LISTENING SESSIONS

July 7, 2005

Imagine the equine industry in Kentucky as you would like it to be in 5 to 10 years. Describe how it will be different.

Equine therapy (injury repair/rehabilitation and less reliance on medications) will be recognized as a profession and career choice for those interested in an equine speciality

UK would be the "horse capital" of academic equine programs

The industry will have realized its potential as a diversified industry that represents all the disciplines of horse activity - and all breeds and disciplines will be welcomed in KY

The KY Horse Park will be the center of equine activities in the state

We will have a strong emphasis on horsemanship -- as a self-fulfilling interest of the rider who has been taught by qualified instructors who teach to accepted standards and fundamental principles (think about the way in which all skiing schools use the same methods to teach skiing)

The diverse components of the equine industry in Kentucky will be working together for the best interest of the industry as a whole

The words "Kentucky-bred" will mark the finest horses of any breed in the world. Everyone will look for a Kentucky-bred when they want the best horse.

There will be promotion, marketing, sales and exhibition of Kentucky-bred horses to demonstrate the excellence that comes from Kentucky breeders

There will be sales facilities available throughout the state for all breeds

Kentucky will be where people come from around the world to pursue advanced education and training in all equine speciality areas

Kentucky will have established standards for those involved in various equine activities and professions that become the model for the nation

We will have expanded the riding/performance activities occurring in Kentucky comparable to the scale of breeding activities and the two leading equine activities that occur here (the Kentucky Derby and the Rolex event)

Kentucky will be marketing itself as the place to be if you have a horse interest or business beyond thoroughbred racing

Kentucky has retained its valuable soils and farms through regional planning and because the land has more value in horse farms than in other uses

Kentucky, and Lexington in particular, have the facilities to support diverse equine events and activities

Kentucky has few or no abused, neglected or broken down horses because the knowledge of how to properly care for and work with horses is so widespread

What should UK be doing to help move Kentucky's equine industry toward this vision?

Lead the nation in creating a professional academic program in equine therapy because when UK attaches its name to some initiative it has meaning and significance

Cooperate with other universities to create horse management and horsemanship educational programs with each university doing what it does best

Seek out the best of the best in the equine industry involved in continuing education, workplace and academic programs - offer them a welcoming environment and ample opportunities to offer clinics and other kinds of training opportunities

Cooperate with equine specialists to define standards of excellence that can become the basis for professionalization of these equine specialties

Market the quality of its equine programs/activities both nationally and internationally and begin with a strong presence oat Equitana and the Equine Affair

More public education programs (e.g., accelerated courses, continuing education) related to the horse and the industry and market these programs throughout Kentucky and the nation

Conduct developmental and evaluative research on

Lead the nation and the world in comprehensive basic research on the horse because UK has attracted support from many sources

Develop a base of knowledge that links genotypes with breed phenotypes and then analyze how these linkages translate into consequences for breeding and performance

Establish a newsletter that is widely distributed that notes major equine research occurring at UK and explains the potential applications of this research for the industry