Published August, 2010

The Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA), open to both equine professionals and horse owners, will launch at a dinner and educational meeting on Sept. 16 at Spindletop Hall in Lexington, Ky.

The new group, focused on the Kentucky show and pleasure horse community, is charged with the mission of providing an educational and social venue for equine professionals and other horse enthusiasts from all disciplines. KENA will provide the opportunity for attendees to share ideas and business strategies and to obtain up-to-date knowledge on horse and farm management.

Supported by the University of Kentucky Equine Initiative and the Kentucky Horse Council, the Sept. 16 educational topic will be "Threats to American Equestrianism," presented by Col. Walter Herd, a horseman, retired Army colonel, a member of the Kentucky Horse Council board of directors, and a strategic consultant.

"By creating this group, area equestrians demonstrate recognition of the importance of the horse show and pleasure industry to Kentucky's horse economy," said Ed Squires, PhD, Dipl. ACT (hon.), executive director of the UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation and the director of advancement and industry relations at the Gluck Equine Research Center. "The UK Equine Initiative looks forward to working with this group in support of our educational and research mission."

Madelyn Millard, board president of the Kentucky Horse Council, said, "Unifying the many segments of the horse industry has always been a key goal of the Kentucky Horse Council. The establishment of KENA is the first step in consolidating our Kentucky industry into one unified voice."

The Kentucky Equine Networking Association welcomes all Kentucky horse owners and professionals to attend the Sept. 16 event. For details and reservations, visitKyEquineNetwork.org and download a brochure about the organization.

Contributed by Ginny Grulke, Kentucky Horse Council executive director.