After graduating from Rutgers University with a Master’s Degree in Animal Science, Janie Atkinson began working as a lab tech in the University of Kentucky Veterinary Science Department in 1969. She moved from Lexington in 1970 to accept a position as industry liaison with the newly formed American Horse Council, an equine industry trade association, in Washington, D.C.

Atkinson returned to Lexington in 1972 to work at The Blood-Horse, a weekly Thoroughbred racing and breeding magazine. In 1974 she accepted a position as Executive Director of the newly formed Kentucky Horse Council, a state government agency created by the Kentucky legislature to promote, preserve, and strengthen the equine industry in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

In 1984 she accepted a position as Executive Vice President of Equestrian Events, Inc. and Event Director of Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event; previously, she had served as volunteer Chief Dressage Steward from 1976 through 1984. She was appointed Eventing Discipline Director in September 2007 for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games and retired in October 2010.

The success and scale of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event are thanks in large part to Janie’s work.