Executive Director, KHC
"We all start somewhere! It's hard to remember that sometimes. Also, don't ever think what you're doing -- no matter how small -- isn't noticed or doesn't make a difference to someone -- or some animal. A veterinarian friend of mine told me ages ago that if she could make a difference in the life of just one animal, she would feel that she has done what she was put on this earth to do. It really put into perspective that we need not "rule the world" to make a difference.
Finally -- pay attention. The ability to connect with people -- and pay attention -- is a dying art. Simply paying attention to how people answer your questions will tell you so much about them - their struggles and their pride. Everyone we meet just wants to be heard. Mental health -- in both farming and in the horses -- has become much less taboo to talk about (thankfully), but it's still incredibly hard to ask for help. Listen. REALLY listen. It could truly save a life ... but even more, listening to what someone has to say means you care. You see them; you hear their concerns -- you're vested in them."
Sarah Coleman is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council and has been part of the organization since October 2020. She moved to Kentucky in 2004 to work with multiple equine- and agriculture-related publications. She shifted to equine-oriented roles at Lexington Catholic High School and Georgetown College before transitioning to the community and public relations director for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. In that role, Coleman oversaw the construction of New Vocations at Mereworth Farm and established the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park, among other endeavors.
Sarah grew up on a very small farm in NE Ohio, which fostered a love of horses from a young age. Thanks to 4-H Writing Club, she also discovered her love of writing. Once she discovered that she could combine her two passions with horses in Kentucky, Sarah knew right where she belonged.
We asked Sarah what she would consider some of her greatest achievements:
"Professionally and tangibly, winning the 2022 Friend of the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs and being appointed to the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund non-race committee. Professionally and intangibly, how many retired racehorses will find quality second careers by going through the barn doors I helped build at New Vocations' Lexington facility. I am also really excited to have built relationships with horse owners throughout Kentucky. Personally and intangibly, being lucky enough to have made so many dear friends in the ag and equine spaces. Personally and tangibly, getting to interview and write about so many fantastic people for the magazines and websites I write for (some of which are Hobby Farms, Midwest Harness Report, Horse Illustrated, Chickens, Equestrian, Kentucky Equestrian Directory, Equinosis, Business Lexington and Young Rider and the Paulick Report)"
