Ky Equine Ed Project

"As a kid, my dream, like most boys, was to be a professional athlete. I started working on the farm when I was 7 or 8 on the maintenance team with my grandad. When I was 12, I was allowed to work in the barns with horses. The minute I stepped into the barn, my passion changed. My grandad (Daddy Joe) would pick me up from school and take me to the races, sales, etc. It became a passion, and to get to experience this with my dad, uncles, cousins, and family, there is nothing like it. And now getting to let my kids experience it with me, there is no better feeling." - Marshall Taylor #TM4U #TaylorMade #50Years

Just 48 hours until the Spring Meet! ❗️Reminder that KEEP members get free general admission with their KEEP card. #keeneland #keenelandspringmeet #horseswork

The KEEP Foundation and the Race for Education scholarship applications are still open! Available to Kentucky students pursuing a field of study in equine, animal science, or agriculture, as well as those whose families are employed in these industries. Please share with anyone who may apply 👈🏼 🔗 Application link in bio

Spend cross-country day the right way!🐎 Join KEEP at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event for a fun, relaxed tailgate experience on April 25th. Grab your spot while you can! Register through the link in our bio.

Stories like Chase’s are at the heart of Horses Work for Kentucky, highlighting the real people, families, and livelihoods supported by the horse industry. Have a story of your own? Share it through the link in our bio. #horseswork

✨Scholarship Spotlight✨
Natalie (Talie) Koch, from Cleveland, Ohio, is a freshman at the University of Kentucky studying Equine Science and Management along with Business Management. She rides her own Mustang, Captain Jack Sparrow, or “Sparrow,” and competes in eventing at the training level on the UK Eventing Team. “I am looking to find a job in the equine industry that combines my business and equine interests. As I study Equine Management, I look forward to learning more about the opportunities in the equine industry and how I can make a difference.” Congratulations to Natalie on being a 2025 KEEP Foundation & Race For Education Scholarship recipient. We look forward to following her journey in the equine industry!

They call it the Best Weekend All Year for a reason!✨ But the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event wouldn’t be possible without the nearly 2,500 volunteers who help bring it to life each year. Volunteers serve as cross country jump judges, course decorators, grandstand ushers, and many other roles that help keep the event running safely and smoothly. With so many opportunities available, there’s a place for everyone to be part of the team. With the event right around the corner, they’re still looking for volunteers! Take a look at the opportunities through the link in our bio.

Kentucky’s horse industry is powered by passionate people, and today we celebrate the women who help lead the way. Happy International Women’s Day! #horseswork #internationalwomensday

Kentucky’s equine industry is powered by thousands of people dedicated to caring for horses each and every day. From hands-on roles to office staff and more, we are so incredibly appreciative for the hard work that they do. #EmployeeAppreciationDay #VisitHorseCountry

#throwbackthursday 🐎 Founded in 1936, Keeneland has long been a cornerstone of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry, known for its racing, sales, and deep connection to the Bluegrass horse community. As the Spring Meet approaches, we’re revisiting a few historic scenes from the track. 📸 Keeneland Library Don’t forget that KEEP members receive free general admission to the Keeneland Spring Meet with their KEEP card!

Thank you to everyone who purchased or renewed a 'Horses Work' Seattle Slew specialty license plate last year. Your support plays a direct role in helping fund initiatives that benefit Kentucky’s horse industry and the organizations that support it!🐴 You can purchase a plate for your vehicle or renew yours anytime at your local DMV.

The impact of Kentucky’s horse industry reaches far beyond the barn, helping support students, youth programs, and equine nonprofits across the Commonwealth. An investment in horses is an investment in Kentucky’s future! #horseswork

✨Scholarship Spotlight✨ Tatum Balli, from Norman, Oklahoma, is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky majoring in Equine Science and Management with a minor in Animal Science while pursuing the pre-veterinary track. She serves as Social Chair of the UK Horse Racing Club and is an active member of the UK Pre-Veterinary Club. Last year, she received her American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention. “My goal is to become an equine veterinarian and open my own general practice. I intend to provide guidance and mentorship for the youth, the same way I have been given the opportunities that have gotten me to where I am today.” Congratulations to Tatum on being a 2025 KEEP Foundation & Race For Education Scholarship recipient. We’re excited to see where her future in the equine industry takes her!

Ireland 2026, here we come! 🇮🇪 Join us for the KEEP Ireland Equine and Irish Derby Tour, June 24-29, and experience Ireland’s rich equine heritage along with the excitement of the Irish Derby. The full itinerary is included within the registration so you can explore everything this unforgettable trip has to offer. Secure your spot through the link in our bio! Registration deadline is March 7, 2026.

If you became a KEEP member on or before February 9, your 2026 KEEP card is in the mail and on its way to you. If you haven’t renewed yet, don’t get left behind the gate — Spring racing is right around the corner! Renew today through the link in our bio. Thank you for your membership! 🏇

Highlights from KEEP Day 2026 🐴

KEEP Day at the Capitol Feb. 12 emphasized the significant economic impact of the horse racing industry, and encouraged those involved in the industry to build relationships with legislators. go.bloodhorse.com/4aNiq1x

Thank you to everyone who joined us for KEEP Day at the Capitol. We are grateful for the strong turnout and for the legislators and industry partners who took the time to engage in meaningful conversations about Kentucky’s equine future! #horseswork