Lexington, KY - With the economy being in the dire straits it is, compounded by the effects the recent drought has had on the prices of hay and grain, which are skyrocketing, a perfect storm has begun to swarm horse, and other equine, owners in Kentucky - many of whom are having difficulty feeding and housing these financially demanding animals.
Instead of facing atrocious endings, the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) has stood as a benevolent shelter from the storm for over 275 horses since its inception in April of 2007. Housed on a leased 72-acre farm in Nicholasville, Ky., the center, the first and only of its kind in the state of Kentucky, according to executive director Lori Neagle, has an open door policy and won't turn away any Kentucky horse (animals must be transported to the farm and have had a Coggins test).
Neagle says the center has an adoption rate of about 50 percent, and tries to match adoption applicants with the right horse, be it for trail riding, showing or simply a new member of the family.
The organization now has a presence at every racetrack in Kentucky. In the event of a racehorse's career coming to an abrupt or inevitable end, KyEHC has surrender forms available for owners at the race secretary office. They will shelter the animal in the race stalls and arrange for transportation to the farm.
The KyEHC is also a good spot for volunteers - who make up the backbone of the organization which receives no state or federal funding - wanting to learn about horses and for those looking to "get their pony fix," as Neagle says. Depending on a volunteer's experience, they may even get a chance to saddle up. Aside from volunteers, the organization is also in need of donated hay, grain and straw; they go through over 30 bails a day, with one horse needing an average of 25 lbs. of hay a day in the winter.
There is a volunteer orientation the second Saturday of every month at 11 a.m., which also includes a tour of the premises and a meet and greet with some of the residents. Adoption Day and Open House are the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Kentucky Equine Humane Center is located at 1713 Catnip Hill, Nicholasville. Call (859) 881-5849 to make an appointment; visit www.kyehc.org for more information about the organization's adoption process, directions and to see their "Horse of the Week."