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UK Ag Equine Programs
The mission of the program is to discover, share and apply new knowledge on the health, performance and management of horses, enhancing the signature status of Kentucky’s equine industry.
About UsThe horse is at the heart of everything we do.
Innovation through industry-inspired science
Culture of known research excellence with an established track record of innovation and service. Multidisciplinary teams of nutritionists, animal and plant scientists, engineers, microbiologists, veterinarians, economists and social scientists. Horse and rider safety knowledge center through sports medicine, surface and pharmacology research.
Empowering horse owners
Extension services for horse owners and farm managers. Youth and adult equine education through 4-H and outreach programs. Services for horse pasture management, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, genetic testing, facility optimization, drug testing and race track and performance surface testing.
Turn your passion into a career
Four-year bachelor’s degree, specializing in science, business or communications and leadership. Path to professionalism progression each year, leadership opportunities, internships, study abroad and nearly a dozen clubs and teams to choose from.
Kentucky Equine Survey reveals resilience of state's equine industry
The University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Horse Council, committed to both safeguarding and promoting the well-being of equines and equine agriculture in the state, recently collaborated on the 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey. The report gathered data on all Kentucky horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. According to the survey, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to 209,500 equine and the most populous breed is Thoroughbred, followed by Quarter Horse and Walking Horse. The total value of equine and equine-related assets in the state was $27.7 billion in 2022, up more than 18% from 2012. This is true even though there are currently almost 14% fewer equine living in the Commonwealth than in 2012.
$3 Billion
Economic Impact
Kentucky is home to 242,400 horses with an economic impact of almost $3 billion, according to the UK-led 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey.
6 of 10
Vaccines
6 of the 10 most commonly used equine vaccines were developed at UK, and every dewormer on the market underwent efficacy studies at UK.
Premiere
Student Destination
With 306 current students and close to 500 alums from the program, which started in 2007. 75%+ of students come here from out of state; almost 60% of these stay in Kentucky after graduation.
