Making strides for Kentucky
Our impact
Kentucky’s signature horse industry stretches from Pikeville to Paducah, playing a key role in towns and communities across the state. And it serves as a catalyst for other industries — from transportation to veterinarian care, farm supplies, equipment, and more.
Economy
Our state hosts some of the largest equine events in the world. Behind those tentpole events, there’s a thriving, year-round industry that employs tens of thousands of people. Strengthened racing circuits, increasing purses, and Kentucky’s famous farmland are magnets for equine businesses and the jobs they bring.
$6.5 Billion
annual economic impact
$6.5 Billion
annual economic impact
$6.5 Billion
annual economic impact
$6.5 Billion
annual economic impact
$6.5 Billion
annual economic impact
$6.5 Billion
annual economic impact
KENTUCKY'S EQUINE INDUSTRY PROVIDES
60,000+
direct and indirect jobs
$156 MILLION
spent annually on travel, dining, and lodging by people attending or participating in equine events
14,600
TOURISM-RELATED JOBS
35,000
equine operations with at least one horse
Culture
Horses have shaped Kentucky’s cultural identity, intertwining our agricultural heritage with our traditions, art, and social lives. Our unbridled spirit is clear in the horse farms that dot the landscape and small-town festivals that bring communities together.
209,500
Equines in Kentucky
120+
equine non-profit organizations
900,000
acres devoted solely to equine use
10
post-secondary equine programs
14+
equine rescue and rehoming organizations
209,500
equines in Kentucky
209,500
equines in Kentucky
209,500
equines in Kentucky
120+
equine Non-Profit Organizations
209,500
equines in Kentucky
209,500
equines in Kentucky
Community
Beyond a booming economy and thriving tourism, the horse industry improves daily life for people around Kentucky. Whether we’re starting a new chapter, finding community, or looking for stress relief — horses are there for us.
A path to recovery
Josh Franks
divisional broodmare manager
“I see it every day, definitely in my life from the change it's had. But I also work with addicts and alcoholics that come in here that's never touched a horse that are broken, homeless, lost souls. And they come in here and hook up to a horse and in two days you can see a smile on their face. In two days, they have a purpose of waking up that day.”
A companion
Holly Taylor
rider
“I learned that it's a lot harder for me to handle the frustrations and the stress that life brings if I don't have an outlet. And I tried other things and nothing helped. Nothing worked for me the way horses do. And I think part of that is because they're so intuitive and if you're having a bad day, the best thing to do is clean stalls. There's no better therapy than that.”
A way of life
Lee Hall
Vice president, hallway feeds
“It’s the way in which you make a living. It’s the way in which you come in contact with people. You find people who you do business with that, all of a sudden, now you’re enjoying a meal with somewhere. Or you’re enjoying a conversation, or you’re enjoying contributing to some local cause together. I mean, there’s this sense of community within a community.”
Make an impact
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