by wglasscock | Nov 19, 2020 | News
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, November 19, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, announced additions to the KEEP Board of Directors.
Nine new individuals were added to the KEEP Board of Directors: Shannon Cobb, Michelle Fischer, Vince Gabbert, Jeff Hall, Katie LaMonica, Jamie MacLeod, James Miller, Bret Shultz and Donnie Snellings.
Cobb is the COO/CFO of The Red Mile. Fischer is the President of Darting Star, LLC. Gabbert is Vice President and COO of Keeneland. Hall is the General Manger of Ellis Park. LaMonica is the Manager of Marketing at Darley Stud Management. MacLeod is a professor at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center. Miller is co-owner of Saddlebred farm Hillcroft. Shultz is Director of Racing at Standardbred racing facility Oak Grove. Snellings is the Sales and Yearling Manager at Denali Stud and is the current President of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club.
New officers for the KEEP Board of Directors will be elected at the Board’s January meeting.
Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP’s Executive Vice President who oversees the daily operations of the organization, commented, “Given the hurdles the horse industry faces in the coming year, KEEP may be more necessary now than at any other point in its history. The Kentucky Supreme Court’s ruling that jeopardizes historical horse racing and its contribution to the success of Kentucky’s horse industry presents an immense challenge as we will work to convince the legislature to address the issue. The addition of these board members and the work they have already engaged in on behalf of KEEP and the horse industry is a critical part of the battle ahead.”
The Chairman of KEEP’s Board of Directors, Doug Cauthen, added, “KEEP has always maintained a Board of Directors that truly represents a cross-section of Kentucky’s all breed horse industry and provides all stakeholders with a seat at the table. These new board members further that diverse industry representation and will strengthen KEEP as it faces new challenges and fights to preserve historical horse racing.”
In December, the KEEP Board of Directors will host an industry-wide webinar to discuss the year ahead for KEEP, the advocacy issues the organization will take on, and the strategies and approaches the organization will undertake to emerge successful. More details will be included in a future announcement.
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 $50 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.
by wglasscock | Aug 21, 2020 | News
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, August 21, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project released the following statement in support of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s proposed regulations currently under review:
“As the Kentucky Legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations makes their final review of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s (KHRC) proposed regulations for the gradual phasing out of the use of Lasix, restrictions on the off-label use of bisphosphonates, and aligning withdrawal schedule to RMTC standard, the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and its board of directors strongly urge legislators to support these regulations.
KEEP has been at the forefront in advocating for new regulations that ensure the health and safety of horses and jockeys, as well as protecting the future of the sport. In April of 2019, KEEP’s board issued a statement in support of banning Lasix, in addition to other suggested industry reforms. In December of 2019, KEEP’s board voted to support the regulations that legislators are now reviewing.
Kentucky’s horse industry finds itself at a crossroads. Thanks to the success of historical horse racing and a strengthened racing circuit in the state, the industry has seen growth across the Commonwealth and now leads all other states in nearly every metric. During the pandemic, horse racing nationally has seen an increase in interest and viewership with the resumption of racing. However, the industry has also seen strong, organized opposition in association with an increase in public awareness and attention to health and safety issues over the last few years.
It is important to implement these regulations now, while committing the KHRC, legislators and the industry to ongoing and data-driven re-assessments once they are in practice and their impact can be evaluated. The KHRC can propose updates to the regulations in order to achieve their overarching goals, if needed.
In order to secure the future of the industry and its more than $3.4 billion economic impact on the state, it is vital that the KHRC’s carefully considered proposed regulations be supported by the Kentucky Legislature.”
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 $50 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.
by wglasscock | Aug 20, 2020 | News
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, August 20, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) is excited to announce a webinar focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in the horse industry.
Building Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Equine Industry With Talent Pipeline Management will be held on August 25, 2020, at 1pm ET. KEEP is providing this webinar in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
If you are interested in participating in the webinar, please register here. Participation in the webinar is free.
This webinar is part of KEEP’s Equine Workforce Initiative that began in August of 2018. The initiative has led the industry in assessing labor needs and creating solutions within the state to meet those needs. This has included showcasing career pathways within the industry, the creation of a nationally recognized horseman apprenticeship program, and the engagement of new populations in the industry.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion has also been an important focus of the initiative. This webinar follows an industry survey on these issues and was shaped by the responses to that survey. This webinar is the first in a series of industry-wide discussions about these issues and how industry stakeholders can take a leading role in ensuring that careers in the horse industry are available and accessible to anyone.
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 $50 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.
by wglasscock | Jul 14, 2020 | News
Lexington, Ky. (Monday, July 13, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project Foundation (KEEP), and The Race For Education (RFE) are proud to announce their 2020 Scholarship recipients.
The KEEP Foundation board of directors approved over $21,000 in scholarships to 18 students, attending 10 universities across the Commonwealth. All of the 2020 scholarship recipients are students currently enrolled with a university or college in Kentucky in an equine and/or, agriculture related major or a horse-related program.
In addition to the 18 Kentucky students; the Race For Education awarded it’s annual Robert J. Frankel Scholarship to New York state student, Elsa Loriel. Now, in it’s 10th year, the Robert J. Frankel Scholarship, in honor of the late Robert (Bobby) J. Frankel, is awarded to a student attending a college or university in California or New York state, pursuing any field of study, whose family is employed in the Thoroughbred industry. Ms. Loriel’s father is a long time assistant trainer to Shug McGaughey and her mother is an exercise rider for Christophe Clement. Ms. Loriel, herself an equine enthusiast and photographer, will be majoring in Equine Business and Management at the University of Louisville.
The KEEP Foundation and the Race For Education also awarded it’s first annual RFE/KEEP Veterinary Scholarship. The 2020 RFE/KEEP Veterinary Scholarship is awarded to a student from the state of Kentucky who is intending to enter equine veterinary medicine. This year’s recipient is Lacey Willis. Ms. Willis, a Warren County native, and Western Kentucky University graduate will be attending her first year of Veterinary School this Fall at Auburn University.
“Having a group of quality students interested in equine careers from around the country, attending universities in Kentucky, truly represents the statewide nature of our industry”, said Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP’s Executive Vice President.
2020 Race For Education KEEP Foundation Scholarship
Dylan Abrams – Grant County – Midway University
Celene Correa – Jefferson County – Jefferson Community & Technical College
Savannah House – Kansas – Morehead State University
Emily Monroe – Jessamine County – University of Kentucky
Zoey Norris – Adair County – Campbellsville University
Maria Oachs – Wisconsin – University of Kentucky
Rashea Smith – Whitley County – Auburn University
Madeline Sparks – Harrison County – Midway University
Landon Thompson – Taylor County – Asbury University
Maggie Welch – Hardin County – University of Kentucky
2020 4H ‘Leg Up’ Scholarship
Mackenzie Coil – Marshall County – Murray State University
Anya Deaton – Campbell County – University of Kentucky
Lydia Deaton – Campbell County – University of Kentucky
Alina Knore – Bourbon County – Murray State University
Madeline Queen – Campbell County – Murray State University
Sydney Simpson – Henderson County – Murray State University
Ashley Terrill – Shelby County – University of Kentucky
ABOUT KEEP FOUNDATION
Created by the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), the KEEP Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, which supports and promotes the role of horses in Kentucky’s economy through grassroots efforts, educational programs and other equine-related charitable activities.
Perhaps the most important achievement is the partnership between the KEEP Foundation and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to adapt a data-driven program to address the horse industry’s labor shortages and create a talent pipeline for Kentuckians to begin careers in the horse industry. Now in its third year, the project has the potential to be a game-changer as the industry faces increasing workforce challenges.
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 http://www.horseswork.com.
ABOUT THE RACE FOR EDUCATION
Through academic development programs, tutoring, internships, financial literacy training and scholarships; The Race For Education provides opportunities for educational success for young people with significant financial need and academic challenges.
The ultimate goal of The Race For Education is to ensure our young people become successful in life and assets to their community.
by wglasscock | Jun 30, 2020 | News
The survey is a collaboration between KEEP and the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, June 30, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and the University of Louisville (UofL) Equine Industry Program jointly announced the release of the second round of their COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey. The survey will be shared with employers throughout Kentucky’s horse industry and community to further capture the impacts of the pandemic on the Commonwealth’s signature industry.
The second round of the COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey is now open for responses and will close on July 13, 2020. The survey can be found here.
The previous survey, which was conducted in May, showed that the pandemic had greatly impacted Kentucky’s equine businesses resulting in employers cutting costs and postponing capital improvement projects. However, the survey indicated that the vast majority of respondents did not have to lay off employees.
Since the last survey, horse racing has resumed in Kentucky, although without spectators, and historical horse racing facilities have reopened with limited capacity. The second round of the COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey will capture how this is impacting the equine businesses across the state.
Survey participants will not be identified in the published results.
Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP’s Executive Vice President who oversees the daily operations of the organization, commented, “Since we completed our first survey in May, the state has lifted some of the restrictions on the horse industry, which should provide a boost to equine business across the state. However, we have yet to see the impact of how the pandemic is affecting horse sales and what that means for Kentucky’s equine economy.” Jensen continued, “We hope that this second round of our survey can, when combined with the data from our May survey, paint a clearer picture of the challenges the industry will face.”
“The UofL Equine Industry Program’s goal is to educate and train the next generation of leaders for Kentucky’s signature industry,” said Sean Beirne, Director of the Equine Industry Program. “The COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey provides us with an incredible up-to-the-moment view of the challenges that the industry will face in the coming years. In addition to helping inform policy-makers on the status of the industry, we can also use this data to prepare our students for the challenges of the industry they will be entering.”
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.
ABOUT THE EQUINE INDUSTRY PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
The Equine Industry Program is on the move and a leader in horse commerce, enterprise and academics. It was established in 1986 and is supported by KRS (Kentucky Revised Statute) 230.550. As one of only two AACSB-accredited equine programs in the world, the Equine Industry Program provides training and educational opportunities in the horse racing industry relating to, but not limited to, finance, management, marketing, regulation, and administrative aspects of the horse racing industry.
by wglasscock | Jun 26, 2020 | News
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, June 26, 2020) – Through collaboration with employers and educational entities, a new horse care apprenticeship program has recently been registered with the Kentucky and United States Departments of Labor. This opportunity, aimed at providing “earn and learn” training in horsemanship, is an Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program for individuals interested in working in the horse industry. Given the recent suspension of H-2B visas in the United States, an avenue which has historically been critical to Kentucky’s equine industry workforce, the creation of this apprenticeship program cannot come at a more opportune time to continue to train a domestic workforce.
The Horse Trainer (Horseman) Apprenticeship (O*Net-Soc Code: 39-2011.00 Rapids Code: 1001) encompasses 2,000 hours of carefully employer structured competencies during which an apprentice can attain industry-recognized skills needed to successfully begin or continue a career in any horse related industry sub-sector, such as: racing, breeding, showing, and other similar disciplines.
While on the job, apprentices will learn or improve their skills in areas such as: horse handling, feeding and nutrition, proper grooming and exercise, identification of disease or illness, basic health care and medical treatments and facility care and maintenance. This program was created to produce a well-rounded, competent horseman capable of excelling in any facet of the equine industry.
Advantages for apprentices include:
- Earn while you learn at your own pace
- Learn the skills horse industry employers have shown they are seeking
- Advancement within the industry promoting an increased future earning potential
- Faster access to state mandated occupational licensing
Advantages for employers include:
- Customized training
- A skilled workforce educated by industry experts
- Improved productivity and lower turnover
This new apprenticeship is the result of collaboration between the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce/Kentucky Equine Education Project’s Equine Talent Pipeline Workforce Initiative, the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Workforce Solutions / North American Racing Academy and equine employers across the industry.
Additionally, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) will be able to provide valuable assistance through its newly launched apprenticeship support program developed specifically to help employers manage their apprenticeships. The services BCTC and KCTCS will assist employers with include:
- Recruitment
- Mentorship/Coaching
- Administrative Services: Federal registration, Employer Acceptance Agreements
- Compliance / Record-Keeping: Ensuring that apprentices are completing on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Evaluating ROI and employer’s satisfaction with their workforce pipeline.
Apprenticeships have been utilized in various industries across the United States for decades, providing education and training within the setting that knows best, the workplace. The introduction of the Horseman apprenticeship elevates the Kentucky equine industry to a higher tier, allowing any individual the opportunity for world-class hands-on learning.
“Adding a nationally recognized apprenticeship for aspiring horsemen and horsewomen to our industry’s workforce recruitment and training toolbox will help immeasurably. This program helps us make working with horses more accessible to more potential workers and breaks down many of the barriers to entry which often exist” notes Remi Bellocq, Executive Director, North American Racing Academy at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
“The horse industry has been hungry for a way to bring all the players together to reach, and train, a broader audience of new horseman. The creation of the Horseman apprenticeship in Kentucky, the Horse Capitol of the World, is the perfect solution” states Laurie Mays, Equine Talent Pipeline Project Manager with KEEP and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Both apprentices and employers can expect great things from this program.”
For employers or potential apprentices seeking more information, please contact either Laurie Mays (lmays@kychamber.com) or Gary Robinson (gary.robinson@kctcs.edu).
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.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER WORKFORCE CENTER
Launched in January 2017, and the first in the nation, the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center is the centerpiece of the efforts that grew out of the Chamber’s initial report on the state’s workforce challenges to meet the needs of business.
ABOUT BLUEGRASS COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) has seven campuses that are within a 30-minute drive of 95% of Central Kentuckians. The college enrolls over 14,000 students annually and provides training for business partners through Workforce Solutions to more than 2,000 employees. BCTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ABOUT THE NORTH AMERICAN RACING ACADEMY
Originally launched by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, NARA is now part of BCTC and remains a highly successful career and training program offering one-year certificates and two-year associates degrees in support of the horse racing and breeding industries.
by wglasscock | Jun 24, 2020 | News
The suspension of work visas could cause irreparable harm to the horse industry
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, June 24, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released the following response to President Trump’s announcement that no new H-2B visas would be issued in 2020:
“On Monday, June 22, 2020, President Trump issued an order that extends the federal government’s suspension of new H-2B visas, as well as other work visas, through the end of the year. This order, as with the previous order issued in March, claims to open up new jobs to Americans during a time of record unemployment. However, when it comes to the Kentucky horse industry, this order will put our industry at severe risk.
H-2B visas are critical to Kentucky’s horse industry. During a typical year, the demand for H-2B visas vastly outpaces the supply. To fully suspend the issuance of these visas is a massive blow to the Commonwealth’s signature industry.
KEEP represents and advocates on behalf of the entire horse industry in Kentucky – all horse breeds and disciplines. KEEP’s goal is to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature $4 billion industry. Without a workforce that can meet the demands of the growing industry, it will be difficult for that economic impact to continue at the same level, especially as we are working to recover from the global pandemic.
KEEP is contacting Kentucky’s Senators and Representatives in Washington to make them aware of this issue. Additionally, KEEP has joined with other businesses and trade associations across the country who are impacted by this decision to provide a response to the President and to the Congress.
Because the horse industry deals with animals that must be cared for, regardless of the pandemic, it is imperative that the industry can hire the labor force it needs. Additionally, equine operations across the state are working to ensure that their employees have necessary PPE and can work in a safe environment. Fortunately, due to the outdoor nature of the industry, it makes this much easier.
KEEP, through a partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Workforce Center, has spent the last two years building the framework for a talent pipeline that will bring more Kentuckians into the horse industry. While we are confident that this will result in an increase in the homegrown workforce for our industry, this will not happen overnight. With unemployment in Kentucky reaching alarming levels, we are hopeful that Kentuckians will look to the horse industry for employment. However, historically, there has not been an affinity for these types of jobs.
Kentucky is leading the country when it comes to the horse industry and its economic impact. With nearly 80,000 jobs, more than 238,000 equines and 35,000 horse operations in Kentucky today, KEEP feels strongly that the industry will recover from the pandemic. However, without a full workforce, that future is in danger. KEEP will continue advocating to ensure that Kentucky’s horse industry has an adequate labor pool to meet our workforce needs and will continue developing career pathways for Kentuckians to join this industry.”
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 $50 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.
by wglasscock | Jun 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released the following statement in response to the news of Carol Barr’s passing:
KEEP and its Board of Directors are shocked and saddened by the passing of Carol Barr, wife of Congressman Andy Barr. Carol was a vital part of Central Kentucky and the horse industry mourns her passing. Congressman Barr is a good friend of Kentucky’s horse industry and our deepest sympathies are with him and his family at this time.
by wglasscock | Jun 5, 2020 | News
KEEP commends the Governor and the horse industry for working together on this solution
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, June 5, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released the following comment on Governor Beshear’s announcement that historical horse racing facilities can reopen on June 8, 2020:
“KEEP applauds Governor Beshear’s announcement that historical horse racing (HHR) facilities can reopen on June 8, 2020. KEEP commends the Governor and the horse industry for working together on this solution, which will allow the facilities to operate at one-third capacity and provide a safe environment for the fans of this unique entertainment experience.
HHR has single-handedly transformed the horse racing industry in Kentucky. HHR’s impact on the industry has set it apart from competing states by creating a magnet that is drawing horse operations from around the country to the Commonwealth. HHR alone has contributed more than $52 million to racing purses, more than $50 million to breeders and has contributed tens of millions of dollars to the Kentucky General Fund, as well as other state programs.
With incentive structures in Kentucky that benefit breeders, trainers and owners who keep their horses in Kentucky, HHR is responsible for the positive growth in the health of the industry and its more than $3.4 billion economic impact on the Commonwealth.”
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.
by wglasscock | May 4, 2020 | News
The survey is a collaboration between KEEP and the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Monday, May 4, 2020) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and the University of Louisville (UofL) Equine Industry Program jointly announced the release of the COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey. The survey will be shared with employers throughout Kentucky’s horse industry and community to capture the effects of the pandemic on the Commonwealth’s signature industry.
This initiative will leverage KEEP’s relationships and trust throughout all levels and disciplines of Kentucky’s horse industry and the UofL Equine Industry Program’s expertise in the economics of the industry. The results of the survey will be shared with lawmakers at both the state and federal level to assist them in making policies that meet the needs of the industry.
Survey participants will not be identified in the published results.
Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP’s Executive Vice President who oversees the daily operations of the organization, commented, “Kentucky’s horse industry has 35,000 individual operations. These businesses provide nearly 80,000 jobs in Kentucky and have a $3.4 billion economic impact on the state – and that does not include tourism generated by the industry. It is critically important that employers across the industry participate in the COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey to provide an accurate depiction of the effects of the pandemic on the industry and how the governmental responses so far have helped or have failed to help these businesses.”
“We are proud to be partnering with KEEP in developing this important survey,” said Sean Beirne, Director of the Equine Industry Program. “COVID-19 is impacting every facet of the equine industry in the Commonwealth and our hope is to dissect this data to provide a thorough economic overview to governmental decision makers.”
The COVID-19 Kentucky Equine Business Impact Survey can be found here.
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.
ABOUT THE EQUINE INDUSTRY PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
The Equine Industry Program is on the move and a leader in horse commerce, enterprise and academics. It was established in 1986 and is supported by KRS (Kentucky Revised Statute) 230.550. As one of only two AACSB-accredited equine programs in the world, the Equine Industry Program provides training and educational opportunities in the horse racing industry relating to, but not limited to, finance, management, marketing, regulation, and administrative aspects of the horse racing industry.
by wglasscock | May 4, 2020 | News
KEEP and the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program have collaborated to survey Kentucky’s horse industry and community on the effects of COVID-19 in order to inform policy makers and industry stakeholders of the impacts of the pandemic on Kentucky’s signature industry. We need your help to understand the unique challenges the pandemic has created for the horse industry and community.
Kentucky’s horse industry consists of 35,000 individual operations. These businesses provide nearly 80,000 jobs and have a $3.4 billion economic impact on the state. It is critically important that employers across the industry participate in the survey in order to provide an accurate depiction of the effects of COVID-19 and the governmental responses to the pandemic.
The data and narrative gathered from the survey will be shared with lawmakers in Frankfort and Washington to help develop policies and assistance that meet the needs of our industry and community. We encourage you to not hold back and to be open about the impact that the pandemic has had on your business so that we have an accurate depiction of the current state of the industry. The published results of the survey will not identify the survey participants.
To complete the survey, click here
by wglasscock | Mar 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
In addition to the other guidelines from the State Veterinarian’s office, they also advise all boarding facilities (and any other operation that caters to outside clients of any kind) to cease all unnecessary operations and activities and close their facilities to all but essential staff. If a facility has clients that engage in self-care for their horses these individuals are allowed to come to the facility for horse care activities ONLY. Moving forward, the facility should have clients communicate with each other and staff to develop a schedule in which there is a minimal number of individuals at the facility at any given time. If a client has a horse on full or partial care (who’s needs are being met), those individuals are asked to not visit the facility. In addition, if it is possible to decrease the amount of staff in order to minimize the number of individuals coming and going from a facility, an employer is asked to do so.
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