Join the Equine Weekend of Service in Kentucky

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky's Ag Equine Programs invites everyone to join the Equine Weekend of Service on November 2nd and 3rd. This volunteer event offers a chance to give back to the local equine community in various ways.

“The Weekend of Service is not only a great networking opportunity for our student body, but also a gesture of goodwill to our beloved equine industry here in the Bluegrass,” said Mary Jane Little, Ag Equine Programs academic coordinator. “We partner with local nonprofits and establishments who could use a helping hand with tasks ranging from facility cleaning, landscaping and grooming horses.”

Participants can choose from several locations, each offering unique experiences:

• African Cemetery No. 2: Help maintain the historic site by cleaning grave markers and performing light landscaping. This cemetery holds the burial ground of Isaac Burns Murphy, a celebrated African American jockey.
• BraveHearts Equine Center: This draft horse rescue with over 140 animals welcomes volunteers to assist with grooming, leading horses, or creating social media content to raise awareness.
• Central Kentucky Riding for Hope: This facility improves the lives of children and adults with special needs through therapeutic riding activities. Volunteers can work in the barn and interact with horses directly.
• Masterson Equestrian Trust: Assist with setting up a hunter pace, an event where riders navigate a course while mimicking foxhunting conditions. Volunteers can also distribute refreshments and help at the starting line.
• Our Mims Retirement Haven: Care for retired broodmares by feeding, grooming, and completing other farm tasks.

“The thing I am looking forward to most with the event is seeing the people engage and give back, and to see the Wildcat Wranglers, UK Ag Equine Programs’ student ambassador team, provide servant leadership through this experience,” Little said. “They have done a wonderful job coordinating logistics and problem solving along the way.”

Registration allows participants to choose their preferred location and shift. Transportation is provided to select sites. Those working double shifts are advised to bring lunch.

Visit equine.ca.uky.edu/events/ag-equine-programs-weekend-service to learn more about the event or contact Mary Jane Little at maryjane.little@uky.edu for further information.

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