Author: Fernanda Camargo
Major Program: Equine
The University of Kentucky China Initiatives Office approached me regarding offering a "horse program" for the Chinese students (from universities in China that have a relationship with UK) that come to UK to learn English and other subject matters. The CIO has been offering intensive english studies, biology, chemistry, etc, but this would be the first time they would offer some sort of animal related program. These students come to UK for a period of 2 weeks, and this is one of
Working with youth development is not always an easy job. We devote a lot of time into educating them, and most of the times, they go with their lives and we hardly ever hear back from them. This year I would like to report on 2 young ladies, that in my eyes have been success stories. One is Mary Jane Little. Mary Jane is a native of North Carolina, and was my student in Equine Science and Management, and during her tenure as a student, she took her mandatory internship with me to help
Last year, I reported on the wellness clinic that was held in multiple counties in Kentucky. This year, we decided to focus on the Amish Community of Hardin county that we first served last year. Once again, this program integrated research, outreach, and student training. Moreover, this experience provided an excellent reminder of our purpose as University of Kentucky’s employees, veterinarians, researchers, and extension agents: which is to appreciate, educate, and serve equine owne
Author: Bob Coleman
Many agents apprecaite the horse industry and the impact it has in Kentucky but they may not appreciate the scope of the industry. The study tour was developed to show the scope of the Quarter Horse Industry and the use of horses in the beef industry. To accomplish this a study tour was set up that visited various horse operations in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. While horse operations were the focus the tour also included academic institutions and museums all focused on the horse industry. 
Author: Linda McClanahan
Mercer County has a wide array of equine clientele of various disciplines (breeding, racing, pleasure, etc). The 2012 KY Equine Survey reported Mercer County ranking 10th in equine income and home to 580 equine operations. The ANR agent continues to issue a quarterly newsletter (Equine Express) that is now mailed to 153 people and meets regularly with the Fort Harrod Backcountry Horsemen. In an effort to increase equine extension programming the ANR Agent collaborated with othe
The first Annual Equine Conference for horse owners was started by a collaboration between the Northern Kentucky Horse Network, the ANR Agents from Northern Kentucky(Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties), and the Extension Horse Specialist. The aim was to develop an educational program that would take horse owners to another level of equine knowledge. The Network has for a number of years organized educational programs for the horse owners in the area but they wanted to increase the knowledge and
Author: Garrard Coffey
In November of 2017 the Whitley county Extension Service collaborated with Dr. Bob Coleman, Equine Specialist at the University of Kentucky, to host the Master Horse Owner Series. The series was hosted on Monday nights for three consecutive weeks. Topics included, selecting your first/next horse, selecting feeds, tack and bit demonstrations, and farrier for horse owner. Of the 19 participants 14 attended all three sessions. 18 of the 19 said that they learned a new skill
Author: Katharine Lawyer
In 2017 I became aware of a program within the Kentucky 4-H horse program that had been created over 20 years ago, but to my knowledge, no one had participated in since I had begun working here. It was a horse achievement program, with 4 levels and various activities and lessons that required completion in order to move on to the next level. It seems to be a quality program that was under utilized. At the same time I had been approached by several volunteers with concerns that
Author: Roberta Dwyer
Equine infectious diseases are some of the most concerning diseases of the equine industry. Neurologic equine herpesvirus infections can cause quarantine of equine facilities for weeks to months, causing significant disease consequences and economic impacts. Because of this and many other contagious equine diseases, the interest in biosecurity on horse farms, racetracks and veterinary facilities is at an all time high. I delivered talks on biosecurity issues to a variety of audiences including 4
Author: Don Sorrell
The Northern Kentucky Horse Network (NKHN) was established in 2005, with the help of Campbell, Kenton and Boone County ANR agents. This organization has grown to approximately 425 members. The NKHN has been recognized by UK Equine specialists and the KY Horse Council as a role model in using local horse owners to develop and implement equine programs. During a fall of 2016 Horse Network Events Committee meeting, NKHN leaders asked the Campbell, Kenton and Boone County ANR agents for their
Author: Samuel Smith
The UK Pasture Evaluation has been working with NRCS to bring cost share practices to horse farms in KY. Until 2 years ago, horse farms in KY did not qualify for NRCS cost share because horses were not considered commercial livestock. With recent changes with NRCS rules, horse farms now quality for cost share. We are working with a select group of farms to implement management practices that will improve their forage production, reduce soil erosion, and improve their economic viability. Three of
Author: Bonita Jolly
With a large under served Amish population in the Sonora area dependent on horses as part of their livelihood the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service teamed up with University of KY Equine Specialist, Dr. Fernanda Camargo to offer the second “Horse Wellness Clinic”. Previously fecal samples were collected from over 50 horses with a follow up deworming protocol, botulism vaccinations and preventative equine health mainten
Author: Lyndall Harned
Horse ownership and related activities are increasing significantly Boyd County. Due to this, our programming addressing the needs, concerns, etc. of the horses and of the horse owners, are increasing. One of the activities that is very popular with new owners is trail riding. This is an activity that many families enjoy together. This is the activity that many new horse owners are buying their horses to pursue. So with that, naturally, comes many new and inexperienced riders taking to the trail
Author: Susan Fox
In response to questions from local people, the Agriculture and 4-H Agents partnered to sponsor an educational meeting covering the laws, new and old, that govern transporting horses and livestock. The meeting, promoted through the 4-H and agriculture programs, was led by Sergeant Jason Morris with the Kentucky State Police. Twenty-one people from eight counties attended the meeting to determine whether they were within the law’s requirements for truck and trailer combinations to haul
Author: Ty Back
The Breathitt County Horseman’s Association was formed under the direction of the Breathitt County Agriculture and Natural Resources Program. After an initial interest meeting saw 30+ individuals attend, the Breathitt County ANR Agent and Program Assistant began scheduling monthly meetings for this group of horseman to come together with a common interest. As a group, members decided to organize a trail ride in the spring of 2017. Members worked jointly with the Breathitt
