KER represents innovation. And that innovation is anchored by research conducted at KER, original research that is conceived and executed at KER's research facility in central Kentucky. Results of these studies are introduced to the scientific community at national and international meetings including prestigious gatherings such as the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology and conferences of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Science Society. Over the past decade, KER has been one of the most prolific private equine research firms in the world.

The most important offshoot of this research is its implications on how horses are fed around the world every day. Results of these studies are woven into feed formulations created specifically for KER's corporate clients, called Team Members.

These state-of-the-art formulations have fueled horses for years, whether they are backyard pleasure horses, elite, globe-trotting equine athletes, or horses with specific performance-related problems. By creating unique feeds, KER has forged a relationship with some of the most recognizable names in sport horse circles including several Olympic and world champions.

Team Member Alliances-Strength-to-Strength

KER brings state-of-the-art nutrition to you, the horse owner. But, to tell you the truth, we need help. That's where KER's Team Members come into play. Team Members are regional feed manufacturers that depend on KER for its nutritional expertise. Separately, the companies offer outstanding products and unprecedented customer service. But when KER and a Team Member mesh their separate strengths, a unique and powerful partnership is formed.

Team Members are funnels through which KER's research flows. Our Team Members connect with horse owners as no national conglomerate can. They understand the needs of their clients and their clients' horses.

Superior Knowledge of Local Issues

No one knows the lay of the land better than its resident horsemen. A comprehension of the local geography and the products of the land are essential in understanding how horses are fed in different regions of the world. For example, Team Members know the hay that's grown and available to horsemen in their area-whether it's rich, high-quality alfalfa or stemmy coastal Bermuda-and they suggest to horse owners the feed that best complements those forages.

Team Members know how their customers use their horses, which is key to understanding how to nourish them properly. In the western United States, working ranch horses and packhorses that work long hours are commonplace, as are horses used in cutting, roping, and reining competitions. On the East Coast, however, a preponderance of horses are involved in showing, foxhunting, and pleasure riding. Team Member personnel grasp the demands of the horses in their region and recommend feeds that will work for those horses.

Quality Manufacturing and Consistency of Feed

Quality manufacturing is the mainstay of Team Members. Horsemen come to rely upon the consistency of feeds, and this consistency is paramount to the health of horses. With a knowledge of local resources, Team Members mix high-quality feeds on-site using only the freshest ingredients and the greatest attention to detail and formulation specifications.

Superior Service and Innovative Solutions

Superior service is another hallmark of KER Team Members. Feed mill personnel are there to answer the nutrition and management questions of horse owners and to recommend the products that fit the nutritional needs of horses.

Filling an International Void

In 1996, KER began its association with the Olympic Games by organizing the acquisition and distribution of feed for horses competing in Atlanta. In successive years, KER's involvement in the Olympics deepened and by 2004 the company had developed a Web site for competitors and coaches to order specially designed feeds for Olympic mounts.

KER's interest in fueling world-class horses led to an advising role with the United States Equestrian Federation, the country's governing body for equestrian sports. The sponsorship, which began in 2000, directly benefits those horses that represent the United States in international competition, as their owners and riders have access to technical advice from the equine nutritionists at KER.

Technological Innovation

Horsemen expect their allies to keep in step with the technological advances of the day. KER doesn't just keep stride with other equine nutrition companies-it outdistances the competition. More than 15 years ago, KER created MicroSteed, ration evaluation software applicable to horses of all breeds, ages, and uses. Over the years, KER nutritionists have refined the software to coincide with the current state of knowledge within the equine nutrition community. KER's Team Members use this program to advise horsemen what feeds best suit their needs. MicroSteed pinpoints nutrient deficiencies and excesses, and allows Team Members to fine-tune rations for specific horses.

Tools for Today's Feed Manufacturers

In an effort to help horsemen manage the growth of young horses, KER produced Gro-Trac, first-of-its-kind software that allows breeders and managers to follow the development of young horses. By measuring height and weight, horsemen can compare the growth of their young horses with that of thousands of their peers of the same age, breed, and sex.

Year after year, KER's commitment to horses and horsemen throughout the world is steadfast but it's not stagnant. At every turn, around every corner KER is looking for ways to improve the health and management of all horses. And in partnership with its Team Members, KER delivers nutrition to horses as no other company can.