UPDATE: UK Equine Farm and Facilities Expo educates visitors on horse farm management

UPDATE POSTED SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 AT 11:00 A.M.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A special field day at the famed Spendthrift Farm on Tuesday, Sept. 28 allowed novices and experts alike to explore the 1,200 acre farm and learn about horse farm management.

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Ag Equine Programs hosted the annual Farm and Facilities Expo Tuesday afternoon.

In addition to visiting the premier central Kentucky horse farm where great racers like 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic live, farm managers and horse owners were able to get a grasp on farm layout and planning, pasture establishment and spray options for farms of all sizes also, engaging non-horseman in the racing industry.

Professor Ray Smith with the University of Kentucky says they’ve been doing this expo for the last 12 years and it also gives them an opportunity to talk about research happening at UK, making it an educational event for farm owners of all sizes.

Smith believes this behind the scenes look is an important part of Kentucky’s culture that should be passed on.

“Horse racing is the sport and it’s not just the racing, it’s maintaining those horses and breeding those horses and the whole industry is just part of Kentucky and it’s nice to be able to highlight that on tours like this and highlight that to anybody who is interested,” said Smith.

UK Farm and Facilities is building a new visitor center and museum on the farm, expected to be completed by next year.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED AUGUST 31, 2021 AT 5:04 P.M.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (UK Public Relations) – University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Ag Equine Programs will host the annual Farm and Facilities Expo from 3:30 – 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the famed Spendthrift Farm, 247 Swigert Ave., Lexington. The event is free and open to the public. A meal will be provided for those in attendance.

Farm managers and horse owners will have the opportunity to explore visitor booths and see displays for every aspect of horse farm management. Speakers will provide educational talks about farm layout and planning, establishing new pasture and spray options for farms of all sizes. Additionally, Spendthrift Farm personnel will talk about engaging non-horsemen in the racing industry.

“We have held this annual field day for the last 12 years and this year’s event promises to be one of the best. Not only will you be able to tour a premier horse farm, but you will see the results of excellent pasture management,” said Ray Smith, forage extension specialist with UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “A priority for the field day will be to show each participant how they can implement the practices at Spendthrift on their own operation, whether large or small.”

“In 2019, Spendthrift made the decision to completely re-establish some areas in cool season pasture. This is the best way to have a good pasture, and despite some heavy drought, this farm had great success with it,” said Krista Lea, research analyst and coordinator of the UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program.

Please RSVP for food planning purposes. Please email equine@uky.edu to register. All current COVID protocols will be followed. Please note the 247 Swigert Avenue entrance, not any of the Spendthrift entrances off Iron Works Pike. Those gates will be locked.