[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 62 (Thursday, April 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2088-S2089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING TOTAL EQUINE SERVICES

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the 
small business, Total Equine Services of Falmouth, KY, as the Senate 
Small Business of the Week.
  The breeding, training, and of course racing of horses is an integral 
component in the history and culture of our beautiful State. Many refer 
to Lexington, KY, as the Horse Capital of the World, with their 1,200-
acre Kentucky Horse Park in addition to the hundreds of horse farms 
operating in the area. Moreover, as of 2019, the Kentucky equine 
industry had an economic impact of $3.4 billion and supplied 80,000 
direct and indirect jobs. Needless to say it is a leading industry in 
our state. For that reason I am delighted to honor a business so 
involved in that iconic industry, Total Equine Services, founded by 
Steve Thomas and his wife Patti Thomas.
  When it comes to raising Quarter Horses, Steve Thomas is a seasoned 
veteran. He and his wife founded Total Equine Services 15 years ago, 
but he has over 20 years' experience caring for this breed under his 
belt. Together, they opened the business which initially offered only 
an arena where one could come and ride horses. They quickly expanded to 
provide a variety of services ranging from boarding, breeding, and 
training horses. In addition to that same arena, the Thomas' 
constructed a Foaling Barn and 16 enclosed stalls where owners can 
board their horses. The Thomas' also offer nutrition and feed balancing 
services as well as a full tack shop where one can satisfy all their 
riding equipment needs. When it comes to the care and maintenance of 
horses, Total Equine Services offers a full package.
  With parents like Steve and Patti, it is no wonder that their son 
Jason Thomas grew up with a love for horses. He and his wife Nikki 
Thomas have joined the team at Total Equine Services. Nikki was a 
natural addition to the team since, just like her in-laws, she has an 
extensive background in raising Quarter Horses. Moreover, Nikki is 
seasoned in training horses in the art of barrel racing and pole 
bending. Pole bending is a timed event where a rider must direct their 
horse in a speedy serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. 
Meanwhile, barrel racing is an event where the horse and rider must 
attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the 
fastest time possible. Needless to say, training of this sort requires 
meticulous repetition and a keen eye for detail, which Nikki gladly 
brings to the arena. And with all the exercise and activity that their 
stock see, the Thomas' make sure to keep their horses properly shod, 
with Jason being a certified farrier, a blacksmith that creates 
horseshoes, who keeps their fleet equipped with the proper horseshoes 
they need.
  The Thomas' have developed a reputation for covering every need a 
horse owner or rider might have, but they are also highly regarded for 
their breeding services. Their current stud horse, Redneck Jettin Down, 
has not only won several local shows, he has placed at national 
competitions held through the American Quarter Horse Association. In 
2014, Redneck Jettin Down placed fourth at the All American Quarter 
Horse Congress, placed 6th at the AQHA World show in Jr Pole Bending, 
and placed fifth at the North American Live Stock Show. It goes without 
saying that Redneck Jettin Down is an asset to Total Equine Services.
  Whether they grew up in the heart of our big cities or in our 
smallest of towns, every Kentucky citizen has heard about the glamour 
of Keeneland and Churchill Downs. The equine industry plays an active 
part of the Kentucky identity, and it is businesses like Total Equine 
Services that retain the respect and renown of that industry by taking 
special care of their breeds. Moreover, the Thomas' and families like 
them play a vital role in our State's economy, as they support commerce 
within our more rural communities.
  Congratulations to Steve, Patti, Jason, and Nikki Thomas and the rest 
of the team at Total Equine Services. I wish them the best of luck and 
look forward to watching their continued growth and success in 
Kentucky.

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