LEXINGTON, Ky., (May 22, 2012) - University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host an Equine Farm and Facilities Expo from 4 to 8 p.m. EDT Thursday, May 31at Margaux Farm LLC in Midway.

Horse owners and horse farm managers will be able to see a range of equipment and supplies for horse farms of all sizes. UK specialists will provide hands-on instruction techniques about practical aspects of management for equine operations.

“The expo also provides horse owners the chance to attend an informative event on the grounds of a premier horse farm. We are appreciative to Margaux Farm for hosting this event and for opening its gates to the public,” said Ray Smith, professor and forage extension specialist for the UK College of Agriculture. “Steve Johnson has supported our equine programs in many ways and is a very progressive farm manager.”

Adam Probst, Woodford County agriculture and natural resources extension agent, said the expo will bring together multiple facets of the horse industry.

“You have the ability to learn about pasture management or nutrition, see the equipment and witness the results from many of the demonstrations on the farm,” Probst said. “There are not many other venues around that allow horse owners this opportunity.”

UK experts will lead demonstrations on subjects such as the right feed, tall fescue, muck management, herbicides and field renovation options. There will also be a number of informational booths staffed by UK specialists.

To date, corporate sponsors for this year’s event include America’s Alfalfa, BASF—The Chemical Company, Central Equipment, McCauley Brothers Feed, Pennington Seed, Southern States and UK Ag Equine Programs.

Event vendors include Allied Seed LLC, Bevins Motors, Central Kentucky Ag Credit branches in Lexington and Paris, Chrysler at Nicholasville, DOW Chemical Company, Easy Riders Ranch LLC, Farm Credit, Hallway Feeds, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, Lucas Equine, The Pond Lady, SAS Global Inc., Tractor Supply Company and Wildcat Ford.

Margaux Farm is a leading Thoroughbred breeding operation focused on producing sound and durable top-quality racehorses. Margaux Farm stands several stallions, including five-time Grade 1 winner Devil His Due. The farm is located at 596 Moores Mill Road in Midway.

Admission to the Equine Farm and Facilities Expo is free, and a meal will be provided. Reservations are appreciated. Contact the Woodford County extension office at 859-873-4601 to reserve a spot. For more information about this and other UK Ag Equine Programs events, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine or e-mail equine@uky.edu. 

Author: Holly Wiemers

Contact: Adam Probst, 859-873-4601; Ray Smith, 859-257-3358