Kentucky's horse industry is much more than the first Saturday in May. Driven by family farms, small businesses, and professionals from veterinarians to truck drivers, the industry contributes more than $6.5 billion to Kentucky's economy every year. The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation launched Horses Work for Kentucky to shed light on the impact and lesser-known aspects of the state's signature industry. The campaign invites Kentuckians from every corner of the Commonwealth to share their own stories about how horses and the industry have changed their lives for the better.
Supported by Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Mt. Brilliant Farm, Red Mile, the KEEP Alliance, and the KEEP Foundation, Horses Work is set to make a bold impact across digital platforms, social media, radio, and a brand-new website. The campaign will put the spotlight on the real faces behind the industry, from family farms and farriers to harness racing drivers and feed producers, illustrating the essential role horses play in driving Kentucky's economy and heritage forward.
Horses Work for Kentucky launched with a film featuring first-hand stories -- from trainers, ranchers, riders, farriers, businesspeople, and more—about how the community has shaped lives and livelihoods. The website details the industry's widespread impact on Kentucky's economy, culture, and communities and provides a platform for readers to share the campaign and tell their own stories.
"This campaign reveals the intersection of community, family and horses. The stories emphasize the cultural, therapeutic and economic value of horses in Kentucky," said Elisabeth Jensen, Executive Director of the KEEP Foundation.
"People think of Kentucky, they think of horses. They don't think of dollars, they don't think of sales. They want to come from out there to see what we've got here. And that's really cool because we take it for granted," said Kelly Curry, owner of K Bar C Ranch. "You know, we wake up in the morning, we see beautiful green grass and beautiful horses and our plank fences and we're just used to it. But that is Kentucky. Horses are Kentucky."
Horses are at the heart of communities across the state. We all have a story to tell. With plans to share 120 stories from each of the 120 counties, KEEP Foundation invites every Kentuckian to tell their own story.
Get Involved & Share Your Story
Kentucky's horse lovers, industry professionals, and supporters are invited to join the movement! By sharing the campaign on social media and submitting testimonials on how horses work in their lives, participants can help bring awareness to the deep-rooted importance of the industry. Sign up for campaign updates and claim a FREE Horses Work bumper sticker at horseswork.com/get-involved.
