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EnglishWhat is UK Ag Equine Programs and what does the website cover?
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UK Ag Equine Programs is the equine program of the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and its website (equine.mgcafe.uky.edu) is the program's public hub. The site is organized around four things: research, extension services for horse owners and farm managers, a four-year Equine Science and Management bachelor's degree, and news and events tied to Kentucky's equine industry. It is the place to start if you want to understand the program's mission, find a service, or check whether the degree or a campus visit fits your plans.
What the program says it does
The stated mission is to "discover, share and apply new knowledge on the health, performance and management of horses," with the aim of enhancing Kentucky's equine industry. The site frames the horse as "at the heart of everything we do" and describes research carried out by multidisciplinary teams — nutritionists, animal and plant scientists, engineers, microbiologists, veterinarians, economists and social scientists.
Main sections of the site
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| About Us | Program mission and identity within the College |
| Research | Industry-inspired science, including a horse and rider safety knowledge center with sports medicine, surface and pharmacology research |
| Extension | Services for horse owners and farm managers, youth and adult education through 4-H and outreach, pasture management, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory testing, genetic testing, facility optimization, and race track and performance surface testing |
| Degree | Equine Science and Management, a four-year bachelor's degree |
| Survey | The 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey |
| Events and News | Upcoming program events and program news |
The degree program
The Equine Science and Management bachelor's degree offers three areas of specialization: equine science; equine management and industry; or communications, leadership and education. The site lists these benefits: a path to professionalism progression each year, leadership opportunities, internships, study abroad, and nearly a dozen clubs and teams. Prospective students can sign up for Experience Equine Days, offered both in person and virtually.
Kentucky Equine Survey findings
The 2022 survey was a collaboration between UK and the Kentucky Horse Council, covering all Kentucky horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Reported figures:
- 209,500 equine in Kentucky
- $27.7 billion total value of equine and equine-related assets in 2022, up more than 18% from 2012
- Almost 14% fewer equine in the state than in 2012
The program presents these results as evidence of the industry's resilience: asset value rose even as animal numbers fell.
Events and other resources
The events calendar lists items such as a UK Ag Equine Weekend of Service (October 17–18, 2026), Fall Break (October 26–27, 2026), an Experience Equine Day (October 26, 2026, 10am EDT) and Commencement (December 18, 2026, at Rupp Arena). The site also links to a page for buying program apparel and goods; no prices are shown in the available site content, so check that page directly for cost and ordering details.
How to use the site
- Horse owner or farm manager: start with Extension for testing, pasture, facility and surface services.
- Prospective student: review the Degree section, then register for an Experience Equine Day.
- Researcher or industry reader: use Research and the Survey section for program work and state-level data.
- General visitor: the Events and News sections show what the program is currently running.
If you need a specific service, confirm availability and any requirements through the contact details on the relevant section page rather than assuming from the overview.