First Lady Jane Beshear unveils new equine campsites at Carter Caves State Resort Park

Are you into camping with your horse?  Want to visit the beautiful state of Kentucky?  Now you can do both.  Kentucky has created new horse-friendly campsites at Carter Cave State Park.  For more information, read on - ed




OLIVE HILL, Ky. (June 17, 2011) – First Lady Jane Beshear officially unveiled the new equine campsites at a grand opening ceremony at Carter Caves State Resort Park today.

The eight sites will allow campers with horses to spend the night and enjoy the more than 20 miles of multi-use trails on the park and adjacent state forest.

“The addition of equine camping at Carter Caves will make the grounds and surrounding area more attractive to trail riders,” Mrs. Beshear said. “This new feature at Carter Caves will be a welcome addition to our list of opportunities in this part of Kentucky.”

The eight sites have electric, water and sewer hookups as well as hitching posts, picnic table and fire ring. The project also added an energy saving bathhouse and a day use parking area that can serve up to five horse trailers or be used as parking for hikers and bike riders. Horse campers also have access to the laundry area and playground that are located in the main part of the campground.

Joining Mrs. Beshear for the opening ceremony were Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow, Sen. Robin Webb, Rep. Jill York, and Elaine Wilson, director of the state adventure tourism program.

“Carter Caves State Resort Park is a great camping location and the addition of horse campsites will broaden the appeal,” Sec. Sparrow said. “We appreciate all the help and support this park receives from elected officials, neighbors and guests.”

“The equine community welcomes the addition of campsites at CCSP,” said Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson.  “Trail and economic opportunities will be enhanced as we expand. I appreciate our First Lady and Governor Beshear for their interest in adventure tourism and trail expansion in northeast Kentucky. I look forward to riding there and using the facilities myself.”

"Horses and the recreation they provide are an important component to Kentucky," said Rep. Jill York, of Grayson.  "The addition of this facility to Carter Caves State Resort Park will make overnight stays possible for riders and their mounts alike. The equine campground is a great reason for visitors to extend their stays and keep exploring our area trails."

The Kentucky State Parks now have four campgrounds with equestrian campsites: Carter Caves, Pennyrile Forest, Dale Hollow Lake and Taylorsville Lake. The Kentucky State Parks operate 31 campgrounds across the state. For information and reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Carter Caves State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant, cave tours, golf, mini-golf, gift shop, horse concessions, fishing and hiking trails.

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KHC CONTINUES TO COORDINATE KENTUCKY SUPPORT TO HORSES AFFECTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS

Those not involved with horses probably never think about what happens to our four-footed friends during, and after,  a natural (or man-made) disaster.  Those of us in the industry and with a love for all things equine understand how devastating -- and life altering -- a natural disaster can be for our horses, (and paw sporting friends) can be.  The Kentucky Horse Council is coordinating a state-wide support, in case a disaster should strike, not only close to home but further afield ~ ed.
 

Lexington, KY, May 17, 2011 – The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) provides a central coordination point for Kentucky equine rescue efforts to support horses affected by hurricanes, tornados, floods, fire and other natural disasters. KHC has experience responding to equine crisis through the US Disaster Relief Fund and the Save Our Horses (SoHo) Fund.

“Supporting the efforts of other states to address the needs of horses impacted by natural disaster is the best way we can help them recover.  By coordinating fund raising efforts within the state, we enable Kentuckians to show their concern for all horses,” remarked Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council.

The Kentucky Horse Council has been speaking with representatives from the Alabama Horse Council regarding the extensive tornado damage and destruction across the state.  The Alabama Horse Council is coordinating efforts to provide feed for those horses affected by the raging storms and they need financial assistance.

Through the US Disaster Relief Fund, the Kentucky Horse Council will purchase hay needed to care for horses that have either been displaced by the storms, or whose owners are unable to care for them as a result of the storms.   

“Several individuals have been going door to door checking on horse owners.  This is a really time consuming task that only reaches a few affected individuals.  The goal of the Alabama Horse Council, at this time, is to organize a means for all affected Alabama horse owners to get the help they need following a standard procedure,” commented Dr. Gary Koepp, Alabama Horse Council Disaster Coordinator.

Currently the Alabama Horse Council is working with the Department of Agriculture and Alabama Extension to identify the best method by which to provide assistance to horse owners affected by the tornados.

When any state needs assistance due to a natural disaster, KHC notifies its members and the Kentucky horse community and begins the process of responding to the needs of the affected horses, typically by purchasing feed which the local response agencies then distributes to affected horses.

For current information or to donate visit www.kentuckyhorse.org/disaster-relief/.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities through KENA, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits.  The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs.

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Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, Named One of Kentucky Tourism Council’s Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2011

Lexington, KY—March 7, 2011—The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, has been named one of the Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2011 by the Kentucky Tourism Council.

The Rolex Kentucky, part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM and a perennial winner of this prestigious award, is set to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 28-May 1.  It was named as one of the Top 10 Events for Spring because this premier event is the only Four Star, Three-Day Event in the Western Hemisphere and because it brings international attention to Lexington and the Bluegrass State each spring.  While attracting crowds in excess of 100,000 spectators and millions of viewers on international telecasts including a 60-minute domestic broadcast on NBC, the Rolex Kentucky also features an International Sponsor Village and Trade Fair with more than 150 booths and various exciting demonstrations.

Enhancing this year’s event are several new opportunities for spectators!  For the first time, spectators may purchase reserved Tailgating spaces along portions of the famed Cross-Country Course at the Kentucky Horse Park, giving them a chance to experience the action as never before.  The purchase of a Tailgating space provides a reserved location for a passenger vehicle plus general admission for up to eight people.

Additionally, the Kentucky Reining Cup, which includes international Reining and the first-ever World Championship Freestyle will be held in conjunction with this year’s event.

The Kentucky Reining Cup competition, also a FEI (International Equestrian Federation) competition, will be managed by HorsePower, Inc., Reining’s leading event production firm, and will include a Five Star Reining competition, known as a CRI5* (Concours de Reining International), the sport’s highest level, as well as the first-ever World Championship Freestyle.  The CRI5* will offer $50,000 in prize money and will be the only Five Star Reining event in the western hemisphere in 2011.

The World Championship Freestyle, expected to draw competitors from around the world, will mark the first time that the title of “World Champion” will be awarded in Freestyle Reining, a consistent crowd favorite.  The event’s $25,000 prize money will also mark the largest purse for a Reining Freestyle anywhere in the world.

“We are so honored that the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone has once again been chosen as one of the Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring by the Kentucky Tourism Council,” said Equestrian Events Inc. President Lisa Ball.  “We strive to improve our event on an annual basis and with this year’s addition of Reining and Tailgating, we are confident that the event will draw even more people to Kentucky.”

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgetone features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money and a chance at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. The winning owner is awarded $80,000 and the winning rider receives a classic Rolex timepiece.

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone  or the Kentucky Reining Cup please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org or www.kentuckyreining.com.  You may order your tickets online, or complete the ticket order form and return via mail or fax (859-254-5116) to Equestrian Events, Inc. Phone orders: (859) 254-8123. To receive a printed ticket brochure, send name and mailing address to EEI at P.O. Box 12110, Lexington, KY 40580-2110.

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More Eqine Job Info -- This Time From Kentucky

We at Eventing Day realize how many of us have dreams of working in the equine industry.  We also know how difficult it is to find a job in any industry right now.  In an effort to assist those seeking employment with horses, Eventing Day will continue to publish job related information as we receive it and hope it helps someone realize their dream. So keep looking for the wheelbarrows! And, if you have a position that needs filling, let us know and will help spread the word~ ed

Equine career fair to help students prepare for internships, workforce

By Cassie Allison

LEXINGTON, Ky., (Feb. 22, 2011) – The University of Kentucky Equine Initiative and the Georgetown College Equine Scholars Program have teamed up to host the 2011 Equine Career Fair March 1 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. EST in the E.S. Good Barn on the UK campus.

UK has hosted the annual event since 2009. It is designed to help equine students prepare for a career in the horse industry. The event is not limited to UK students; all students with an equine interest are encouraged to participate.

The fair will open with pizza and a welcoming address by Jen Roytz, marketing and communications director for Three Chimneys Farm. Participants can then attend two breakout sessions. Elizabeth LaBonty, lecturer and internship coordinator in the UK equine undergraduate degree program, will lead a session on résumés, cover letters and thank-you notes. Additionally, Essie Rogers, director of education and welfare for the Kentucky Horse Council, will speak about networking in Kentucky’s equine community.

Following the sessions, students will have an opportunity to visit with participating companies and organizations to find out more about potential job and internship opportunities. Confirmed participants include Alltech, American Saddlebred Horse Association, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Darley Flying Start Program, Fasig-Tipton, Gluck Equine Research Center, Hagyard Medical Institute, Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky Equine Management Internship, Kentucky Horse Council, Kentucky Horseshoeing School, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, United States Equestrian Federation and United States Hunter Jumper Association.

“I am really excited that Georgetown College is partnering with us to host this year’s Equine Career Fair,” LaBonty said. “The past two have been attended by more than 120 students, and it is a great opportunity for students and the industry to interact one-on-one.”

“We are eager to partner with UK on the 2011 Equine Career Fair and to expose students to the myriad of job possibilities in the industry, allowing them to network not only with equine entities, but with other students who share the same equine passions,” said Sarah Coleman, executive director of the Georgetown College Equine Scholars Program.

Students and potential employers who would like more information about the Equine Career Fair may contact Elizabeth LaBonty at 859-257-2226 or e-mail equineinitiative@uky.edu. For more information about the Equine Initiative, visit the website at http://www.ag.uky.edu/equine.

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