by Cindy Rullman, for the Kentucky Horse Park

Lexington, KY — In an effort to help reduce the number of unwanted and inconvenient horses being bred in Kentucky, the Kentucky Horse Park is hosting its first Free Gelding Clinic on Saturday, Dec. 4.

For the benefit of Kentucky’s horses, this free clinic is being provided by the Kentucky Horse Park in partnership with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center and the Kentucky Horse Council, with funding provided by the American Horse Council’s Unwanted Horse Coalition and the Kentucky Horse Council’s SoHo fund.

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, stated, “The threats facing Kentucky’s horses can be overcome when horse owners take their responsibilities seriously and provide good stewardship, and when other good people make up their minds to get involved. This clinic is a great example of how horse owners can do the right thing for their animals in spite of a challenging economy, with the help of organizations that are willing to come alongside them with resources and expertise.”

The Kentucky Horse Park has already formed successful partnerships with the Kentucky Horse Council in hosting the annual John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair, and with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center in helping homeless horses become more adoptable.

Nicholson concluded, “As a result of the enormous success of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, we are more aware than ever of the tremendous contribution that horses make to our Commonwealth. The Kentucky Horse Park and our partners want to repay some of that debt by continually seeking ways to improve horses’ lives.”

Applications are currently being accepted for the Free Gelding Clinic. The clinic is open to anyone who is financially unable to afford the surgery. Castrations will be performed by a veterinarian or a veterinary student under close supervision by a licensed veterinarian.

Stallions must be halter broke, in good health, with two descended testicles and be at least four months of age, with current Coggins and health certificate. Please contact Sheila Forbes at the Kentucky Horse Park, Sheila.Forbes@ky.gov or call 859.233.4305 for an application.