In an attempt to recruit people to support the proposed constitutional amendment for expanded gaming, the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) urged its members to attend a Feb. 26 committee meeting hearing for the bill, as well as a horse trailer caravan “rally” the same day in Frankfort.

After the 8:30 a.m. EST committee meeting, KEEP officials will convene with their members to explain how they should address their legislators about the gaming issue.

Patrick Neely, executive director of KEEP, said other industry-related organizations such as the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association are also sending out a push to their members to attend the committee meeting.

“We just want people to come and fill the committee room and talk to legislators in person, and then we’re going to encourage them to fan out across the capitol and talk with all their individual legislators,” Neely said. “We want the elected officials can hear the personal stories of the (Kentucky) horse industry, and hear exactly what’s at stake and why we have to do everything we can to protect it