In an effort to provide a basic guideline for minimum horse care requirements, the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) recently developed an eight page educational guide called Minimum Standards for Equine Care in Kentucky. The guide is a free resource offered for educational purposes to horse owners, potential horse owners, law enforcement officials, and all horse interested individuals.

Developed by the Kentucky Horse Council Health and Welfare Committee, the standards include information approved by equine veterinarians and humane officers.

Minimum Standards for Equine Care in Kentucky is appropriate for all horse owners. It includes information on minimum food, drink, space, and health care requirements for equines. In addition, the document encourages the practice of body condition scoring of horses using the Henneke Scale as a basis for the development of a feeding program regiment tailored to the unique needs of each individual horse.

“Over the past few years, through our extensive work with neglected horses, we recognized the need for an educational resource detailing the basics of horse care,” said Madelyn Millard, KHC Board President. “Minimum Standards for Equine Care in Kentucky is a great tool for investigators to provide education to horse owners who lack an understanding of the rudimentary needs of their horses