The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC), for over three decades, has worked to benefit and support all equine breeds, disciplines, and activities across Kentucky, primarily through education and leadership.

In a move to emphasize this role, the Kentucky Horse Council Board of Directors recently adopted a new mission statement to encompass the operating principles of the organization. The new mission statement of the Kentucky Horse Council is: "The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community."

"As a statewide umbrella organization, the Kentucky Horse Council has been at the forefront of equine community issues for several years," clarified KHC Board President Madelyn Millard. "Our new mission statement is a more accurate reflection of how our role within the Kentucky equine community has evolved to include both equine education and leadership."

Through involvement in the preservation of equine trails and trail access, working with land managers, and by leading the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority, KHC has set itself apart as a leader in the equestrian trail community. Likewise by educating animal control and peace officers on the proper investigation of equine neglect cases and through a cascade of health and welfare programs, KHC is a national leader in supporting the welfare of horses.

Equine educational offerings from KHC include a regularly updated website that includes more than 250 articles and educational information for new and current horse owners and the 2009 release of an award-winning video called "HorseSmarts: Essential Advice for Today's Horse Owner." KHC also regularly provides educational seminars at their Annual Conference and sponsors educational activities throughout Kentucky, including Horse College, a program of UK Extension.

"For many years we focused on education as our primary mission," continued Millard. "Following that direction we have emerged as leaders, and it is timely to incorporate the word leadership into our mission statement. The Board of Directors also felt we need to recognize the equine community, which includes the equine industry and equine interests."

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Council, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org or email [email protected] or call (859) 367-0509.