Jen Roytz (standing) moderated the equestrian panel, which included (seated left to right) Jane Beshear, Richard Picken, Pat Day, and Eric Hamelback. | Photo: University of Kentucky

Two different perspectives on horse rider and handler safety were presented by an accomplished group of panelists at the inaugural Horse Industry Safety Summit, held April 23 at University of Kentucky’s Spindletop Hall.

Retired Racehorse Project executive director, co-owner of Topline Communications, and avid equestrian Jen Roytz moderated the horse handler and rider panel, which included Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, show jumping coach Richard Picken, former First Lady of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and amateur rider Jane Beshear, and former horse farm manager and current CEO of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Eric Hamelback.

Dan Fick, of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, moderated the panel of representatives from various equine organizations. Panelists included Hamelback; Mindy Coleman, counsel for the Jockeys’ Guild, Inc.; Sonja Keating, executive vice-president and general counsel for the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF); Carol Kozlowski, president of the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA); Vince Gabbert, Keeneland Racing Association’s vice president and chief operating officer; and Steve Koch, executive director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety and Integrity Alliance