LEXINGTON, Ky., (May 22, 2012) - University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host a Western Kentucky Equine Field Day from 4 to 8 p.m. CDT, Tuesday, June 5 at Darling 888 Ranch in Princeton.

The inaugural event will afford horse owners in Western Kentucky the opportunity to see working equine operation and to learn practical information they can apply to their own operations. Bob Coleman, UK extension horse specialist and associate director for undergraduate education in equine science and management, said those in UK Ag Equine Programs are happy to offer educational events like this field day around the state.

“It’s a goal we continually strive for,” he said. “We appreciate Darling 888 Ranch opening its gates to the public for this event.”

“Darling 888 has utilized UK Cooperative Extension Service’s vast knowledge base to its benefit,” said Shane Bogle, Caldwell County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. “It has been a pleasure working with the ranch team to implement their goals and see the improvements made in such a short amount of time, and then to have them open their doors so freely for the public to see the great partnership that has been made.”

Bogle and David Fourqurean, Trigg County agriculture and natural resources extension agent, were two of the event organizers.

UK experts will lead demonstrations in pasture establishment, weed control in pastures, grazing strategies and new strategies for parasite control. There also will be a number of informational booths.

Darling 888 Ranch is a full-service reining facility offering training, breeding, sales and equine sports medicine. Built in 2007, its trainers and staff are among the top of the industry and have relocated to Western Kentucky to help build a world class reining operation. The ranch has two National Reining Horse Association past presidents assisting in guiding the operation and involved with the acquisition of the highest caliber horses for the ranch and its clients. The ranch is located at 4770 Grooms Lane Road in Princeton.

Admission is free for the Western Kentucky Equine Field Day, and a meal will be provided. Reservations are appreciated. Contact the Caldwell County extension office at 270-365-2787 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: Bob Coleman, 859-257-2226; Shane Bogle, 270-365-2787