The annual impact of the horse industry to the gross domestic product of the United States is approximately $112.1 billion.  Kentucky has a $4billion economic impact. Approximately 80,000-100, 000 jobs annually are related to the horse industry. There are youth equestrian programs in KY. However, they are limited based on one’s socio-economic level. There is a great need to not only diversify the equestrian industry, but to develop youth equestrian programs especially for underserved communities. This would prepare underserved youth to work in the industry.

On August 10, 2019, Kentucky State University Fayette County Area Agent III, Carla Jordan, collaborated with Small Farm Agent Trevor Claiborn, USDA 1890 Program Liaison, Ed Thompson and community partners Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade, and Locust Trace AgriScience Center to host an Agriculture and Equine Expo, from 9:00am until 2:30pm at Locust Trace AgriScience Center. Locust Trace AgriScience Center is a technical high school in Lexington, Kentucky, with energy and environment being key factors in the facility design and agriculture being the educational focus. 

Twenty 23 people, in which 15 were youth ages 2-16 attended the event. [OAC2]Students and parents alike toured the Kentucky Horsepark and Locust Trace AgriScience Center. While there, they planted seeds and learned about Kentucky State University, USDA, Locust Trace AgriScience Center, JR MANNRS, FFA and careers in agriculture and equestrian sciences. Students also helped to feed the resident farm animals. A task in which they “loved!” Students were also introduced to a quarter horse named Max. Volunteers were selected to learn a quick lesson overcoming fear and learned to lead Max around the arena.  Students also learned about persistence. It Students were taught how to lead a horse and attempted to get the horse to walk over a log. It took them several times finally to get Max to walk over the log. Parents and students alike mentioned that it “takes courage and patience to be able to work with such a large animal.” Many agreed that this “was a great experience” and they “would love the opportunity to do this again.” Others mentioned that they "never knew there were so many career opportunities related to agriculture" and looked forward to “learning more about beef cattle and working with drones.” 

Ed Thompson leads discussion on careers in Agriculture

Old Town Road Ag & Equine Expo Program Participants Pose with Max

References:

American Horse Council. 2019. Kentucky’s Horse Industry by the Numbers Retrieved from https://nationalhbpa.com/wp-content/uploads/HorseIndustryFactsandFigures.pdf