Governor Ernie Fletcher has signed an emergency regulation to
implement the Kentucky Horse Breeders' Incentive Fund, which will
encourage and support excellence in non-race breeds in the
commonwealth.
The fund was one of three created as a part of Governor
Fletcher's "Jobs for Kentucky" initiative to aid in development of
horse breeding and to secure Kentucky's standing as the industry
leader. Other funds created as part of Jobs for Kentucky--the
Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund and the Kentucky
Standardbred Breeders' Incentive Fund--were implemented earlier.
"Kentucky is synonymous with equine excellence, and the horse
industry is indeed our signature industry," Governor Fletcher said.
"We face aggressive competition from other states that have also
instituted breeder incentive programs, but we are determined to
remain the 'Horse Capital of the World.'"
The regulation was filed as an emergency regulation so non-race
breeders and owners could receive awards for 2006. The fund will
distribute awards annually and the awards given in 2007 will be
based on the performance of the horses in events that took place
since January 2006.
"The American Quarter Horse Association salutes the Kentucky
Legislature and the KHRA for their wisdom and foresight in
fashioning an incentive program designed to maximize economic
development within the Kentucky horse industry," said Bill Brewer,
executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association.
Organizations in Kentucky that have been identified by the KHRA
and whose members qualify for participation in the fund for 2006
are:
• Appaloosa Owners Association
• Arabian Horse Association
• South Central Hackney Association
• Morgan Horse Association
• Mountain Horse Association
• Paint Horse Club
• Paso Fino Horse Association
• Quarter Horse Association
• Saddlebred Owner and Breeders Association
• Walking Horse Association
For more information on the Kentucky Horse Breeders' Incentive
Fund, or any of the three breeders' incentive funds now offered by
the KHRA, please contact Jamie Haydon at 859/246-2040 or
Jamie.Haydon@ky.gov
The KHRA is an independent agency of state government charged with
the responsibility of regulating the conduct of horse racing and
pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and related activities within
the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The KHRA is attached to the
Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet for administrative
purposes.
