Horses and Hope™ was established to increase breast cancer screening, education, and treatment referral among Kentucky's signature horse industry workers and other special populations. The program has since been expanded to offer cancer prevention and early detection services for many different cancers through the Horses and Hope Cancer Screening Van. Special events honoring breast cancer survivors are also held across the state.

View a short video to see how Horses and Hope is making a difference

Horses and Hope was started in 2008 by former Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Cancer Program, University of Louisville, with the support of the Pink Stable, a committee of Kentucky horse owners, riders, trainers, jockeys, and others. Horses and Hope continues today through generous donations from Churchill Downs, the North American Championship Rodeo, and many other friends. A proud charity partner for the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at Churchill Downs, the tradition continues today with proceeds supporting the Horses and Hope Cancer Screening Van.

Horses and Hope recently celebrated its 15th Anniversary at Churchill Downs. View the video to learn how your donations have funded programs across Kentucky for 15 years. Thank you for your continued support!

Horseshoes for Hope is a new project featuring horseshoes of all colors representing all cancers to support individuals on their journeys with cancer.

Exhibits and events are held in local communities to recognize patients, survivors, and families.

Operated by UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, the Horses and Hope Cancer Screening Van is on the road daily to deliver life-saving services. It is equipped to provide education and screening to men and women for multiple cancers. Services are offered to both insured and uninsured individuals including the medically underserved horse industry workers at thoroughbred racetracks in collaboration with the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund and the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program. The van is supported by KCP, the Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer, and bilingual outreach workers. The Kentucky State Fair is the highlight of the year where people from across the state receive hundreds of cancer screening services during the 11 days. View Mobile Mammogram Screening Schedule.

A pink Ford Mustang, the pace car for the 2011 NASCAR world Spring cup, was donated by Paul Miller Ford in honor of the 10th anniversary of Horses and Hope. The car travels the state today to raise cancer awareness at special events like the Kentucky State Fair, the North American Championship Rodeo, community festivals, and other locations.

Race days attracting sell out crowds of breast cancer survivors and guests are held at Kentucky thoroughbred race tracks every year. Hosted by Former First Lady Jane Beshear, the events feature entertainment, celebrity guests, lunch, a Horses and Hope souvenir, and a horse race honoring breast cancer survivors. Kentucky First Lady Britainy Beshear and Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman have also become ambassadors for Horses and Hope. Watch the calendar for upcoming events.

Jane Beshear, Founder, Anita Ebert, Patricia Cooksey, Carol Farmer, Ann Bakhaus, Mary Midkif, Judy Miller, Misdee Wrigley Miller, Barbara Thomason, and Donna Ward.

Horses and Hope is honored to be a charity partner for the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at the North American Championship Rodeo each November at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center. Breast cancer survivors dressed in pink cowgirl hats show up and show out to give away pink Horses and Hope bandanas to rodeo fans. Survivors are invited into the ring to present a Horses and Hope blanket to the cowgirl who wins the barrel race.