More than 90 equine industry experts from around the world will converge on Lexington this week for the 2008 Kentucky International Equine Summit, a new event created by the UofL College of Business Equine Industry Program (EIP) and coordinated with the UK Equine Initiative in the College of Agriculture.

     Conceived by the college’s EIP Director Richard W. Wilcke, the two-day Summit will address critical issues facing all equine-related endeavors, and examine how industry, not politics, can impact their future for the better. It will feature industry and association experts addressing three industry-wide areas of concern: economic growth, genetic development, and horse welfare and safety.
     We'll be discussing breakthroughs, challenges and trends that impact every aspect of the industry,” said Wilcke, who also is chairman of the event’s steering committee. “We’re bringing together the best minds in the industry, so if you’re an officer, director, staff or committee member of a national or state equine organization, you’re going to need to be here. Among other things, it’s also a reminder that when it comes to the future of the equine industry, we’re all in this together.”
     Event sponsors include the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), the U.S. Equestrian Federation, North American Equine Ranching Information Council, American Horse Council, American Saddlebred Horse Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.
     The UofL College of Business is only school in the country that offers an accredited business degree in the equine industry. Students experience classroom training in areas such as equine taxation and equine management, as well as nearby access to hundreds of horse farms, racetracks, and ranches.  More information on the program is available at http://business.louisville.edu/equine
     Headquarters for the April 28-29 event is the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Lexington.  For complete details, including daily agendas and the list of speakers, visit http://www.kyequinesummit.com.