The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) will be holding its annual conference, open to both members and the general public, on November 22, 2008. This conference offers educational sessions relevant to the horse community, and provides an enjoyable day for networking with other members, guests and the public. This year's conference will be held November 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lexington.

Three concurrent educational tracks will offer speakers discussing "Safety for Horse and Rider," "Trails Development in Kentucky" and "Horse Health and Welfare." The safety track will address recent concerns about accidents in horse competitions, the reality of head injuries when helmets are not used, and qualifications for a riding instructor. The trails track features speakers from Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo's office who will provide an update on the Cross Kentucky Trail, and other guest speakers who will address "Leave No Trace" trail riding and how to partner with non-riders for new trails. The horse welfare track will offer information on body condition scoring, review the KHC programs to assist horses at risk in Kentucky and introduce the new "Minimum Standards of Care for Equines" document, which was developed over the last year by horse industry representatives.

"Providing education to the horse community has always been a priority for the Kentucky Horse Council," commented Madelyn Millard, President of the KHC Board. "Our annual meeting is a chance to offer a range of relevant topics as well as provide an event for our members to meet each other and enjoy the company of other horse owners."

This year's meeting will also include the "Ugly Riding Shirt Contest, A People's Choice Award." Open to KHC members, the shirt contest offers a $50 gift certificate to the winner to buy a new shirt. The shirts will be modeled at dinner and attendees will vote on which shirt is truly the ugliest.

Also included in the day's activities are keynote speakers, live music, awards, door prizes and the annual member meeting to elect new board members.

Both members and non-members are welcome to attend the annual conference.

For more information and registration, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org.