by wglasscock | Dec 16, 2025 | Events, News
Lexington, KY (December 16, 2025) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced new leadership and three new members to the organization’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors unanimously elected Adam Bowden, Adam Koenig, and Katie Taylor to join the Board of Directors beginning in January.
“This Board reflects the strength, diversity, and depth of Kentucky’s equine industry,” said Will Glasscock, executive director of KEEP. “Adam, Adam, and Katie each bring invaluable perspectives that will help KEEP continue advancing education, advocacy, and awareness for all breeds and disciplines across the Commonwealth. We’re also grateful for the continued leadership of our officers as we move into the next year.”
Bowden is an established Standardbred owner, who has branched into the Thoroughbred world, and is now enjoying success with his breeding operation. In 2005, Bowden and his father established Diamond Creek Farm in Georgetown, KY and, in 2012, added Diamond Creek Farm of Pennsylvania.
Koenig is the owner of Koenig Public Policy and Political Consulting and previously served in the Kentucky State House of Representatives from 2007 until 2022 where he was the first ever Republican chairman of the Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee. Koenig currently serves as the executive director of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association.
Taylor is a Thoroughbred advisor for Taylor Made Sales. She worked as a groom for Arion Management where she was able to condition and interact with world-champion horses. While earning her degree at Midway University, she worked as a surgery technician at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. After graduation, she worked as manager at Farfellow Farms. She returned full time to Taylor Made in 2011. In 2013, she helped create Bloodstock Investments with her father, Frank.
Additionally, the KEEP Board of Directors elected new Board leadership for 2026. The Board elected Fred Sarver to serve as chair, and Rob Tribbett to continue in his role as vice chair. Current Board chair Shannon Cobb will move to an at-large position of the Board Operating Committee.
Tribbett, who in addition to maintaining his role as vice chair of the board, also serves as the president of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association and as general manager of Watercress Farm in Paris, KY.
Cobb is the chief operating and financial officer at Red Mile Racing and Gaming and has served as the chair of the KEEP Board for the past two years.
Fred Sarver, owner of Cornerstone Farm and an American Horse Council 2020 Van Ness Award winner, is the longest-serving board member of both KEEP and the KEEP Foundation. Sarver has also served as a director for the USA Equine Trust, a board member of the Kentucky State Fair Board, the president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and many other national and local roles across the equine industry.
Incoming chair Fred Sarver commented on his new role, “I’m honored to take the position of chair for such an important organization. I’ve been a longtime supporter and board member of KEEP and have seen first-hand the incredible impact this industry can have when it works together. I look forward to working with the Board and KEEP staff, to continue moving our industry forward. I’m also excited to welcome our newest board members who will bring a wealth of experience and insight to a Board that truly represents a cross-section of the industry.”
For more information about the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and its initiatives, please visit www.kyhorses.com.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote, and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates.
by wglasscock | Feb 12, 2025 | Events, News
| Lexington, KY (February 6, 2025) The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) is set to host its annual KEEP Day at the Capitol on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Frankfort.
This event serves as a key opportunity for horse industry leaders, participants, and supporters to connect with legislators and highlight the critical role that Kentucky’s signature industry plays in communities across the Commonwealth.
The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM in the House Caucus Room (Room 346) in the Capitol Annex.
Attendees will hear from prominent decision-makers in Frankfort, meet with legislators, and get a preview of the KEEP Foundation’s upcoming media campaign, which will showcase the impact of Kentucky’s horse industry and the people behind its success.
“Kentucky’s horse industry is not only a vital part of our economy but also an essential piece of our cultural heritage,” said Will Glasscock, KEEP Executive Director. “KEEP Day at the Capitol gives KEEP members and supporters an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers to ensure that policies continue to support the growth and success of the industry and its positive impact across the state.”
To attend KEEP Day at the Capitol, please RSVP by emailing brittany@horseswork.com. |
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| The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote, and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates.
To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.KyHorses.com |
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by wglasscock | Jan 11, 2024 | Events, News
Lexington, KY (January 10, 2024) The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced the new leadership of KEEP’s Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors unanimously elected Shannon Cobb to serve as chair and Rob Tribbett to serve as vice chair. They will replace Case Clay and David Ingordo, who will both continue their service on the KEEP Board.
Shannon Cobb, the Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Red Mile Racing and Gaming, steps into the role of chair with a wealth of experience in equine operations and financial management. Rob Tribbett, Vice President of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association in Lexington, KY, and General Manager of Watercress Farm in Paris, KY, assumes the vice chair position, bringing his expertise in breeding and association leadership to the forefront of KEEP’s strategic direction.
Commenting on her commitment to the new role, Shannon Cobb stated, “It’s an honor to be entrusted with the position of Chairman at KEEP. I am eager to collaborate with our Board of Directors and the entire equine community to drive further growth and prosperity for Kentucky’s vibrant equine industry. I am committed to upholding KEEP’s mission and ensuring its success.”
Will Glasscock, KEEP’s executive director, expressed enthusiasm about the new leadership, stating, “The appointments of Shannon Cobb as Chairman and Rob Tribbett to these roles reinforce KEEP’s commitment to fostering industry expertise and leadership within our board. Their combined experience and dedication will undoubtedly steer us toward continued success in promoting and advancing Kentucky’s thriving equine economy.”
For more information about the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and its initiatives, please visit www.horseswork.com.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Sep 19, 2023 | Events, News
Lexington, KY (Monday, September 18, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) mourns the loss of Governor Brereton Jones. Governor Jones, a visionary leader in Kentucky’s equine industry, helped create KEEP in 2004 and served as chairman of KEEP’s Board of Directors until 2011.
During his tenure as chairman, Governor Jones worked tirelessly to promote Kentucky’s horse industry. His dedication led to critical policy changes and initiatives that directly benefited horse owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts across the state.
Under his leadership, KEEP worked with the state legislature to create the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund and the establishment of historical horse racing in the Commonwealth. These programs have significantly contributed to the current success of Kentucky’s horse industry.
“Governor Brereton Jones was a true champion for Kentucky’s horse industry,” said Case Clay, current chairman of KEEP. “His legacy will forever be felt in our organization and throughout the entire equine community. We are deeply saddened by his loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Apr 5, 2023 | Events
by wglasscock | Mar 31, 2023 | Events, News
Lexington, KY. (Friday, March 31, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released this statement following the passage of HB 551:
KEEP commends the Kentucky Legislature for passing HB 551, which will legalize sports wagering in Kentucky.
KEEP and Kentucky’s horse industry have been actively involved for the past several years in advocating for sports wagering legislation that protects the role of Kentucky’s signature industry in the landscape of wagering options and provides new revenue for the state.
HB 551 accomplishes this by allowing for sports wagering to be offered in-person at Kentucky’s racetracks. Additionally, sports wagering will be governed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, a testament to the trust that wagerers place in Kentucky’s horse industry.
Overall, this bill will benefit Kentucky’s horse industry and community by offering new revenue sources for the industry, as well as attracting new fans to the sport through the in-person experiences at Kentucky racetracks.
The legalization of sports wagering in Kentucky is a result of the hard work and dedication of lawmakers, industry leaders, and advocates who have been fighting for this change for years. KEEP has been a vocal supporter of this legislation, and we are proud to have played a role in making it a reality.
KEEP would like to thank the members of the Kentucky Legislature for their leadership and vision in passing this important legislation. We look forward to continuing to work with them and other stakeholders to ensure that Kentucky remains the horse racing capital of the world.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Mar 14, 2023 | Events, News
Lexington, KY. (Tuesday, March 14, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released this statement following the passage of HB 594:
KEEP applauds the Kentucky General Assembly for the passage of HB 594, legislation that will ban illegal gray machines.
Getting this bill across the finish line was an incredible effort and KEEP is grateful to the legislators who supported the bill through the committee process and voted to pass the bill on the House and Senate floors.
KEEP would like to recognize the hard work of Representative Killian Timoney who sponsored the bill. We would also like to recognize Speaker of the House David Osborne; House Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade; Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer; House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee Chairman Matt Koch; and Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee Chairman John Schickel for their work on this bill. The successful passage of this bill would not have been possible without their critical support.
KEEP, along with many other organizations, worked closely with legislators to ensure that they understood the negative impact of illegal gray machines on families, communities, and on Kentucky’s legal forms of gaming.
KEEP will continue working on behalf of Kentucky’s entire horse industry and community to advocate for policies that benefit everyone within the industry’s economic ecosystem. Growing the success of the industry’s more than 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion economic impact on the state benefits all Kentuckians.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Feb 15, 2023 | Events, News
Lexington, Ky. (Thursday, February 15, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced that it will host its annual KEEP Day in Frankfort event on Thursday, February 23, 2023. KEEP Day at the Capitol provides KEEP grassroots members, industry leaders, breed associations, and other industry partners an opportunity to share with Kentucky lawmakers the importance of horses to their legislative districts and the state’s economy.
The event will take place from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in the Senate Caucus Room, room 269 in the Capitol Annex.
Will Glasscock, KEEP’s executive director, commented, “Kentucky’s signature industry plays a critical role in the Commonwealth’s economy. The horse industry and community provide more than 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in annual economic impact for the state. We see this impact, not only at the racetracks and large horse farms, but across the state where small family-owned operations breed and train horses, grow hay, build fences, and sell farm equipment. KEEP Day is an opportunity to share this story with lawmakers and ensure that they understand the full depth and breadth of the industry and community.”
Created in 2004 to preserve, promote, and protect the state’s horse industry, KEEP represents and advocates on behalf of Kentucky’s entire industry – all breeds and equine pursuits.
RSVP to attend KEEP Day in Frankfort by emailing brittany@horseswork.com.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Feb 8, 2023 | Events, News
Lexington, KY. (Wednesday, February 8, 2023) – On Friday, February 3rd, 2023, the KEEP Board of Directors voted to add three individuals to the board:
- Hallie Hardy – Executive Director of Horse Country in Lexington, KY
- Kim Smith – Founder and Executive Director of Second Stride in Crestwood, KY and Owner and Operator of Moserwood Farms in Prospect, KY
- Rob Tribbett – Vice President of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association in Lexington, KY and General Manager of Watercress Farm in Paris, KY
Additionally, the KEEP Board of Directors elected Shannon Cobb to serve as vice chair of the board. Cobb is the COO/CFO of the Red Mile in Lexington, KY. Cobb joins returning Board Chair Case Clay in the leadership of the organization.
The KEEP Board of Directors also welcomed three new representative members:
- Mindy Coleman, Jockeys’ Guild
- Conor Lucas, Revolutionary Racing
- Gerry Duffy, Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club
The board also recently voted to amend the organization’s by-laws to create an Emeritus Advisory Committee, comprised of original KEEP founding members. This committee will meet annually to review the work of KEEP, discuss industry challenges and continually evaluate the relevancy and direction of the organization. This committee will hold its inaugural meeting in June.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Dec 28, 2022 | News, Uncategorized
Lexington, KY. (Wednesday, December 28, 2022) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project’s (KEEP) Board of Directors announced that long-time consultant Will Glasscock will be promoted to executive director beginning January 1, 2023. This follows the announcement by Elisabeth Jensen in September that she would be stepping down from her leadership role in the organization.
Glasscock began working as a consultant for KEEP in 2017. Since then, he has worked with many different facets of the organization and its mission, including KEEP’s advocacy in Frankfort and Washington, the grassroots membership, strategic planning, and the KEEP Foundation. Most recently, Glasscock launched KEEP’s Legislative Advocacy Committee, an important element in connecting individuals in the equine industry with our legislators in Frankfort and providing education and information on relevant policy.
Additionally, the board announced that Jensen will remain close to the organization and serve as a consultant with both the KEEP Alliance and the KEEP Foundation. In that role, Jensen will assist KEEP in managing board relations, industry stakeholders, and long-term strategic planning.
Case Clay, chairman of KEEP’s Board of Directors, commented, “Will’s significant knowledge of the legislative process and the needs of our industry, as well as his many years with KEEP, will allow for a smooth transition and immediate success in his new role.”
Glasscock commented on the announcement and the work ahead, “I am honored to have been asked to take on this position for an organization that is so vital to Kentucky and to Kentucky’s horse industry. Thanks to Elisabeth Jensen’s leadership for the past five years, KEEP is stronger than ever and I look forward to building on the organization’s success. I also look forward to continuing to work with Elisabeth in her new role and with the KEEP Board of Directors and its leadership.”
Glasscock continued, “Kentucky’s horse industry is once again leading the nation and its growth continues on a positive trajectory. It is imperative that we continue working to sustain Kentucky’s success. Additionally, we will maintain KEEP’s focus on the labor shortages facing the industry, as well as the importance of educating and informing Kentuckians about the true impact that the industry has on the Commonwealth’s economy.”
Glasscock grew up in Kentucky and attended the College of Charleston and the George Washington University. Glasscock worked in Washington, D.C. for nearly nine years. There, he worked for two members of Congress and as director of government relations for a national trade association. Prior to returning to Kentucky in 2014, Glasscock and his wife Amy took a mid-career volunteer opportunity and spent two years serving as Peace Corps Volunteers in rural East Java, Indonesia.
Glasscock volunteers locally coaching youth sports and has served on the boards of the International Book Project, the Kentucky Peace Corps Association, the Clark County Community Foundation, and First Christian Church, Winchester, KY. Glasscock and his wife have a daughter and reside in Lexington.
About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Oct 14, 2022 | Events, News
Lexington, KY. Friday, October 14, 2022 – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that it released an additional 64,716 H-2B visas to meet labor demands for FY 23:
KEEP commends the Department of Homeland Security for releasing an additional 64,716 H-2B visas to meet the labor demands for FY 23. KEEP has long been a member of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, which urges Congress to increase the statutory cap on H-2B visas to meet the demands on the program. However, short of action by Congress to address this issue, this announcement by the Department of Homeland Security is much needed to ensure a robust workforce in non-agriculture fields.
Kentucky’s horse industry relies on H-2B workers at tracks and training operations to meet the labor needs of the growing industry. The unreliable nature of the H-2B visa program is part of the reason why KEEP and the KEEP Foundation started the Equine Workforce Initiative in 2019. This initiative is working with industry stakeholders to create a talent pipeline and offer career pathways for more Kentuckians to work in the Commonwealth’s signature industry. Learn more about the Equine Workforce Initiative at: www.thekeepfoundation.org/initiative/.
ABOUT KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.
by wglasscock | Oct 5, 2022 | Uncategorized
Find the responses to KEEP’s annual candidate survey here.
View the record of how your legislators voted on issues that were critical to the horse industry last year.
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