Tag Archives: Kentucky Horse park

Meet Thoroughbred Trainers Jena Antonucci and Katie Miranda at EquineEd

Saturday, September 16

On June 10, Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race by winning the Belmont Stakes with Archangelo. 10 weeks later, she showed the world it was no fluke by winning the $1.25 million Travers Stakes.

Join Thoroughbred trainers Jena Antonucci and Katie Miranda at the Kentucky Horse Park for our September EquineEd lecture series. Jena and Katie are co-owners of horseOlogy, a full-cycle thoroughbred training and ownership organization based in Ocala, Florida that handles everything related to thoroughbred breeding, training, and racing.

EquineEd is a FREE event. Mark your calendar for this Saturday, September 16, 12 p.m. at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions barn. Please enter through the KHP Visitor Center.

Don’t miss EquineEd: A First Saturday Lecture Series!

September 16: Jena Antonucci & Katie Miranda
Thoroughbred Trainers

October 7: Erin O’Keefe
Retired Racehorse Project

November 4: Shelby Hume
Dressage Naturally Instructor

December 2: Museum Round Table featuring:
International Museum of the Horse
American Saddlebred Museum
Keeneland Association
Kentucky Derby Museum

To learn more, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

Two-Time Breeders’ Cup Mile Winner, Da Hoss, Dies at 30

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 4, 2022) – Two-time Breeders’ Cup Mile Winner, Da Hoss, died Sunday, January 2, at the Kentucky Horse Park where he had retired after a successful five-year racing career. At the age of 30, the gelding passed away due to infirmities of old age.  Da Hoss had been living at the Kentucky Horse Park since January 2000.

“We will miss Da Hoss greatly. He was a fan favorite as he proved that spirit can triumph over adversity,” said Nicole Rivera, Interim Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “I would like to extend a special thank you to Rob Willis and the Hall of Champions staff for the great care and affection they showed Da Hoss during his time here at the park.”

Sired by Gone West, out of Jolly Saint, Da Hoss was foaled on January 18, 1992.  Wall Street Racing bought the lowest priced Gone West foal, Da Hoss, as a Keeneland September yearling for $6000 that same year.  After racing as a two-year-old for trainer Kevin Eikleberry and Wall Street Racing, an 85% interest in Da Hoss was sold to Prestonwood Farm.  He was immediately shipped to Fair Hill training center to start training with Michael Dickinson and Joan Wakefield.

Da Hoss is one of only five horses to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile twice, and the only horse to win twice in non-consecutive years.  Between the 1996 and 1998 Breeders’ Cup Races, Da Hoss was injured three times and did not race for nearly two years. His inspiring finish in the 1998 Breeder’s Cup Mile produced one of Tom Durkin’s most memorable race calls, as he exclaimed: “The greatest comeback since Lazarus!”

“He was our horse of a lifetime,” said trainer Michael Dickinson of Tapeta Farm.  “We all loved him.  He brought us so many highs, even with his problems; we knew he would never let us down. He gave his all and loved to win.  He was spoiled but deserved to be.  He loved going out in one of his grass fields with his best friend Boomer for two or three hours every day.  He knew he was special. It was comforting to know he was always well looked after by everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park where he enjoyed a wonderful retirement.”

Da Hoss shared the Kentucky Horse Park Hall of Champions with other Champion horses including Thoroughbreds Go for Gin, Funny Cide, and Point Given, Standardbred pacers Western Dreamer and Won the West, and Standardbred trotter Mr. Muscleman.

Like the other great Hall of Champions horses that died in retirement at the park, Da Hoss will be buried in the Memorial Walk of Champions.

To learn more, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

Contact: Kerry Howe
kerry.howe@ky.gov
859-259-4224

Therapy Horses Magic and Moonshadow Special Guests at Hats Off Day

Therapy horses Magic and Moonshadow will be special guests on Saturday, July 27 at Hats Off Day at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. It is the only day of the year that admission to the Horse Park is free. Hats Off Day is sponsored by our wonderful friends at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and is a celebration of the horse and its impact on the state of Kentucky.

Moonshadow will be driving into the Kentucky Horse Park Rolex Outdoor Stadium in style… in a Mercedes convertible!

There will be fun family activities and free horse farm hats, generously provided by area horse farms and businesses, that are given to the first attendees to arrive. Hats Off Day is from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Kentucky Horse Park, but the Horse Park is free all day. At 7:30 p.m., The Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix begins. It is a premier show jumping competition held annually at the Kentucky Horse Park for the past 25 years, with a $50,000 grand prize.

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses
www.gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com
352-226-9009

EQUITANA USA Announces Show Dates Alongside New Collaborations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2019) – EQUITANA USA and the Kentucky Horse Park are pleased to announce the official show dates alongside three new collaborations. The new EQUITANA USA show will run Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2020, making it a complete three day shopping and educational equestrian event. Taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, the late September dates provide attendees and exhibitors a beautiful early fall backdrop, with enjoyable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage, as well as affordable travel.

In tandem with the official date announcement, EQUITANA USA has launched early collaborations with three major renowned equine associations: United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the United States Pony Clubs (USPC), and the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP). EQUITANA USA is fully dedicated to working with associations that have positive missions in the horse industry and are able to touch all levels, ages, breeds, and disciplines.

USEF, which serves as the National Governing Body for equestrian sport, is “dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport.” An ideal association to work alongside EQUITANA USA in its efforts to enhance equine and personal excellence among those with a passion for horses, USEF will have a booth, fan membership registration and onsite presence at the event.

“We are pleased to welcome EQUITANA USA to the United States, as well as to the Kentucky Horse Park, for the first time,” said USEF Chief Executive Officer, Bill Moroney. “This partnership will allow USEF to fulfill our mission of bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible, while celebrating horses of all different breeds and disciplines. We encourage and invite fans of all different horse backgrounds to join us in experiencing this exciting new event.”

The United States Pony Clubs and its focus on youth development of character, leadership, confidence, and a sense of community also align naturally with EQUITANA USA‘s goal to inspire and educate young riders. Pony Club Members will have the chance to receive exciting early information about EQUITANA USA directly through Pony Club. The USPC will have a branded booth and Educational display during all three show days.

In addition to USEF and USPC, EQUITANA USA has formed a collaboration with the Retired Racehorse Project to support its mission of building demand for Thoroughbreds in equestrian circles after racing. Since its foundation in 2010, the Retired Racehorse Project has inspired thousands to transition off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). With more than 170K social media followers, over 3.7 million annual page views on their websites, and frequent press coverage, the value of off-track Thoroughbreds and the Retired Racehorse Projects’ success is on the rise. EQUITANA USA and the Retired Racehorse Project will work together to bring additional awareness to the growing off-track Thoroughbred community. RRP will be on-site at EQUITANA USA for customers to learn more about supporting ex-racehorses in their new careers.

For more information about EQUITANA USA, visit www.equitanausa.com or www.kyhorsepark.com.

Kentucky Horse Park Announces Spring Opener Horse Show

Second park-owned event kicks off season April 6-7

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 26, 2019) — The Kentucky Horse Park is excited to announce the creation of a new horse show, the Spring Opener, which will debut April 6-7.  This show is an unrated, two-day, open level show with English, Hunter classes, and Western pleasure classes. The Spring Opener will offer competitors and their equine partners a wide variety of divisions and classes.

“The Spring Opener is the second event owned and operated by the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Executive Director Laura Prewitt. “Our first event, the Bluegrass Rockin’ Rodeo, continues to gain momentum and aligns with the long-term initiatives set forth in our strategic plan of creating park-owned events. For our show we wanted to create an event which encourages riders who might not normally have the opportunity to show at the Kentucky Horse Park, to participate.”

The Spring Opener will be held at the Park’s covered arena. English classes will be on Saturday and Western classes on Sunday. All breeds of horses and ponies are welcome. Pre-Entry Fee per class is $20 and $25 the day of the show.

For more information about the Spring Opener including sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kyhorsepark.com/springopener.

Two New Experiences Added by the International Museum of the Horse

Dates announced for “Medical Mystery” event and final International Night of the season

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2018) – The solving of a mysterious death and the celebration of international culture highlight recent events announced by the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park.

A new breakout-style event, Medical Mystery, will challenge visitors to solve the death of a former Kentucky Horse Park resident.  International Nights: Mexico will celebrate the Day of the Dead with a focus on Mexican culture and its history with the horse.

On Monday, Oct. 29, the Medical Mystery event will be held at the enigmatic Salyers House, the oldest building on the park. Beginning at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., guests will play a variety of games, solve riddles, and visit a cemetery to uncover the mystery death of the former resident. The event is for ages 18 and up and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

On Friday, Nov. 2, the International Nights: Mexico event will feature Mexican cuisine and Day of the Dead performances by Marisol Valles and her dance group. Other entertainment will include a small exhibit highlighting Mexican artifacts and family activities such as face painting, sugar skulls, and more.

The Medical Mystery event lasts approximately one hour and space is limited. Reservations are required and tickets are $15 per person. To purchase tickets in advance or to make reservations, call 859-259-4213.

Admission for the International Nights: Mexico event is $5 per carload. The event lasts from 6-9 p.m.

To learn more about the Medical Mystery, International Nights, and other happenings at the park, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

Contact: Ashlee Chilton
ashlee.chilton@ky.gov
859-259-4232

Kentucky Horse Park Offers Help to Hurricane Irma Evacuees

200 Stalls Available for Horses in Potential Path of Hurricane

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 6, 2017) – The Kentucky Horse Park has opened stabling to horses that are being evacuated from areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irma. 200 stalls are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until September 17 for $20 per stall per night.

“Although we have limited capacity, it’s important for us to help however we can,” said Laura Prewitt, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

Due to contractual obligations with scheduled horse shows, no pasturing, lunging or riding will be possible. A negative Coggins test is required for stabling.

To reserve stalls, please contact Sheila Forbes in the park’s Equine Operations Department, at 859/259-4290 or at Sheila.Forbes@ky.gov. Any additional information will be made available on the park’s website at www.kyhorsepark.com.

Contact: Lisa Jackson
(859) 259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

The Village Idiot to Host Man o’ War Mural Unveiling Party June 29

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 26, 2017) – An unveiling party to celebrate a commemorative mural of the legendary racehorse Man o’ War will take place at the local pub The Village Idiot on Thursday, June 29 at 4 p.m.

Commissioned by LexArts and sponsored by Mt. Brilliant Farm, the 30′ x 30′ mural was painted by Mexico City native and longtime Lexington resident Agustin Zarate. It is part of the Kentucky Horse Park’s Man o’ War Celebration, presented by Windstream, which includes a series of events highlighting the life of the great racehorse.

The unveiling party will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and comments from Zarate and officials at LexArts, Mt. Brilliant Farm and the Kentucky Horse Park. The Village Idiot will offer half-priced appetizers from 4-7 p.m., and the Kentucky Horse Park will provide complimentary park tickets as raffle prizes at the event.

“LexArts is proud to have facilitated this new addition to Lexington’s arts landscape,” said Ellen A. “Nan” Plummer, LexArts president and CEO. “It’s a striking mural in the perfect location to enchant residents and visitors alike with our rich equine history.”

The Man o’ War mural spans the entire side of the two-story Village Idiot building and commemorates the horse’s victory in the 1920 Belmont Stakes. Based on a historic photograph during his racing years, it portrays Man o’ War parading in front of the Belmont crowd following his historic feat.

“Man o’ War was truly a remarkable horse, and many people don’t realize that he’s actually buried here at the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Laura Prewitt. “We hope this mural will become a downtown fixture that raises awareness of his life and legacy, and will also drive traffic to the Kentucky Horse Park to visit his gravesite and the ‘Mostest Horse That Ever Was Exhibit.'”

A commemorative beer crafted by Alltech to enhance the Man o’ War Celebration will also have its release at the mural unveiling party. Called the “Mostest Wheat Ale” after Man o’ War’s nickname, the celebratory beer will be offered for a special price and served in Kentucky Horse Park Man o’ War Celebration souvenir cups. It will be available on tap at various locations throughout Lexington this summer.

“We are happy to honor one of the most famous race horses of all time with a beer brewed for the celebration of Man o’ War,” said Pete Weiss, marketing manager of Alltech. “Mostest Wheat Ale tells the story of Man o’ War, and that he was the ‘mostest’ horse to ever run.”

The Kentucky Horse Park’s goal in its season-long Man o’ War Celebration is to celebrate the life of the legendary horse, as well as encourage people to visit the premier tourist destination, which is currently hosting a special exhibit entitled “Man o’ War: The Mostest Horse That Ever Was.”

To learn about other events scheduled for the season-long Man o’ War Celebration, visit the Kentucky Horse Park’s website at www.kyhorsepark.com.

Contact: Lisa Jackson
(859) 259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Kentucky Horse Park Signs US Equestrian to Ground Lease at the National Horse Center

National federation to construct new headquarters building at the park in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 22, 2017) – The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (US Equestrian) and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet are pleased to announce that the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and US Equestrian have signed a 40-year ground lease on three acres of land, which includes the grant of an option to extend the lease for an additional 40 years at the conclusion of the initial term.

The lease allows US Equestrian to construct a two-story, approximately 35,000 square-foot office building and include surrounding parking, landscaping and signage. The national governing body for equestrian sports in the United States, US Equestrian currently leases office space inside a building located at the park owned by USA Equestrian Trust, Inc., with a term expiring at the end of 2019.

“As the governing body that oversees the internationally competitive United States Equestrian Team, including at the Olympic Games, US Equestrian is the anchor for many other industry-related businesses at the park. We are elated that they have made this long-term commitment with the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Don Parkinson, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “This long-term partnership with US Equestrian reflects and strengthens Kentucky’s dedication not only to our equine industry but also to the diverse and growing segments of horse sport.”

“Given the park’s outstanding facilities and US Equestrian’s position as the governing body for horse sport in the United States, it is mutually beneficial to have this organization headquartered at the park’s National Horse Center,” said Tandy Patrick, chairperson of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. “The park is home to a growing calendar of diverse horse shows and competitions throughout the year, and is the home of more than 30 national, regional and state equine organizations, most of whom fall under the jurisdiction of US Equestrian, and benefit from its advocacy for the betterment of the sport horse industry.”

Ownership of the new building is expected to generate cost savings to US Equestrian which can be used to further the organization’s other programs for its 100,000 members across the United States.

“I am delighted to have reached an agreement for US Equestrian to stay in the Kentucky Horse Park in a new state-of-the-art headquarters building,” said Murray Kessler, president of US Equestrian. “This building will help us to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible by providing a considerable cost savings for our members. At the same time, it will create a more efficient and effective environment for our staff to support its membership and maintain close proximity to many affiliates and US Equestrian licensed competitions.”

“US Equestrian’s decision to remain at the park’s National Horse Center is a confirmation that they are confident in, and dedicated to, Kentucky’s role in equestrian sport,” said Laura Prewitt, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “We look forward to continually expanding our partnership as this proximity of opportunity and talent allows.”

All permits, construction approval and funding for the construction will be paid for by US Equestrian. The Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet, which oversees the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Horse Park Commission will review and approve the exterior design of the new building prior to construction.

Contact: Lisa Jackson
(859) 259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov
www.KyHorsePark.com

Julian McPeak
(859) 225-2053
JMcPeak@usef.org

Kentucky Horse Park to Host Man o’ War Movie Night

Family-friendly event to feature two equine-themed movies, activities

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 13, 2017) – The Man o’ War Celebration, presented by Windstream, continues at the Kentucky Horse Park with a special movie night on June 24 from 6-10 p.m. Sponsored by the Keeneland Kids’ Club, the event will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the famous racehorse and is part of a season-long series of Man o’ War-themed events hosted by the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Man o’ War Movie Night is $5 per carload for parking and is geared toward families, with two equine-themed movies being shown in the park’s theatres. The night will also feature other children’s activities, events, and free admission to the International Museum of the Horse, which is currently hosting a special exhibit entitled “Man o’ War: The Mostest Horse That Ever Was.”

“We look forward to offering this special after-hours event at the Kentucky Horse Park for the local community to take part in the celebration of Man o’ War’s 100th anniversary,” said Kentucky Horse Park executive director Laura Prewitt. “Not only will it memorialize this special horse, but it will also hopefully expose our park’s features to new visitors.”

The event sponsor, the Keeneland Kids’ Club, will also have a presence at the event, with equine-themed coloring pages and its mascot “Buckles” making an appearance.

“Keeneland is excited to partner with the Kentucky Horse Park for this event, to bring more families out to the park and to enrich their knowledge about Man o’ War and his significance to our industry,” said Kara Heissenbuttel, Keeneland’s director of employee and patron experience.

Special activities and offerings during Man o’ War Movie Night include:

  • Free pony rides: 6-8 p.m.
  • International Museum of the Horse and Kids’ Barn open: 6-9 p.m.
  • Showings of Secretariat and Spirit at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. in Visitor Center theatres
  • Parade of Breeds show: 7 p.m.
  • Food trucks
  • Crank and Boom “Big Red” Balsamic Strawberry Sorbet
  • Alltech “Mostest Wheat Ale” on tap
  • Meet and greet with Keeneland Kids’ Club Mascot “Buckles”
  • Horse-themed coloring activity

For a full list of Man o’ War celebration events at the Kentucky Horse Park and throughout Lexington from now through Nov. 1, visit www.manowarcelebration.com.

Contact: Lisa Jackson
(859) 259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov
www.KyHorsePark.com