Annual KEEP Day at the Capitol in Frankfort to be Held February 23rd

Lexington, Ky. (Thursday, February 15, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced that it will host its annual KEEP Day in Frankfort event on Thursday, February 23, 2023. KEEP Day at the Capitol provides KEEP grassroots members, industry leaders, breed associations, and other industry partners an opportunity to share with Kentucky lawmakers the importance of horses to their legislative districts and the state’s economy.

The event will take place from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in the Senate Caucus Room, room 269 in the Capitol Annex.

Will Glasscock, KEEP’s executive director, commented, “Kentucky’s signature industry plays a critical role in the Commonwealth’s economy. The horse industry and community provide more than 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in annual economic impact for the state. We see this impact, not only at the racetracks and large horse farms, but across the state where small family-owned operations breed and train horses, grow hay, build fences, and sell farm equipment. KEEP Day is an opportunity to share this story with lawmakers and ensure that they understand the full depth and breadth of the industry and community.”

Created in 2004 to preserve, promote, and protect the state’s horse industry, KEEP represents and advocates on behalf of Kentucky’s entire industry – all breeds and equine pursuits.

RSVP to attend KEEP Day in Frankfort by emailing brittany@horseswork.com.

About KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Announces New Board Members

Lexington, KY. (Wednesday, February 8, 2023) – On Friday, February 3rd, 2023, the KEEP Board of Directors voted to add three individuals to the board:

  • Hallie Hardy – Executive Director of Horse Country in Lexington, KY
  • Kim Smith – Founder and Executive Director of Second Stride in Crestwood, KY and Owner and Operator of Moserwood Farms in Prospect, KY
  • Rob Tribbett – Vice President of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association in Lexington, KY and General Manager of Watercress Farm in Paris, KY

Additionally, the KEEP Board of Directors elected Shannon Cobb to serve as vice chair of the board. Cobb is the COO/CFO of the Red Mile in Lexington, KY. Cobb joins returning Board Chair Case Clay in the leadership of the organization.

The KEEP Board of Directors also welcomed three new representative members:

  • Mindy Coleman, Jockeys’ Guild
  • Conor Lucas, Revolutionary Racing
  • Gerry Duffy, Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club

The board also recently voted to amend the organization’s by-laws to create an Emeritus Advisory Committee, comprised of original KEEP founding members. This committee will meet annually to review the work of KEEP, discuss industry challenges and continually evaluate the relevancy and direction of the organization. This committee will hold its inaugural meeting in June.

About KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.