The Boyd County Cooperative Extension Service recently hosted a highly successful equine education series titled Horses and Horsemen, designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of local horse owners, riders, and enthusiasts. Held at the Boyd County Cooperative Extension Education Center, this four-part program attracted 24 dedicated participants from across the region.

The series covered essential topics in equine management, with each session led by a subject matter expert. Participants benefited from in-depth instruction and hands-on learning in the following areas:

• Equine Nutrition – Led by a University of Kentucky Equine Specialist, attendees learned how to evaluate feed quality, balance rations, and support the dietary needs of horses across various life stages and activity                                             levels.
• Pasture Management – A University of Kentucky Equine Specialist provided guidance on rotational grazing, weed control, and soil fertility to maximize forage quality and reduce feeding costs.
• Hoof Care – A professional farrier presented about proper hoof trimming techniques, discussed common hoof issues, and stressed the importance of routine maintenance to prevent lameness.
• Equine Disease Prevention – A local veterinarian outlined strategies for biosecurity, vaccination protocols, and early detection of common infectious diseases in horses.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program’s content and delivery, and access to expert knowledge as highlights. Attendees left with an increased confidence in managing horse health and facility practices, with many planning to implement new strategies on their farms immediately.

The Horses and Horsemen program exemplifies the mission of Cooperative Extension to bring research-based knowledge to the community. By addressing the real-world needs of equine owners, this series helped strengthen animal health and farm sustainability in Boyd county and surrounding areas.