Lexington, KY - Running a successful horse farm, even a small one, requires knowing how to do many other things besides caring for horses. Accordingly, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture's Equine Initiative staff chose farm equipment as the subject of this year's Equine Farm and Facilities Expo.
Past field days "have focused on showing the results of UK research," said Dr. Ray Smith, Associate Professor and forage extension specialist. "This is very important, but we felt like the practical skills of using machinery and basic materials are often missed in a traditional field day."
Smith, Dr. Bob Coleman, and other UK agriculture experts demonstrated the use of electronic fencing, no till seeders, sprayers for weed and insect control, and other equipment. They also explained how horse farm owners can reduce costs by using the same piece of equipment for multiple tasks.
Held at Spy Coast Farm near the Kentucky Horse Park, the event offered area businesses and associations the chance to show their equipment and products to members of the equine industry. Exhibitors in the trade show included The Pond Lady, Southern States, Northside Equipment in Richmond, Central Equipment, Bevins Motor in Georgetown, Horse Cents in Versailles, the Kentucky Farm Bureau, and the Kentucky Horse Council.
Mowers to keep pastures at the proper height for grazing, lightweight manure spreaders, tractors, and sprayers were parked beneath the trees, surrounding the trade show booths. Attendees could ask dealers about the equipment and seek advice from UK's experts about the Horse Pasture Evaluation Program and other services.
David Brumfield, President of Brumfield's Hay and Grain, said that the Equine Expo brings new customers to his store and then they start shopping there regularly.
Customers who stop by the booth buy "obviously, small items they can carry, and things they haven't seen before. " He noted that "We've sold all of our barley pond kits [a natural enzyme that requires only one application to keep a pond free of algae all summer]."
Mil Stakelin, a Brumfield staffer, said that having a booth at events for people in the horse business lets old and new customers know how many more products the company carries in its new building.
"Brumfield's has been in business since 1938. So many people are excited to know about the expansion of the company into more than hay, feed, and bedding," Stakelin said. "We carry western and English tack, trail riding tack, just about anything race horses-Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds-need, such as exercise [riders'] saddles and racing bits."
The highlight of this year's Equine Expo was touring Spy Coast Farm high atop a hay wagon. The late afternoon sun cast shadows of the dark green tree lines across the lush green pastures where Dutch Warmbloods and other horses grazed peacefully.
The beautiful landscape, the impressive new barn, and conversation between equine industry members were reminders of how special the horse business is and how much it contributes to the economy of the region.