Services & Businesses
Deb Balliet:
I loved horses from an early age, but did not get involved regularly with them until I was in my mid-thirties. Now, I would not be without a horse in my life. Taz is my appendix-registered quarter horse. Together, we trail ride, go to clinics and participate in Ranch Horse Versatility events. Riding and training my horse provides me with great pleasure, physical activity and a connection to nature. My horse and the outdoor activity associated with horses contribute to my health and wellness.
The horse industry also provides me with my livelihood. In 2007, I took a job in the horse industry with the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR). ELCR is a national not-for-profit that educates people about ways to conserve land and trails for horse-related activity. ELCR's financial impact in the state of Kentucky exceeds a quarter million dollars annually.
Keeping my horse helps provide work for other Kentuckians. To care for Taz, I contribute to the livelihoods of a veterinarian, a farrier, and on occasion, a chiropractor. I pay to board my horse and buy feed, hay and supplements locally. I recently purchased a turnout sheet and a blanket from a local store that purchased the products from a local manufacturer. In 2008, I purchased a truck and a trailer from local dealers to transport my horse. My membership fees help support four (4) Kentucky-based equine organizations. In addition, I engage a local trainer to work with Taz and me to improve my riding skills.
My background and current status is as a working person. Yes, keeping my horse is costly, but it is the best money I spend.
I support KEEP's efforts because I recognize that the thoroughbred racing industry in Kentucky benefits many well beyond those who own, or train racehorses. My employer moved here because Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World - home to 37 national and regional horse organizations in the National Horse Center at KHP. Lexington has a valuable cluster economy that grew out of a cluster of thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorse operations. Kentucky's status as the leader in the horse industry now
extends beyond the thoroughbred industry. If the thoroughbred industry is hurt, the remainder of the economic cluster and its well-being is also threatened.