If I Was A Horse I’d Want To Live In Kentucky

January 23, 2008

Have you ever seen those lush, rolling Kentucky pastures that go on for miles? Gorgeous, large, well-kept, well-equipped barns? Large stalls bedded knee deep in straw with nutritious alfalfa hay and sparkling water? Sunny hillsides, clean ponds, and shelter from the elements? Oh, and a prominent horse council that is looking out for your well-being even if your owners can’t afford to take care of you?

Kentucky likes to call itself the “Horse Capital of the World,” and after a visit there over Labor Day last fall, I’m inclined to agree. I was in heaven just during the drive between Cincinnati and Lexington; miles of pastures with beautiful wood fences, well-groomed, well-cared for horses grazing contentedly on either side, beautifully kept barns and riding facilities, clean air, wide open spaces, and tributes to the Horse everywhere you go. It’s amazing. I’d want to live there if I was a horse. Heck, I want to live there as a people! If I could pick anywhere in the whole country to live, I’d go to Lexington.

I saw an article today on a KY Horse Farms news site discussing the ongoing hay and horse care crisis and the effect it’s having on the Horse Capital. While the state typically exports hay to other states, this year horse owners are forced to import hay at soaring prices of $7-13 a bale. Like the rest of the country, cases of neglect and debates about the effects of slaughter-house closings are core issues in Kentucky.

But horse advocates at organizations including the Kentucky Horse Council and Kentucky Equine Humane Center are fighting back.  The Kentucky Horse Council is calling for people to be much more selective in their breeding in the coming year to cut back on the population of unwanted horses. They’ve also established a fund for providing food, shelter, and veterinary care for horses whose owners can’t afford it as well as supporting rescue operations. The KY Equine Humane Center is helping rescue and find adoptive homes for unwanted horses, and also focuses on educating the public about proper horse care and responsibility. I love the motto on the homepage of their site:

Every horse has an owner. Every owner has a responsibility.

I’m glad to see these state-based, non-profits looking out for the welfare of horses in their region. Horses are such a huge part of the culture, and economy, in Kentucky that I guess it only seems natural for people to take such an active stance there. I hope to see more established organizations like these, maybe even major show and breed associations like USEF and AQHA, stepping up to care for our nation’s horses in this difficult time.

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts, Making a Difference