In 2006 and 2007, a dedicated group of individuals from the Central Kentucky area recognized that there was a need for an equine rescue that accepted all breeds of horses from various situations. During those years there was an increase in owners who were not able to keep their horses and they needed a place to turn to. These dedicated people became the first Board of Directors, and they were all affiliated with some aspect of the equine industry - veterinarians, Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, equine law, marketing and local business.

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In 2008, nonprofit status was granted by the IRS, and the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (the Center) was born and settled into a 72 acre farm in Nicholasville on Catnip Hill Rd, where it remains today. The founders of the Center wanted it to be a place where all breeds of horses were accepted, so that no horse would be excluded from the chance at a new life. To this day, all equines are accepted – miniature horses, donkeys, mules and horses.

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During the winter of 2018 and 2019, the Center changed its name to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. The Center was frequently confused with the humane society, which is a different organization, and the Board of Directors and staff wanted a name that reflected the goal for every horse - adoption.