665 jobs last year, according to the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey. The tax contribution of the equine industry to Kentucky was approximately $134 million.

nullAccording to Jill Stowe, University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs director and project lead, the total economic impact is measured by the output effect and is an estimate of revenues earned by the sale of goods and services related to the equine industry and its interconnected industries. The study also showed that the value-added effect, which is perhaps a more descriptive measure of economic impact because it accounts for costs of production, has an estimated economic impact of $1.4 billion. The value-added effect is a measure of profitability and new income paid to workers rather than simply revenue.

TheUK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Ag Equine Programs and Kentucky Horse Council, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, today released the economic impact figures from the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, a comprehensive statewide survey of all breeds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. This was the first such wide-ranging study of Kentucky’s equine industry since 1977 and the first-ever detailed economic impact study about Kentucky’s equine industry.

“We are pleased to announce the long-awaited results from the economic impact study. The estimates underscore the continued significance of the equine industry to the commonwealth, and they show that each segment of the industry contributes in important ways to the economy as well as to the rich cultural fabric of Kentucky,” said Stowe, who is also associate professor in agricultural economics.

When looking more specifically at each sector’s estimated impact, breeding had the highest employment figure of 16,198, an output of $710 million and a value-added impact of $333 million. Racing had the highest output impact at $1.28 billion, with a figure of 6,251 in employment and $601 million in value-added impact. Competition figures included 2,708 in employment, $635 million in output and $297 million in value-added impact. Recreation had 594 in employment, $166 million in output and $78 million in value-added impact. Other, which accounts for operations such as therapeutic riding facilities and those where horses are used for work, had an employment figure of 14,914, a $194 million output and a $91 million value-added impact.

“The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is proud of this project because first and foremost, it represents the best available methods of surveying that universities and government can provide. But the most compelling aspect of this study is that our future policy discussions can be guided by solid numbers. We thank the Kentucky Horse Council and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board as well as our numerous donors, for recognizing how much the Horse Capital of the World needs a sound foundation for policy decisions,” said Nancy Cox, associate dean for research in UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station director and administrative leader for UK Ag Equine Programs.

nullThe first phase of the study was released in January and measured Kentucky’s equine and asset inventory. That portion of the study found that the state is home to 242,400 horses and the total value of Kentucky’s equine and equine-related assets is estimated at $23.4 billion. The survey’s results identified 35,000 equine operations and 1.1 million acres devoted to equine use.

Also from the inventory portion of the study, the total of all equine-related sales and income for equine operations was about $1.1 billion. That total came from sales of all equines, estimated to be $521.1 million, and $491 million in income from both breeding and non-breeding services, such as training, lessons, boarding, farrier, transportation, purses and incentives.

The first phase also found that equine-related expenditures by equine operations totaled about $1.2 billion. Capital expenditures by equine operations, including the purchase of equines, real estate and improvements and equipment, were estimated to be $337 million. Operating expenditures, including expenses paid for boarding, feed, bedding, veterinary, supplies, farrier services, breeding, maintenance and repair, insurance premiums, utilities and fuel, taxes, rent and/or lease, fees and payments, shipping and travel, training and other fees, totaled $839 million. Notably, 77 percent of these operating expenses were spent in Kentucky.

The study determined that 56 percent of Kentucky’s equine operations are farms or ranches and 30 percent are for personal use, while 3 percent are boarding, training or riding facilities. Breeding operations accounted for 2 percent.

The vast majority of horses inventoried were light horses (216,300), followed by donkeys and mules (14,000), ponies (7,000) and draft horses (5,100). Thoroughbreds are the most numerous breed in the state (54,000), followed by Quarter Horses (42,000), Tennessee Walking Horses (36,000), American Saddlebreds (14,000), donkeys and mules (14,000), Mountain Horse breeds (12,500), Standardbreds (9,500), Miniature Horses (7,000), ponies (7,000), Paint Horses (6,500) and Arabian and Half-Arabian horses (5,500).

The primary use of the majority of Kentucky’s equines is trail riding/pleasure (79,500), followed by broodmares (38,000), horses currently idle/not working (33,000), competition/show (24,500), horses currently growing, including yearlings, weanlings and foals (23,000), racing (15,000), work/transportation (12,500), breeding stallions (3,900) and other activities (13,000).

“The data from this study will benefit the state in many ways. We have already made use of the results at two regional horsemen’s caucuses held in areas with identified concentrations of equine populations. We are looking forward to at least three additional regional horsemen’s caucuses based on this data in 2014,” said Anna Zinkhon, Kentucky Horse Council Board president.

As might be expected, there is a concentration of horses in the Bluegrass area of Central Kentucky but there are also other areas of the state with significant concentrations of equine.

According to the report, thetop 10 counties in Kentucky with equine acres were Fayette (89,000), Bourbon (48,700), Woodford (44,200), Scott (26,600), Grant (22,000), Oldham (21,000), Grayson (18,900), Warren (18,700), Boone (16,500) and Carter (16,400). More detailed county information can be found in the full report online.

“The University of Kentucky has equine expertise in many scientific disciplines. The economic survey is an example of expertise that transcends over, not only the science of horses, but the business of horses in the commonwealth,” said Norman K. Luba, executive director of the North American Equine Ranching Information Council. “Documented and dependable economic data will provide critical information about the significant role the horse industry plays in the economic well-being of Kentucky’s economy.”

Funding for the project was provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, along with UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Kentucky Horse Council and numerous other industry organizations and individuals, a complete listing of which can be found on the project’s website. More information about the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, including a copy of the final report and appendices, can be found at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/equine/kyequinesurvey.
Contact:

University of Kentucky
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Equine Ag Program
Dr. Jill Stowe or Holly Wiemers
(859) 257-2226
Kentucky Horse Council

1500 Bull Lea Rd, Suite 214C
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone:  859.367.0509
Fax:  866.618.3837
www.kentuckyhorse.org

09.01.13

Bringing WEG back to Kentucky.

Posted in 2026, Governor Beshear, Kentucky Horse Park, My Thoughts, Position Statements at 8:44 pm by Thomas

By now I would assume anyone who has read my blog from over the last almost 8 years, can guess I have a high degree of interest in seeing the World Equestrian Games back in Kentucky again.  Now after what I heard last Saturday at the Kentucky State Fair I think I need to re-emphasize that.

It was the Saturday Night of the World’s Championship Horse Show, which is the big night and its not unusual for a sitting Governor to be there to present an award, this year was a little different.  The Governor seemed to be doing a stump speech, though not really sure why, but he was going on about how Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World and how much money this particular week long show brought in.  Now let me stop before anyone thinks my intention is to bash the Governor, absolutely not, I like Steve Beshear and the First Lady Jane Beshear who is quite an accomplished horse person in her own right.   I will go as far as to say I voted for Governor Beshear, not saying I agree with all his policy positions but certainly think he provides a balance and direction to the Commonwealth that has helped it to weather the economic storm of the last 7 years.  I just wish that as the Governor he would openly say that he would like to see the World Equestrian Games back in Kentucky again and at least set the ball in motion considering he realizes how important it for Kentucky that we are the Horse Capital of the World.

So the point I want to drive home is, we are the Horse Capital of the World and we should make it known that we desire to hold the World Equestrian Games every so many cycles, in my opinion, no more then every 16 years  with an average of 12, meaning sometimes 8 years and sometimes 16 years.  To me it seems a no brainer, there were significant capital improvements made to the Kentucky Horse Park and the infrastructure surrounding it.  Those type of capital improvements have a life span just like anything does, I would argue they have a half-life of 16 years meaning if we hosted the Games again by 2026 most of that infrastructure should still be usable having been maintained as part of the standard ops of the Horse Park.  Now, I would certainly love to have comments from Architects and Engineers as well as City Planners on where I am right and wrong in that generalization but I am more right that wrong for the sake of my argument, and that argument isn’t whether I am crazy or not, that was settled a long time ago in regards to this.  In some ways its no longer an argument on whether the Games are coming back to Kentucky, I will find a way to get them back here because I do believe with all my soul that it is very important to Kentucky and maybe even our responsibility as the Horse Capital of the World to be part of the global rotation that holds the Games, and that is another topic for another post, the idea that there should be set of established host locations, but again, topic for another post.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

08.31.13

T-357 WEG 2014

Posted in 2014 Games at 8:46 pm by Thomas

We are inside the one year countdown to the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy France.  It’s amazing to think that it has been almost 3 years since the start of our own World Equestrian Games and now we are coming up on the next one fast.

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014

The exact dates are August 23rd – September 7th, 2014 in a variety of sites around Normandy France at venues in Caen, the prefecture of the Calvados department in north-western France, the country’s oldest national stud farm at Haras du Pin, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel.

I have heard says that this will be the largest Equestrian Event in the history of France of the non-military variety.

To celebrate the one-year countdown, the FEI has today launched an online history hub dedicated to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ which contains detailed information about each of the previous Games, starting with the inaugural edition in Stockholm in 1990, through to Kentucky 2010 and looking forward to 2014. Along with a summary of the Games’ most memorable moments, the website features key facts and figures, complete results, and extensive photo galleries.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

07.27.13

Jack Kelly (2013)

Posted in 2010 Games, World Equestrian Games, World Games 2010 Foundation at 10:14 pm by Thomas

My condolences go out to the family of Jack Kelly who passed on July 24th after a long battle with cancer.  He was the CEO of the 2010 World Equestrian Games organization from 2006 to 2008 and played a significant role in laying the foundation for the success of the Games.

Funeral services for Mr. Kelly will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Clark Legacy Center at Brannon Crossing in Nicholasville, with a reception afterward.

For the complete story go to Kentucky.com.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

07.01.13

2018 WEG Biding Re-Opened – Bromont NOT Selected

Posted in 2018 Games, World Equestrian Games at 9:04 pm by Thomas

Breaking News: The announcement has just been made in the last couple of hours that Bromont Canada’s bid for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games has been turned down as it currently stands.  With this decision the FEI has been forced to re-open the bidding process for the 2018 Games but did strongly request that Bromont resubmit a bid which they said they would.

It all came down to the public financing of the Games.  “The Bromont/Montreal bid was very impressive on all technical aspects and it is hugely disappointing, both for the bid team and for the FEI, that the Bureau was unable to allocate the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 today”, FEI President HRH Princess Haya said, “but unfortunately, without the necessary financial support, the FEI and the organisers would be exposed to an unacceptable financial risk”.

No specifics were given on the new timeline for the re-bidding process.  So we will be keeping our ears to the ground to see what we hear through both the official and unofficial information channels.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond

06.30.13

Cross Country Day Survey.

Posted in Attractions, Discussion, Kentucky Horse Park, Schooling Day at 7:19 pm by Thomas

I am sure most of you who go out to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Cross Country Schooling days have already seen the notice that next Sunday’s (July 7th) Schooling Day has been cancelled.  I recently finished my first Dressage Show with my new horse Di’s Dr. Schumocker(TJ Monty) and was hoping to get out there next weekend just to hack around a bit and see how how he did.  So now we are left with a single remaining date, Saturday September 7th, so expecting the turn out to be pretty good based on what I hear from others as I have not had to opportunity to make one of these in the past.  So I am planning on getting out there for that last date, because it should be fun and this would be a great event to ask those of you who do these both your thoughts on what is more important for Kentucky as Horse Capital of the World, getting the World Equestrian Games back at some future date, say 2022 or 2026 or focusing on these kind of smaller fun uses of our equine facilities and really promoting Kentucky as a State that horse people come for a vacation with their horses.  I know many of you will say why don’t we do both, and I think that question comes down to utilizing a finite amount of resources to their maximum potential and that is usually best served by a focused goal of what you want to accomplish.  I will put a survey together with questions that more clearly ask the specific questions related to that base question.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond

05.05.13

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Presents Cross Country Schooling Days

Posted in Kentucky Horse Park, Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, Schooling Day at 6:18 pm by EPR

Tomorrow’s Schooling day has been cancelled due to the heavy rain that has been occurring and is expected to continue through tomorrow.  Tuesday is still a go the last we heard

2013 Schooling Days

Tuesday, May 7

Saturday, June 1

Sunday, July 7

Saturday, September 7

Two sessions per day:

Weekday sessions:

12 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Weekend sessions:

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

For only $35 per horse and rider for a four-hour session, you can treat yourself and your horse to this unique training opportunity. With obstacles from novice to advanced, and combinations similar to those found in competitions, all skill levels are welcome. All proceeds raised from this event help the foundation continue to maintain and improve the competition facilities year-round.

From the registration fee, $20 will be considered a charitable donation, and all participants will receive a tax receipt for that amount.

Stabling is available, but not guaranteed for all schooling days. For riders who are not stabling at the park, a one-day $20 trailer pass or $75 seasonal trailer pass must be purchased at registration. Seasonal trailer passes may also be purchased in advance.

On-site registration

A current coggins and health certificate are required and will be checked upon arrival at the park

All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet, body-protecting vest, and approved medical armband

For advanced purchase of a seasonal trailer pass, call 859-259-4225

For stabling inquiries, call 859-259-4219

In case of inclement weather, call 859-255-5727

All other questions, please call the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation at

859-255-5727

04.30.13

Cool Spring – Hot Derby

Posted in Kentucky Derby, Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event at 10:33 pm by Thomas

It’s amazing that we are at the end of April and we are still getting bouts of pretty cool weather for this time of year, especially compared to what we had this time last year.  I made all 4 days of the Kentucky Rolex Three-Day Event and Cross Country day was actually chilly at points, though I think that was a good thing for the horses, certainly better then temps in the 80’s.

The good news has been we have had no hard freezes like we did several years ago after having a month of near 80 degree weather, that was devastating to the foliage at the time.  Pastures are coming back strong, especially Bluegrass which loves the warm days and cool nights.  Also we have been getting abundant rain which will help to mediate any potential drought concerns for this summer should the weather finally turn hot.

As for the Kentucky Derby, the weather is expected to be cool and rainy which should make for an interesting race, and with the track sloppy Normandy Invasion could be the one to beat.

03.31.13

Spring has Sprung

Posted in My Thoughts at 9:09 pm by Thomas

Finally Spring seems to be upon us, which is a good thing considering the opening day of Keeneland is only 5 days away and Rolex less then 4 weeks.  While we are counting down, the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is only 511 days away but that topic I will take up another day, back to Spring in Kentucky.

Spring in Kentucky is always a magical time, the transformation from the browns of Winter to all the amazing colors of plants and trees blooming is one to behold.  Of course there is also the many new foals frolicking around enjoying their first Spring.  Everyone of those foals is a living thing that embodies the hopes and dreams of someone, whether that is a Backyard Owner or a Thoroughbred Trainer hoping to win the 2016 Kentucky Derby.  For me this is my 30 Spring in Kentucky and I always feel so blessed to get to experience this renewal each year because it is something I feel deep in my soul.

02.28.13

Upcoming Events: March 2013

Posted in Announcement, Events of Interest, Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen, Kentucky Horse Council, Kentucky Horse Park at 9:06 pm by Thomas

March 2nd, 2013 – Saturday

This weekend, Saturday March 2nd at 6 PM, Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen will be having their annual meeting which is open to the public at the Mercer County Extension Office in Harrodsburg.  This is a great organization made up of a wonderful group of horse people dedicated to seeing that we will always have places to ride.  There will be a free dinner and speakers, please check out their Facebook page for more information.

March 9th, 2013 – Saturday

The Woodford Equine Hospital Spring Vaccine Clinic will be held from 8 AM to 2 PM at the Woodford Equine Hospital in Versailles.

After you have gotten your Spring Vaccinations why not head over to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Fayette County Farm Bureau Equipment Consignment Auction which will run from 9:30 Am to 4 PM.

To end your Saturday why not swing by Spindletop Hall for the MSEDA Gala 2013-Cirque du Cheval to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation starting at 5:30 PM with Cocktails and Dinner at 7:00 PM.

March 27th, 2013 – Wednesday

The Kentucky Equine Youth Festival will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena from 9 AM to 2:30 PM.  This will be a great event for the whole family and is worth getting the kids out of school for as an educational event on Kentucky’s signature industry.сондажи

01.22.13

Kentucky Equine Survey Releases Initial Findings

Posted in Kentucky Horse Council, University of Kentucky at 7:59 pm by EPR

Kentucky Horse Council, Inc.

 Press Release from the
University of Kentucky
Contact:
Jill Stowe, 859-257-7256
Nancy Cox, 859-257-3333
By Holly Wiemers

Kentucky Equine Survey Releases Initial Findings

Kristen Harvey's photo of Maine Chance Farm filly LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2013) – Kentucky is home to 242,400 horses and the total value of the state’s equine and equine-related assets is estimated at $23.4 billion, according to the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey.

The comprehensive statewide survey of all breeds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules was the first such study since 1977. Conducted between June and October 2012 by the Kentucky field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, with support and assistance by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and the Kentucky Horse Council, the survey’s results identified 35,000 equine operations and 1.1 million acres devoted to equine use. The results are a snapshot of the 2011 calendar year.

“The value of Kentucky’s equine and equine-related assets, such as land and buildings, is significantly larger than other states for which we have data, and it serves to underscore that Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World,” said Jill Stowe, UK associate professor in agricultural economics and project lead. “Upcoming economic impact analysis results will provide even more details regarding the importance of the industry to the state’s economy.”

Phase 1 of the study was a statewide survey of equine operations that included an inventory of all breeds of equine, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. It included a look at sales, income, expenses and assets of those operations. County-level results from Phase 1 are expected soon. Phase 2 of the project will entail an economic impact analysis of Kentucky’s equine industry. Phase 2 information will be available mid-2013.

With regard to the inventory of Kentucky’s equine operations, the study determined that 56 percent are farms or ranches and 30 percent are for personal use, while 3 percent are boarding, training or riding facilities. Breeding operations accounted for 2 percent.

The vast majority of horses inventoried were light horses (216,300), followed by donkeys and mules (14,000), ponies (7,000) and draft horses (5,100). Thoroughbreds are the most prevalent breed in the state (54,000), followed by Quarter Horses (42,000), Tennessee Walking Horses (36,000), Saddlebreds (14,000), donkeys, mules and burros, Mountain Horse breeds (12,500) and Standardbreds (9,500).

“The University of Kentucky study objectively and scientifically validates the importance of the horse industry to our state. This may well be the most significant body of work ever undertaken to estimate the economic significance of horses to Kentucky,” said Norman K. Luba, executive director of the North American Equine Ranching Information Council. “As horse industry enthusiasts, we are indebted to the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and the Kentucky Horse Council.”

The primary use of the majority of Kentucky’s equines is trail riding/pleasure (79,500), followed by broodmares (38,000), horses currently idle/not working (33,000), competition/show (24,500), horses currently growing, including yearlings, weanlings and foals (23,000), racing (15,000), work/transportation (12,500), breeding stallions (3,900) and other activities (13,000).

“Kentucky’s horse industry is important to a diverse set of people across the Commonwealth, from the 9-year-old 4-H member with her pony to the retired school teacher who just took up trail riding,” said Anna Zinkhon, Kentucky Horse Council Board president. “It is the Kentucky Horse Council’s goal to keep this industry alive and growing. The Kentucky Equine Survey provides us with the numbers, so we’ll know how to develop programs to emphasize strengths as well as work on improving areas of need. It is an important window into the future.”

According to the study, the estimated value of the 242,400 equines in Kentucky is about $6.3 billion. In addition, the estimated value of equine-related assets, including land and buildings, vehicles and equipment, feed and supplies and tack and equestrian clothing, is $17.1 billion, bringing the total value of Kentucky’s equine and equine-related assets to $23.4 billion.

The total of all equine-related sales and income for equine operations in 2011 was about $1.1 billion. That total came from sales of all equines, estimated to be $521.1 million, and $491 million in income from services provided, including both breeding and non-breeding services such as training, lessons, boarding, farrier, transportation, purses, incentives, etc.

The study found that total equine-related expenditures by equine operations in 2011 totaled about $1.2 billion. Capital expenditures by equine operations, including the purchase of equines, real estate and improvements and equipment, were estimated to be $337 million. Operating expenditures, including expenses paid for boarding, feed, bedding, veterinary, supplies, farrier services, breeding, maintenance and repair, insurance premiums, utilities and fuel, taxes, rent and/or lease, fees and payments, shipping and travel, training and other fees, totaled $839 million. Notably, 77 percent of these operating expenses were spent in Kentucky.

“We are pleased that this Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund investment made by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board will provide benefits to one of our state’s signature industries,” said Roger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. “The results of this survey will validate the economic benefits of all breeds of equine to Kentucky’s overall economy.”

“The College of Agriculture is proud of this project because first and foremost, it represents the best available methods of surveying that universities and government can provide. But the most compelling aspect of this study is that our future policy discussions can be guided by solid numbers. We thank the Kentucky Horse Council and the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy as well as our numerous donors, for recognizing how much the Horse Capital of the World needs a sound foundation for policy decisions,” said Nancy Cox, associate dean for research in UK’s College of Agriculture, Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station director and administrative leader for UK Ag Equine Programs.

Funding for the project was provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, along with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, the Kentucky Horse Council and numerous other industry organizations and individuals, a complete listing of which can be found on the project’s website.

More information about the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey can be found on the UK Ag Equine Programs website at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/equine/kyequinesurvey or on Kentucky Horse Council’s website at http://www.kentuckyhorse.org/. A copy of the complete Phase 1 results, including county-level breakdowns, will also be posted on both of these websites when they become available.

Writer: Holly Wiemers, 859-257-2226

UK College of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.

UK Ag Equine Programs
(formerly UK Equine Initiative) |
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture | N212 Ag. Science Bldg. North |
Lexington KY 40546-0091 | Office: 859-257-2226 | Fax: 859-323-8484 | www.ca.uky.edu/equine

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.
Contact:

Ginny Grulke
Executive Director
Phone:  859.367.0509
director@kentuckyhorse.org

Kentucky Horse Council

1500 Bull Lea Rd, Suite 214C
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone:  859.367.0509
www.kentuckyhorse.org

01.21.13

Kentucky Round-Up 2013: Still Needed!

Posted in Kentucky Horse Council, Kentucky Horse Park at 10:30 pm by EPR

Kentucky Round-Up CC Header

Still Needed!
The Kentucky Round-Up is a huge event!  We are advertising it broadly, including websites, emails, print ads and billboards. We will expand it next year.
Your help is needed for a number of things:
  • “Like” the KY Round-Up Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/KentuckyRoundUp) to getr updates and also spread the word.
  • Ads for the program. The ads help pay for printing of the program which will be given to each attendee for no cost.  Business card ads are only $60 and Logos only are $40 ADS DUE WEDNESDAY JAN. 23rd.
    (PRINT PROGRAM AD RATE SHEET)
  • Vendors.  We are hearing a lot of buzz and expect over 2,500 people!  The more the merrier on vendors!  Vendor spots are only $150 (business) and $100 (nonprofit).
    (PRINT VENDOR FORM.)
    (VIEW CURRENT VENDORS)
  • Sponsors.  We still have room for additional sponsors! Sponsorships start at $250 and go to $10,000.  If you know a farm, a business, or a supportive individual or association, please ask them to consider sponsoring so this event can be as successful as possible.
    (PRINT SPONSOR FORM.)
  • Spread the word.  Tell your friends and neighbors! We have many activities for people who don’t own horses, as well as those who do.  We have a large poster which we can send for posting in your area.
  • Volunteers for planning committee for 2014 Kentucky Round-Up.  (EMAIL GINNY, EXEC. DIRECTOR)

Thank You

Kentucky Round-Up Volunteers Needed!

Posted in Events of Interest, Kentucky Horse Council, Kentucky Horse Park, Volunteerism at 10:25 pm by EPR

We need some KY Round-Up Volunteers — for a few hours 
The Kentucky Round-Up will be jam packed with families, kids, horsemen, horses, vendors, classes, demonstrations, clinics….
We need your help.  We have estimated a need for 50 volunteers for the day.  We currently have about 25.
Please consider volunteering for just a few hours.  Volunteers get free admission, a $10 meal allowance, and a free Kentucky Round-Up T-Shirt. And our heartfelt thanks!
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
Here are the areas we still need help with:
(Visit kentuckyroundup.com for descriptions of the activities in each area.)
The Ticket Booth                Have 3 people, could use 2 more                                             at 7:30AM
Barn                                         2 people
Horse Demonstrations              Possible 4 (waiting to hear                                                     from college group)
Clinics                                      2 people
Paddock                                   5 people
Kids Corrall                               2 people
Concourse                                4 people
Stable                                      3 people
Set Up Friday Night (4 – 10)      4 people
Break Down Saturday Night       3 people
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Thank You!
Kentucky Round-Up benefits the following organizations:
New Beginnings Ronald mcDonald Charities KHC Youth

01.14.13

South Africa Tourism, model for Kentucky Tourism!

Posted in Adventure Tourism, Bluegrass Region, Destination Tourism, Kentucky, South Africa, Tourism, Travel at 10:27 pm by Thomas

I am recently back from my third(3rd) trip to South Africa in the past year having spent a total of nearly 6 weeks there and I have learned quite a bit.  Most of what drove the South African Economy of the past was mineral(Gold, Diamonds, Rare Earth Minerals, etc…) wealth.  As that has begun to decline South Africa’s other major industry, tourism has come into its own.

I am not going to beat around the bush, the thing that South African Tourism does well, is to sell South Africa as a Destination and a one of a kind experience, somewhere you go and spend a week or two.  This is something that I don’t feel Kentucky does and I am sure I will get many people who will disagree with me on that, but at the very least I will get most of those people to agree we do not do it to the degree we could and should.

Now to be fair, South Africa has some natural advantages that Kentucky does not but Kentucky has a beauty that I would put up against any place in the World and its own unique character that makes it a Great Tourism Destination.  The key with Destination Tourism is that you really are trying to sell to a far off audience, like South African’s, Europeans or just about anybody else on the planet.

I feel there are 4 keys to developing Kentucky as a Great Destination.

  1. Natural Beauty – Kentucky has a beauty that comes through in pictures that people find alluring.
  2. Southern Charm – We do posses an inviting personality that people generally find as warm and relaxing after they have been here.  That is something a little harder to convey to people who haven’t been here but it is possible with the right marketing.
  3. Adventure Tourism – Everything from horse back riding, hiking, cycling, boating to the Kentucky Horse Park and Horse Shows.  Activities that people can do with just the clothes on their back and a couple of days.
  4. Location, Location, Location – Kentucky is very centrally located which allows someone to come here and do day and overnight trips to a number of key Cites and sites, such as Nashville or Chicago or Washington DC.  Even New York City or Disney World are simple plane flights away.

While in South Africa we actually did a day trip up to Botswana just to have that experience and to check out the new Bush Babies Lodge on the Limpopo River that separates South Africa from Botswana.  And on our way back to the States, we came via Europe and changed flights in Paris, France on New Year’s Eve just  to get in another destination.  Now to be fair, we were only on the ground 5 hours so didn’t have time to leave the airport, but still I have the experience of saying I was in Paris for New Year’s Eve 2013.

My point being, that is why everyone wants to travel to far off lands and sometimes even the State next door, is for the experience and I have come to the conclusion that there are 7 billion people on the planet that all want to come to Kentucky they just don’t know it yet.  I realize most of those 7 billion people don’t have that luxury of being able to travel that far but there are a lot of people who can and Kentucky needs to be on their list of Destinations they want to visit in their Life times.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO

12.12.12

12 12 12

Posted in 2022 Games at 10:28 pm by Thomas

Today seems like a good day to re-iterate my goal of returning the World Equestrian Games to Kentucky.  First, I think having the Games every 12 years would be a good time frame between games, thus I would like to see us host the 2022 Games.  It allows us to take advantage of the Capital Improvements made for the 2010 which was the biggest State Funded Expenditure for the Games, but at the same time not making it so often that it looses that feeling of being a somewhat rare event both for the spectators and the volunteers.  At this point the Games are 2 years in the past but I am of course working towards those Games representing the Future of Kentucky that becomes a Legacy of the Impact of the Horse on the People of Kentucky.

Kentucky Round-up

Posted in Kentucky Horse Council at 9:14 pm by EPR

Kentucky Horse Council Announces Kentucky Round-up, 
a New Winter Family Event 

  Kentucky Round-UpLexington KY, December 10, 2012 – The Kentucky Horse Council today announces the Kentucky Round-Up, a new family event featuring horse fun, learning and interaction.  Kentucky Round-Up will be held February 2, 2013 at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Kentucky Round-Up also includes an evening concert by country music star John Michael Montgomery.

The event has been designed to provide families with no horse involvement to be around horses, learn about their personalities, grooming, safety, and horse sports that kids can be involved with.  In addition, those who already ride horses will find advanced speakers, clinicians, vendors and demonstrations for their interest. Also taking place at the Kentucky Round-Up is the 4th Annual International Safety Symposium, sponsored by riders4helmets.com, attracting attendees and speakers from around the world.

In the evening, well-known Kentucky country music artist John Michael Montgomery will be in concert in the arena, with the Danny Frazier Band as the opening act.

Between the daytime activities and the concert, the Kentucky Horse Council will hold its annual Members’ Awards Banquet to recognize outstanding industry contributors and volunteers.

“Kentucky Round-Up is a way for the Horse Council to address an issue which all of agriculture faces, ” commented Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council board.  “Less young people today are comfortable around horses and other livestock because the family farms are disappearing.  Getting the kids ‘off the couch and into the barn’ not only introduces them to the wonder of horses, but also has tremendous character and health benefits.”

“We also hope to take these same families out to horse activities and farms throughout the year,” said Ginny Grulke, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council.  “This is not just a one-day experience, but a continuing pathway to the horse.”

For more information about Kentucky Round-Up, visit www.kentuckyroundup.com

« Previous Page — « Previous entries « Previous Page · Next Page » Next entries » — Next Page »

Sponsored By

KyWEGO
Sponsored By AbitaNet AbitaNet Corporation