For horse enthusiasts, a recent episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” offered a surprisingly familiar sight: manure. The show, known for its unvarnished look at unconventional professions, visited the Kentucky Equine Research (KER) facility in Versailles, Ky., spending a day with the staff to explore the less glamorous, yet scientifically crucial, aspects of equine research. Research farm manager Jilanne Lange served as the primary guide for host Mike Rowe, delving into various tasks within the research barn. Far from being offended by the show’s premise, Lange embraced the “dirty job” label, humorously noting that while the tasks themselves might be considered messy, the persistent odor is the true olfactory challenge that film can’t quite capture.
Rowe actively participated in collecting manure and urine samples, assisting with sample preparation, and even engaging in less odorous activities like overseeing a treadmill test. Lange, along with then-intern Catherine Whitehouse and KER veterinarian Bryan Waldridge, joined Rowe in his hands-on exploration of equine research. Rowe’s willingness to get his hands dirty was evident throughout the filming. “We just filmed multiple horses as far as changing nappies and collecting poo, and then in the editing they chose which one worked the best,” Lange recalled, mentioning that they filmed Rowe with three horses in “nappies” (diapers). She also shared a surprising detail: “He did end up spilling urine all over himself once. I was kind of surprised they didn’t put that in there.”
Dr. Bryan Waldridge expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “I’ve been watching the show for years, so I thought it was great they were coming here.” He was particularly impressed by the crew’s demeanor: “One surprise was how nice everybody was—Mike Rowe and the whole crew. They were really fun people. The way they are on the show is really how they were in person. He’s just a nice, normal guy. He goes out of his way to make sure people feel at ease around him.”
A Sense of Humor is a Necessity
“Dirty Jobs” is renowned for its lighthearted and humorous approach to the tasks at hand, with Rowe frequently employing his comedic wit. “He’s pretty much the same in person as you see him on camera. He’s an instigator and a joker,” Lange observed. One particularly amusing moment, which unfortunately didn’t make the final cut, involved the show’s sound engineer. According to Lange, they placed him on the treadmill with all his equipment and started it. “We quizzed him on horse trivia, and if he got the answer wrong, we turned up the speed on the treadmill,” she explained. The sound engineer performed admirably, answering questions about Thoroughbred racing, such as their average height and recent Kentucky Derby winners. The trivia extended beyond racehorses, covering general equine knowledge. Lange added, “They seem like they have a lot of fun making the show. They’re always laughing in the background. Working with them was great because they have so much fun together.”
KER had been nominated as a potential feature for “Dirty Jobs” three years prior to their selection. The KER team received confirmation in April that they would be a featured “dirty destination.” Rowe and his crew arrived at the KER facility in mid-July, coinciding with one of the year’s hottest days. The “Dirty Jobs” crew was surprisingly small, consisting of only about eight people besides Rowe. “I thought there’d be a big truck for all their equipment, and people everywhere, but they came in a mini-van and an SUV, and all their stuff was with them,” Waldridge noted. “I thought they’d have a lot more equipment, but pretty much whatever they carried on their back is what they used.”
Just Act Natural
Initially, Lange felt a degree of reluctance about being filmed. However, as the day progressed, she found herself becoming more comfortable with the cameras and the additional presence of the crew. “It’s just a little intimidating to have a camera right next to your face while you’re trying to pretend it’s not there,” she admitted. Waldridge, in contrast, thoroughly enjoyed the experience: “I don’t mind acting stupid, so I was fine with it all!” he quipped.
Despite the day’s jovial atmosphere, the serious scientific nature of KER’s work remained a focal point. Rowe consistently emphasized the genuine value behind each task, no matter how unglamorous. “They make a genuine effort to talk to people, and what impressed me was that they wanted to make sure that they showed the science part of it,” Waldridge remarked. “They want to make it educational as well as entertaining. I was impressed that it’s about more than getting a bunch of manure all over you.”
Filming at KER extended from 7:30 AM to approximately 6:00 PM. The camaraderie continued afterward with a barbecue hosted by the KER staff for the “Dirty Jobs” team, lasting until 10:00 PM. “If you drink with Mike Rowe, he’s even funnier!” Waldridge enthused. He added that KER founder and president, Dr. Pagan, procured a variety of bourbons, which Rowe and most of the crew sampled.
KER did not host a formal viewing party for the episode’s premiere. Waldridge watched the broadcast at home with his wife, finding the experience enjoyable and noting, “I didn’t look as fat as I thought I would, and it was fun to see.” Lange shared her viewing experience: “When it aired, I kind of watched it by myself in my house, covering my face. They did a great job of keeping the fun stuff in but also keeping what we do the focus of it.” She concluded, “I’m glad people can see what KER does. I think a lot of people know the company’s name, but they don’t know exactly what we do. It was a good way for people to take a peek at what we do every day.”
