Kentucky Equine Research Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Australia

On a remarkable evening at Albert Park, a special milestone was celebrated—the 25th anniversary of Kentucky Equine Research Australia (KERA). This event honoured a quarter century of groundbreaking contributions to equine nutrition and the invaluable partnerships that have propelled the organisation to its esteemed position today.

A Legacy Entrenched in Innovation

KERA began its journey in 1999 in Brighton, Victoria. Founded as an extension of Kentucky Equine Research (KER) in the United States, the Australian arm has upheld KER’s mission of advancing equine nutrition through research, education, and product development.

Joe Pagan, Ph.D., founder of KER, delivered his heartfelt congratulations via video from the KER Performance Center in Ocala, Florida. Speaking against the backdrop of the property’s racetrack, he highlighted KERA’s significant achievements and praised the dedicated staff, partners, and clients who have been instrumental in the company’s success. “The greatest asset a company has is its employees,” Pagan remarked, reflecting on the exceptional contributions of the KERA team over the years.

A Team Effort

The celebration was not just about the company’s achievements but also about the individuals who shaped its legacy. Special tributes were made to longstanding contributors, including Graham Jenkinson, who helped establish KERA’s foundation, and Joanne Reed, who rose from bookkeeper to general manager and whose tireless efforts continue to contribute to the global success of the organisation.

The gathering included over 25 current and former staff members, along with key partners and clients. Their shared stories underscored the collaborative spirit that has driven KERA’s success.

Partnerships That Define Success

KERA’s partnerships with feed manufacturers, distributors and equine professionals have been central to its achievements. Former and current partners, including Hygain, Ridley, Milne and NRM, were just some of the long-term collaborators recognised for their contributions to equine nutrition in Australia and beyond.

KERA has also fostered strong relationships with riders, trainers and breeders. Olympian Amanda Ross, a KERA-sponsored rider, shared her appreciation for the company’s holistic approach to sponsorship. “It’s not just about the feed,” she noted. “Education, advice and genuine care have made all the difference.”

Advancing Equine Nutrition

Throughout its 25 years, KERA has focused on advancing equine nutrition through research and innovation. Programs like Gro-Trac, designed to monitor the growth of young Thoroughbreds, and solutions to tackle challenges such as drought-induced fodder shortages have exemplified KERA’s forward-thinking approach.

KERA has also played a pivotal role in major equestrian events, including the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where its expertise ensured the world’s top sport horses were optimally fed under unique quarantine conditions.

Looking Ahead

As KERA celebrated this significant milestone, the evening was a heartfelt tribute to its past achievements and a nod to an exciting future. The night concluded with a reflection from Peter Huntington, who has been instrumental in KERA’s journey: “We’ve taken the research, education and innovations from KER in Kentucky and applied them to help horses around the world. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our partners and clients.”

With a legacy of excellence and a vision for the future, Kentucky Equine Research stands as a global leader in equine nutrition, ready to continue its mission for many years to come.