Appalachian Horse Center

Kentucky is known as the horse capital of the world. But did you know that Kentucky is also home to hundreds of free- roaming horses in the Appalachian Mountains of Southeast Kentucky. Some are owned, some are not. In fact, over 400 hundred horses have been documented thus far in a nine county region and the population just keeps growing!

In 2015 a vision for a center where abandoned horses could be held the required 15 days and if not claimed they could become a part of an innovative initiative to create a positive impact in the region. From the simple idea of building a "holding facility" evolved a much more versatile Center - thus the concept for the Appalachian Horse Center was born! A place where horses could be used to provide job training in the equine industry, equine therapy and become a tourist attraction while helping the horses!

The Appalachian Horse Center (AHC) will be building this new horse-based facility in the middle of the largest free-roaming herd in Breathitt county. AHC, a nonprofit 5013c with the mission of using horses to positively impact the economy, health and horses in the coalfields of Southeast Kentucky.

Our goals include:

• To enable Eastern Kentucky to take advantage of the world-class equine knowledge and expertise found in Kentucky, transforming it into lifetime careers through accredited education.
• To improve the health of Kentuckians by delivering equine-based therapy services to address drug dependency, physical or mental health issues and veteran's needs.
• Attract tourists to the region and make Eastern Kentucky a destination for those who want to learn more about its horse culture and history.
• To assist the holding, training and re-homing of horses that are taken up if they are causing public safety issues or are in need of nutrition or vet care and offer a place for people to bring their horses if they no longer can care for them.
• Create new jobs and business opportunities in a region suffering from high umeployment.
• Encourage and assist in the development of entrepreneurial businesses to compliment the center.
• Provide an indoor arena for horse shows, rodeos and for 4-H competitions.

Help us build the Appalachian Horse Center by donating today! Become a part of an amazing initiative that will help the horses, the children, and the families in the Appalachian Mountains of Easr Kentucky!

Mountain Horses Working for Eastern Kentucky's Economy!

Please visit our website to learn more about the free roaming horses at www.appalachianhorsecenter.org/about-us/our-history