University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host an Equine Farm and Facilities Expo from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT Thursday, June 8, at New Vocations at Mereworth Farm, 719 Dolan Lane in Lexington. The event is free, and a meal will be provided.

Horse owners and farm managers will have the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths and see a range of equipment and supplies for horse farms of all sizes. UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment specialists will provide instruction about practical aspects of management for equine operations including barn design, farm site planning, nutrient intake regulation and horse pasture management. Specialists will also staff informational booths. Farm tours will be available as well.

“The expo provides horse farm owners and managers a hands-on event that shows practical solutions for facilities and pasture management. We appreciate New Vocations hosting this event and opening the farm’s gates to the public,” said Ray Smith, forage extension specialist in the UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Founded in 1992, New Vocations has grown into the largest racehorse adoption program in the country. Its mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired racehorses has led to the placement of over 6,000 individuals, with over 450 retirees entering the program each year.

Mick Peterson, UK Ag Equine Programs director, encouraged people to attend for the chance to learn something new about horses or horse facility management.

“The Farm and Facilities Expo provides a unique opportunity to not only think about the efficiency of your property, but also to learn more about potential health and safety benefits for both animals and people using the facilities,” he said.

While not required, an RSVP is appreciated for food planning purposes. Please email equine@uky.eduto RSVP. For more information about this and other UK Ag Equine Programs events, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine.

Contact: Ray Smith, 859-257-3358; Nick Carter, 859-257-5582