Describe the Issue or Situation.

How often does an extension specialist get to make a presentation to an audience that might not be a traditional extension audience. With the horse industry many horse owners do not know much about extension or feel that because they are not a farmer working with extension is not for them. The challenge has been to link extension with horse owners and while it is improving it is still a challenge.

 Engaging with horse owners at time need to be done through a third party. In February of 2025 I had the opportunity to be part of the monthly education program offered by the Kentucky Horse Park. The education group at the park worked to advertise the program to a wide range of horse owners. Many in the audience of over 50 were not traditional extension clients but were interested horse owners. The draw of the horse park helped to bring them to the presentation because they knew something about the Horse Park. 

The program was aimed at managing and maintaining pastures on small horse operations. Many in the audience had 3 -5 horses and less than 20 acres. A few attending had been at other extension education programs, but the majority were new contacts. 

The audience was engaged but it is always difficult to determine if the presentation is providing the information that they came for and will they make use of the information provided. In some cases those in the audience may have learned they are on the right track and don’t need to make many adjustments. Some through their questions were looking to improve how they managed their pasture area and their horses. 

Some noted impact came when two attendees reached out to have further conversations on how to improve their pasture management. One was a conversation that discussed when to reseed pasture and how to deal with fertility issues. That horse owner was referred to the county agent in their area. Another resulted in a farm visit to look at how to adjust in their management system. Little things like developing a central feeding area for providing hay when pasture was not sufficient to meet the needs of the horses. Developing a central feeding station will reduce the damage to pasture in multiple areas caused by moving the feeders continually. This should save on pasture renovation and time feeding.

A new audience provided by an industry partner allowed for new connections to be made between local horse owners and extension.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Worked with the Education Group at the Kentucky Horse Park 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Adult horse owners 57 in total. They owned horses that were maintained on their property.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Two in attendance reached out for further consultation on making adjustments to their horse facilities.