The University of Kentucky’s Ag Equine Programs, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, hosted their annual Weekend of Service on Nov. 1-2 and Nov. 9, 2025, where 55 volunteers contributed over 150 hours supporting Central Kentucky’s equine industry. This tradition, which began in 2020 during the pandemic as a week-long event and transitioned to a weekend in 2024, engages students, faculty, and community members in hands-on activities like grooming horses, painting, and cleaning tack to give back to the local equine community. This year’s efforts benefited organizations including African Cemetery No. 2, BraveHearts Equine Center, and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, all of which serve important historical, rescue, and therapeutic roles in the region.
Over the past five years, the initiative has amassed more than 2,000 volunteer hours supporting numerous equine-related nonprofits, fostering a spirit of service, leadership, and community among participants. The program also received a generous donation of a seven-passenger van from BraveHearts founders to aid student participation. Organizers and volunteers alike emphasize the personal and professional growth gained through the experience, highlighting the event’s role in strengthening connections within the equine industry and enriching the lives of those involved.
