4-H Equine Industry Day – Franklin County 

Exploring Careers and Cultivating Agricultural Literacy 

Background of the Project 

As part of the 2025 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Internship, Danielle Rinker of Franklin County developed and led an educational program titled “Equine Industry Day” to expose youth to the depth and diversity of Kentucky’s equine sector. Rooted in identified community needs—including career awareness, workforce readiness, and agricultural literacy—this day-long experience brought youth face-to-face with professionals in the Thoroughbred and sport horse industries. 

Youth participants visited Keeneland, Mill Ridge Farm, and Spy Coast Farm to learn about daily operations, career paths, and Kentucky’s global equine reputation. The program emphasized real-world applications of animal science, business management, and land stewardship. 

Empowering Youth Through Equine Industry Exploration 

The Franklin County 4-H Equine Industry Day was designed to expose youth to real-world careers and practices within Kentucky’s signature horse industry. Through immersive, in-person experiences at leading equine operations, youth participants developed a deeper understanding of horse care, farm management, and agricultural career pathways. 

Building Agricultural Literacy 

Kentucky’s equine industry contributes approximately $6.5 billion to the state economy and provides thousands of jobs. Yet, many youth—especially in non-rural settings—lack firsthand exposure to these career opportunities. This one-day tour helped bridge that gap by offering Franklin County youth the chance to visit Keeneland Racetrack, Mill Ridge Farm, and Spy Coast Farm. 

Youth learned about: 

• Daily horse care routines 

• Roles of trainers, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, and equine rehabilitation therapists 

• Equine facility and business management 

• The economic and cultural value of Kentucky’s horse farms 

This program directly supports Kentucky 4-H’s goal of promoting agricultural literacy and workforce readiness in youth. 

Addressing County and Statewide Needs 

According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension’s 2023 Community Needs Assessment, top priorities include: 

• Workforce preparation 

• Agricultural education 

• Career exploration 

The Equine Industry Day addressed these by allowing youth to: 

• Speak with professionals 

• Tour working horse farms and racetracks 

• Reflect on real career paths in the equine field 

Participants completed pre- and post-event surveys to evaluate knowledge gained, interest shifts, and skill development. 

Positive Outcomes 

A total of 5 youth, from ages 9 to 12, participated in the 2025 Equine Industry Day Tour. Based on the compiled surveys from a sample of 5 participants, the following key outcomes were observed: 

• 5 of 5 reported they learned something new about equine careers. 

• 4 of 5 reported they now better understand how Kentucky’s horse farms operate. 

• 3 of 5 said they are more interested in working with horses or in agriculture following the tour. 

• 3 of 5 said they would definitely attend a similar event again, while 2 said maybe. 

Favorite stops included Mill Ridge Farm (especially for the foals and feeding experiences), Keeneland (meeting a horse named Rumble), and Spy Coast Farm (rehabilitation technology). 

New discoveries included vibrating recovery floors (called VitaFloors), hoof trimming practices, and the variety of horse breeds. 
 New careers learned ranged from trainer and horse massager to equine tour guide and ferries.  

Continued Impact 

Youth who attended this program have been encouraged to: 

• Enroll in upcoming 4-H horse programs, workshops, or clinics 

• Pursue job shadowing or mentorships with local equine professionals 

Through real-world exposure and hands-on learning, the Franklin County 4-H Equine Industry Day inspired youth to explore Kentucky’s iconic industry in a new and meaningful way—planting seeds for future careers and lifelong agricultural engagement.