The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) has announced that it has pledged $25,000 to the Kentucky Equine Survey.

In Nov. 2011, the University of Kentucky (UK) announced the plans for the Kentucky Equine Survey, in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council. KHC was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Agriculture Development Funds for this survey, with a promise of another $100,000 in funds if the equine industry would match that $100,000 with an equal amount.

"This survey is of extreme importance to the future of our industry," said Anna Zinkhon, KHC president. "This will be the first comprehensive survey of Kentucky’s horses in 35 years. We need an accurate and detailed baseline to determine areas for industry growth. Our pledge is a commitment to this effort. The KHC Board hopes other groups/businesses will respond to this challenge pledge. All donations, no matter how large or small, are important steps toward this industry goal."

Nancy Cox, MS, PhD, associate dean of the UK College of Agriculture, said "On behalf of the Kentucky Equine Survey Team, led by UK Ag Equine Programs faculty, many thanks go to the Kentucky Horse Council for this generous expression of confidence in the importance of this survey to Kentucky and its horse owners. Our team considers this the only appropriate way to provide accurate information about the breadth and depth of equine economic activity in the Horse Capital of the World. KHC has shown how much a unified group of horse industry members can accomplish when they participate and invest in our equine community