Help, Heal & Home

Caring for Kentucky’s At-Risk Horses

by Kelli Summers Sorg

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center (KyEAC) is a soft landing spot for horses in need in Kentucky.

Situated on 72 rolling acres in the heart of the Bluegrass, KyEAC is the largest all-breed equine rescue in the state. At any given time, approximately half of the herd of 50+ equines are thoroughbreds.

The remainder is made up of the biggest draft horses down to the smallest miniature ponies, along with donkeys, mules, and other breeds of horses. They come to the Center from all four corners of Kentucky, sometimes with dramatic stories of neglect and abuse. More often, though, they are stories of horses and people caught in difficult life situations – family crises, financial woes, job losses, or any of life’s transitions resulting in a beloved horse needing to find its next forever home.

One such story is Poppy. Poppy is a Spotted Saddle Horse mare who came to KyEAC after her owner passed away. His widow was not able to care for his horses, so Poppy and another horse, Crown Warrior, came to KyEAC. Because of her owner’s failing health, Poppy had not been ridden in a long time, and when she came to KyEAC, there were no records of her training level or abilities. After working with the trainers and unexpectedly giving birth to a sweet, little filly, it was discovered that Poppy was the perfect “husband horse”. And, in the fullness of time, that’s exactly what she became! Poppy was adopted by a lovely family in Michigan where she regularly goes on trail rides with a family who was looking for - and found - their perfect horse!

Horses may come to KyEAC as “owner surrenders” or through Animal Control. When an owner calls, their case is put on a waiting list. A negative Coggins test is needed before coming to KyEAC, but there are no other strict admission requirements. When a horse arrives, he/she is seen by a veterinarian and farrier to establish a baseline of overall health and hoof care. If necessary, they are vaccinated and dewormed. Then they are turned out with some new equine friends in one of eleven pastures and paddocks to prepare for retraining.

The staff at KyEAC personifies all levels of equine training and disciplines. Everything from groundwork to upper-level dressage is represented by the training staff. There is also one additional element that makes the KyEAC training staff unique - their ability to listen to the horse.

Often horses come to KyEAC with some sort of baggage, emotional or physical. The trainers are adept at tuning in to what each horse needs at any given time and then helping them, through a variety of training methods, to become solid equine citizens. The same respect and care are given to every horse - whether it’s a companion whose riding days are over, or the most athletic horse looking for a new sporting career.

Potential new owners go through an application process with KyEAC to match them with their perfect horse. Once an application is approved, the adopter works with the barn manager and trainers to assess the needs and desires of the potential new owner along with the traits and training of their prospective new equine partner.

Another unique feature of the KyEAC are the education programs that make horse ownership a viable option for a wide variety of people. The Support A Special Horse (SASH) program focuses on non-riding horse enthusiasts looking to adopt their first horse. This program places “special” horses that may no longer be able to be ridden, but still deserve homes where love and companionship will become their “top job”. The SASH curriculum teaches new horse owners the hands-on practical skills of horse care. KyEAC provides resources for them on that journey, as well as having horses for them to adopt!

Since 2009, over 1,000 horses have passed through the barn doors of the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. Hurting horses have found help and healing. Horses caught in stressful situations find a secure spot to get ready for their next big adventure. �

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is a 501c3 that exists completely on donations which can be made through their secure website at kyeac.org.

Pg. 8 KENTUCKY EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY 2022

https://www.kentuckyequestriandirectory.com/