UK Ag Equine Programs volunteers give back to Kentucky’s equine industry
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2026) — Giving back to Central Kentucky’s equine industry through Weekend of Service has become an annual tradition for the University of Kentucky’s Ag Equine Programs, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE). During this year’s Oct. 17-18 event, 32 participants volunteered more than 80 hours.
“The UK Equine Weekend of Service was a wonderful reminder that giving back to the community is just as rewarding as the work we do every day,” said Mary Jane Little, event organizer and academic coordinator within the program’s equine science and management degree program. “With beautiful weather, incredible students and the support of our outstanding equine industry partners, it was a special opportunity to come together, make a difference and celebrate the spirit of service that makes this industry so unique. We are grateful for these partnerships and proud to be part of an equine community that gives back.”
The student-driven effort began at the Equine Week of Service in 2020 during the pandemic lockdown days. Students wanted to help support one of Kentucky’s signature industries in a meaningful way while finding opportunities to connect with other students who share a similar passion for horses. The event was wildly popular, and it became an annual tradition. The full week of service transitioned into a weekend of service in 2024.
Equine senior Delaney Urquhart-Foster designed a commemorative shirt for this year’s event, something she has done during her time at UK.
Little has found that students come back year after year, not only because of what they are able to give but also because of what they feel they are getting from the experience themselves. One of those is equine junior Nazarius (Naz) Jacobs.
“This was his third year coming to BraveHearts and each year he has gained so much,” Little said. “The first year he discovered his passion for nonprofit and rescue work. Last year he made an additional visit to BraveHearts on his own time to further connect and volunteer. This year he is interested in one of their part-time positions over the winter. It just shows that when a student shows up ready to learn and work with a good attitude, doors open and that student’s network expands.”
Jacobs said he had “tons of fun” volunteering at BraveHearts for the third time.
“I look forward to the volunteer day every year to go out there and help. My favorite part is always at the end when we get to play with the donkeys and help,” Jacobs said. “While out there, I was offered an amazing paid internship to come and help with barn chores over Christmas break. This Weekend of Service gave me a huge foot in the door to do more at BraveHearts and add more to my resume.”
During the past six years, the initiative has resulted in almost 2,200 hours of volunteerism to nonprofits in Central Kentucky’s equine industry.
“The Weekend of Service is a meaningful opportunity for our students for so many reasons,” said Jill Stowe, Ph.D., UK Ag Equine Programs director. “First, our local stakeholders invest significantly in our students’ education, and giving back is just one way to show our gratitude. Second, because many equine-related activities depend largely on volunteerism, instilling that practice with our students is important. Finally, the Weekend of Service often allows our students to gain additional hands-on opportunities with horses while giving back. It’s a win-win-win.”
This year’s volunteer efforts benefited BraveHearts Equine Center, Justin’s Place, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center and Spy Coast Farm’s EquiConnect annual event. BraveHearts Equine Center is an organization that offers a haven for rescued horses and burros. The mission of Justin’s Place is to offer a safe and supportive environment for children ages 3 to 13 with a disability or disorder diagnosis to experience horses. The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is one of the largest all-breed equine rescues in Kentucky for equines at all stages of rehabilitation and retraining. Spy Coast Farm specializes in the breeding and development of top-quality performance horses. EquiConnect is its annual community day.
Past locations served have included African Cemetery No. 2, Bluegrass Farms Charities, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Kentucky Horse Park, Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police, Masterson Equestrian Trust, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Old Friends, Our Mims Retirement Haven, The Secretariat Center and the Thoroughbred Makeover/Retired Racehorse Project.
To learn more UK Ag Equine Programs, visit equine.mgcafe.uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.