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 other ANR agents in the district to host a Master Horsemen series and hosted some sessions via Microsoft Skype.  The Mercer County ANR agent has served on the Equine Agents workgroup and Equine Agents Pasture and Forage Working Group.  In addition ANR agents in the district collaborated to host the Annual Pastures Please! Workshop.  Numerous survey responses indicated over the years this conference has led to increased profitability through less reliance on feeding hay, decreased weed pressure in pastures and better forage management. One respondent indicated "These are some of the most informative, well-organized meetings I attend. They are much appreciated."

UK Forage Extension Specialists received a large grant from Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.  Part of the grant is to establish equine demonstration farms in different areas of the state with the goals of establishing best management practices and improving conservation recommendations made to horse farms and Mercer County has one of these demo farms. Throughout the past year multiple practices have been implemented and the farm continues to receive feedback and recommendations through the Pasture Evaluation Program.  The plan was for this farm to host the 2018 UK Equine Farm and Facilities Expo but this had to be rescheduled due to weather.