Tag Archives: Kentucky Horse park

Community/Charity

Former Kentucky Horse Park Leader Nicholson Joins Virginia Horse Center Management Team

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Lexington, VA – May 13, 2014 – John Nicholson, the former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, has joined the management team of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation (VHCF) as a consultant. Nicholson’s 17-year tenure represented the longest-serving executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park in its 35-year history, and he served at its helm during its greatest period of growth – garnering world-wide recognition for the facility.

“We are very excited that John is joining our team,” said Ernie Oare, the president of VHCF. “We identified him in March as someone with the necessary background to play a key role in our ongoing plans to bring the Horse Center back to local, industry and financial prominence.”

“It is a privilege to be a part of one of the most prestigious equestrian facilities in North America. I am very excited to be working with Ernie Oare, Glenn Petty and the entire leadership team of the Virginia Horse Center. It is an honor to be working with people of this caliber. I believe we will be successful in our efforts, and I’m optimistic about the future of the Virginia Horse Center,” said Nicholson.

Nicholson retired April 30 following one of the Horse Park’s signature events – the Rolex Three Day Event – and traveled to Lexington, Virginia this week to meet with Oare and interim executive director Glenn Petty.

“I’m looking forward to working with John and having access to his wealth of knowledge about managing a similar facility. He has already been helpful by simply sharing his wide range of experiences. When he agreed to join the VHCF team, I felt like a coach who had landed an all-star recruit,” Petty said.

Nicholson, and his consulting firm Equine Facility Management (EFM), will be active in VHCF’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors in operating the Horse Center and in executing the Center’s short-term and long-term business plans. Nicholson will also pay a key role in conducting the search for the new permanent Executive Director and other needed personnel.

Nicholson had been in charge of the Lexington, Kentucky facility during its rise to prominence which included hosting the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games and the prestigious Rolex Three Day Event. The World Equestrian Games culminated a decade-long effort to plan and recruit the international event which had never been held outside of Europe. Ultimately, the events were televised internationally to 500 million viewers and created an economic impact of $202.5 million. The Rolex remains the only four star three day event held in the United States.

Under Nicholson’s leadership, the Horse Park has been steadily transformed into one of the finest equestrian competition facilities in the world. Nicholson has overseen its expansion to include $80 million in capital improvement projects, including the 5,500-seat Alltech Arena; the 7,300-seat Rolex Stadium; new stabling barns; a new $10 million, 8,500-square-foot museum wing; and numerous new buildings within the park’s National Horse Center – a collection of national, regional and state equine organizations.

Nineteen of the current 33 National Horse Center tenants have relocated their national headquarters to the park or expanded their offices during Nicholson’s tenure.

In addition to growing the park, Nicholson concentrated on improving its public perception and increasing private sector support.

Highlights of Nicholson’s 17 years at the park included the exhibits “Imperial China: The Art of the Horse in Chinese History,” “All the Queen’s Horses” and “A Gift from the Desert.”

Nicholson’s major accomplishments also include recruiting the prestigious National Horse Show to relocate to the Horse Park from its traditional home of Madison Square Garden in New York City.

He recounts among his favorite memories the funeral of retired champion racehorse John Henry and the successful effort to have the leading money winning racehorse and multiple Horse of the Year Cigar retired to the Hall of Champions at the Park.

In 2008, Nicholson’s leadership led to the park receiving an Eclipse Award, the highest honor in the Thoroughbred industry. In 2010, he received the prestigious Equine Industry Vision Award from the American Horse Publications, an award that recognizes outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions in the equine industry, and he accepted the United State Equestrian Foundation’s Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy on behalf of the Horse Park for distinguished service in equestrian sport. In 2011, Nicholson was named one of the Chronicle of the Horse magazine’s “Overall Horsemen of the Year.”

For more information contact:

– Glenn Petty at gdpetty@horsecenter.org or 540-219-9732
– Ernie Oare at Eoare@EMOStables.com or 540-270-1246
– John Nicholson at nicholsonjohnd@gmail.com or 859-475-3258

About the Virginia Horse Center Foundation:

The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which owns and operates the Virginia Horse Center. The Foundation is proud to be a part of the Rockbridge community, an asset to the state’s equine economy, and a resource to the East-Atlantic competition circuit. The Virginia Horse Center stands at the forefront of Virginia’s $1.2B equine economy. Founded to promote all disciplines of equestrian sport, its 600 acres of picturesque grounds hold a 4,000 seat coliseum, eight barns to accommodate 1,200 horses, 19 show rings including two large indoor arenas, cross-country and combined carriage driving courses, campgrounds, and full catering and café services. The VHCF also hosts many non-equine events like dog shows, BMX, agriculture programs and the Rockbridge Regional Fair & Farm Show.

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Art/Photography, Community/Charity

International Museum of the Horse Hosts Student Artwork

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Wellington Elementary School Students Exhibit Work to Celebrate the Year of the Horse

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2014) – Lexington’s Wellington Elementary School and the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park will be celebrating the Year of the Horse with a special exhibit, beginning Jan. 22. “Shodo: The Art of Japanese Brush Painting,” will feature calligraphy created by the school’s third, fourth, and fifth grade students.

Each student used black Japanese ink (sumi) and bamboo brushes (fude) to paint the character for the word “horse” (uma) and their names on rice paper. Calligraphy is considered high art in the Far East, and there is a specific stroke order and ink weight for each character.

Until its adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1912, China used the lunar calendar. The Chinese calendar works in a cyclical pattern in which each cycle is 12 years long and begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Within this calendar, each year is represented by an animal whose characteristics symbolize the mood of the year and those born within it.

Those born in 2014 – and every 12 years prior, each Year of the Horse – are considered to be adventurous, carefree and fun with a sense of humor. Culturally, the celebration of the Lunar New Year is still very popular in China and Japan as well as Vietnam, Korea, and Taiwan.

The students’ art will be on display at the International Museum of the Horse until April 18.  More information is available at www.imh.org.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2013. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations.  Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is the place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be on-line at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Community/Charity

Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Announces Retirement

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John Nicholson Oversaw Park during Greatest Period of Growth, Earning World-wide Recognition

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 15, 2014) – John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park since June 1, 1997, announced his retirement today, effective April 30. Nicholson is the longest-serving executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park in its 35-year history, and has served at its helm during its greatest period of growth – garnering world-wide recognition for the facility.

“With our recent 35th anniversary, I started to think about my own history with the park and all that we have accomplished during this tenure,” Nicholson said. “It has been a difficult decision to consider retirement because I love the park and highly value the team of people I work with, but after 17 years, this is the right time for the park and for me personally. I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities. I leave knowing that the park is now a serious and relevant player in equestrian sport around the world, and that it provides an international calling card for Kentucky, not just in attracting and hosting major events, but also acting as an important cultural and economic driver for the Commonwealth.”

“Jane and I thank John for his hard work and devotion to the Commonwealth throughout his tenure at the Kentucky Horse Park over the last 20-plus years,” Gov. Steve Beshear said. “His leadership has made the horse park an international destination for visitors across the globe. As president of its foundation, he helped make the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games a tremendous success for Kentucky. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”

Under Nicholson’s leadership, the Kentucky Horse Park has a long list of notable achievements, crowned by the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Nicholson spearheaded a multi-year effort by the Kentucky Horse Park, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, local government and private partnerships to win the United States’ bid to host the World Equestrian Games. The Games, which are the world championships for eight equestrian disciplines, had never been held outside of Europe. Nicholson served on the board of the World Games 2010 Foundation which organized the event, televised internationally to 500 million viewers, and had an economic impact of $201.5 million on the state’s economy.

The Kentucky Horse Park has been steadily transformed into the finest equestrian competition facility in the world. Nicholson has overseen its expansion to include $80 million in capital improvement projects, including the 5,500-seat Alltech Arena; the 7,300-seat Rolex Stadium; new stabling barns; a new $10 million, 8,500-square-foot museum wing; and, numerous new buildings within the park’s National Horse Center – a collection of national, regional and state equine organizations.

Nineteen of the current 33 National Horse Center tenants have relocated their national headquarters to the park or expanded their offices during Nicholson’s tenure, including the governing body for most equestrian sport in the country, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Formerly known as the American Horse Shows Association, the USEF completed a move to the Kentucky Horse Park in 1999 after being recruited away from New York City, where it had resided since being founded there in 1917. This move was a major development within the equestrian world, and the organization’s presence at the park was an important factor for the incredible growth of the number and quality of horse shows and competitions at the park, for tenants in the National Horse Center, and for Kentucky securing the bid to host the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

In addition to growing the park, Nicholson has concentrated on improving its public perception and increasing private sector support. One of his first actions as the park’s executive director was playing a major role in raising more than $1.2 million from concerned citizens and racing fans, and securing an additional $1.5 million in state funding, to purchase the historic Calumet Farm trophy collection in 1998. The collection had been on loan to the park’s International Museum of the Horse since 1982, but was scheduled to be auctioned as part of the farm’s bankruptcy settlement.

In 1997, the park was presented with an opportunity to host one of the largest exhibitions ever to come to the United States from China. Stipulating that no tax dollars would be used to fund the project, Nicholson led efforts in raising the necessary $1.2 million from the private sector to fund the exhibition, valued at $100 million.  Imperial China: The Art of the Horse in Chinese History” opened in 2000 and was seen by more than 200,000 visitors.

One of the most significant international cultural events in the history of the Commonwealth, the exhibition helped increase economic ties between Kentucky and China through a major trade conference that was attended by the Chinese Ambassador. It also ushered in a remarkable decade that, under Nicholson’s leadership, saw the park produce two more exceptional international exhibitions, “All the Queen’s Horses,” in 2003, and “A Gift from the Desert,” in 2010.

In 2008, Nicholson’s leadership led to the park receiving an Eclipse Award, the highest honor in the Thoroughbred industry, from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, National Turf Writers Association, and the Daily Racing Form. In 2010, he received the prestigious Equine Industry Vision Award from the American Horse Publications, an award that recognizes outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions in the equine industry, and he accepted the USEF’s Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy on behalf of the park, which honors distinguished service in equestrian sport. In 2011, Nicholson was named one of the Chronicle of the Horse magazine’s “Overall Horsemen of the Year.”

“The park is at the crossroads of a remarkable past and an extremely promising future,” said Nicholson. “I am proud of the legacy I leave and am pleased to participate in a great and model transition, which will be the latest example of how the park has always tried to conduct business in a forward-thinking and exemplary manner.”

“John has overseen a period of tremendous growth that has made the Kentucky Horse Park an international destination,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Bob Stewart. “The significant improvements that occurred during his tenure insure a very bright future for the park’s continued success as a world-class equestrian center and attraction for competitors and visitors alike.”

“I personally cannot thank John enough for all that he has accomplished throughout the years as he has taken his passion and turned it into something all horse lovers can be proud of,” said Alston Kerr, chairperson for the Kentucky Horse Park Commission.  “As we transition forward, we will take all steps to make sure the so many wonderful accomplishments he has brought about are continued and built upon.  The commission will begin the process of starting a search for his replacement in the months ahead and John will help us play a part in making sure his legacy continues.”

Nicholson began his career with the state in 1984, working for Kentucky State Parks. He left Parks in 1991 and joined the Kentucky Horse Park as deputy director and, among other things, worked to bring together various breed associations to found the Kentucky Horse Fair. He was active in the establishment of the Kentucky Horse Council, serving as that organization’s president in 1994. Nicholson was the director of sales for Blenheim Group U.S.A. Inc., the producers of Equitana U.S.A., from 1994-1996, but returned to the park in his former position until he was named executive director in 1997, replacing Lee Cholak, who had served in that role since 1985.

Nicholson has served on many boards of directors, including the Bluegrass Hospitality Association, Bluegrass Sports Commission, Bluegrass Tomorrow, Commerce Lexington, Fayette Alliance, Kentucky Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Committee, Midway College Sports Management Advisory Committee, and ex officio for VisitLEX.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2012. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is the place to get close to horses.  Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found on-line at www.KyHorsePark.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Community/Charity, Dressage

Broadway Comes to Kentucky with Equine Theater Performance

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‘Spirit of the Horse’ Production a First for Kentucky Horse Park and Central Kentucky

A dazzling new holiday production in Central Kentucky, “The Spirit of the Horse:  A Holiday Equine Extravaganza,” out of Maple Park, Ill., is scheduled for the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, 2013, at 7 p.m. both nights.

Capturing all the elements of an impressive Broadway musical, “The Spirit of the Horse” has one component rarely if ever seen on a Broadway stage: 18 high-level dressage/performance horses ridden by championship riders at the highest level in their sport.  Among them is Yvonne Barteau, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist and a Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) trainer and rider who has trained a dozen horses to the Grand Prix level.  Her mount is GP Raymeister, three-time United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Horse of the Year.

Yvonne’s husband and business partner, Kim Barteau, displays his enormous talents as a “Liberty” trainer with his equine partner and huge crowd-pleaser, GP Boater.  They have shown across the country to rave reviews and appear in the production as the “master of the house” and his stallion.  Also appearing in the show is Dan James, the well-known Australian of Double Dan Horsemanship who plays the “villain” in the 55-minute production.

“What makes our show unique are the multitalented horses that give audiences a spectacular performance every time, be it in a show like ‘Spirit’ or in a dressage arena,” says Yvonne Barteau, the author of the script.  “It’s rare that you find horses like the ones you will see in this production – horses that give their hearts in every step they take. These are the true stars of ‘The Spirit of the Horse.’ It is they who inspired me from the outset to write this story.”

In addition to the performances on both nights, barn tours are available to the public from 3:30-6 p.m. and a post-production party follows the show each night.  Show tickets range from $25 for VIP seating to $15 general admission for adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. Barn Tour tickets are $5 for adults and complimentary for one accompanying child when purchased with a show ticket. Tickets to the “Post Production Party” to meet and greet the cast are $25 per person, adult or child. Official programs and The Spirit of the Horse Story Book will be on sale at the show.

Tickets are now only available on site the afternoon/evening of each performance at the Alltech Arena ticket windows, starting at 3:30 p.m. each day.  Information about “The Spirit of the Horse” is available at www.kybdressage.com or at www.kyhorsepark.com.

Community/Charity

Southern Lights Holiday Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary

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American Bus Association Names Southern Lights a Top 100 Event for 2013 and 2014

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Nov. 22 – Dec. 31. In addition to reaching the milestone of two decades as a tradition for Kentucky families, Southern Lights has also achieved status as a premier holiday event in the region and nation.  More than 115,000 individuals in more than 27,000 vehicles attend Southern Lights annually.

The American Bus Association (ABA) selected Southern Lights a Top 100 event for 2013 and 2014, which is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada.  Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events and more that have been nominated by ABA members.  The Southeast Tourism Society has again selected Southern Lights a Top 20 Event among states across the Southeast, and the Kentucky Travel Industry Association annually selects Southern Lights as a Top 10 Winter/Holiday Event in Kentucky.

With all the family-friendly activities offered, it is no wonder Southern Lights has grown into such a well-known Bluegrass tradition over the last 20 years.  Kids of all ages delight in the holiday driving tour.  Visitors take in the Christmas Village, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Keeneland Race Track, Show Jumping, Steeplechase and the Spires of Churchill Downs – displays comprising thousands of twinkling lights.  New this year will be several Wizard of Oz light displays featuring favorite characters Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, and the Wicked Witch.

Following the driving tour, families are encouraged to park their vehicles and visit Southern Lights’ other attractions inside the park, featuring holiday craft merchants, the KHP Gift Shop – perfect for Christmas shopping, seasonal entertainment and activities for children, an exotic petting zoo, pony and camel rides, the Mini Train Express, model train and dollhouse displays, and photos with Santa.  This year, guests can also enjoy an encounter with live reindeer.

The Southern Lights driving route is open from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly. The other attractions inside the park will be open every night except Nov. 28 and Dec. 24-31. The cost is $15 per passenger car Sunday through Thursday evenings and $20 per passenger car on Friday and Saturday nights.  The cost for an extended van or limousine is $30, a mini-bus is $50, a school bus is $75 and a motorcoach is $125.

The Southern Lights Stroll, on Thursday, Nov. 21, is the only night the lights can be viewed on foot.  Featuring a competitive 5K race in addition to the leisurely stroll available to families, the Southern Lights Stroll is $20 for adults and includes a long-sleeved T-shirt for the first 500 registered adults; $15 for kids 7-12 includes a souvenir holiday item for the first 200 registered children.  Sponsored in part by John’s Run/Walk Shop, the event features race awards, prize drawings, refreshments, entertainment, the Mini Train Express and more.

All proceeds support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.  The 2013 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc.; the Holly & Ivy Sponsors are Kerr Brothers and Cafe Press Inc.; and the Ribbons & Bows Sponsor is Kentucky Utilities.

Information on Southern Lights, group admission, Southern Lights Stroll registration and more can be obtained by contacting the KHP Foundation at 859- 255-5727 or at foundation@khpfoundation.org, or by visiting www.SouthernLightsKy.org or www.KyHorsePark.com.

Some electronic map services available on Apple and Android mobile and auto GPS devices are not providing accurate directions to the Kentucky Horse Park.  We recommend that visitors use home computers to access a mapping service for directions, use the directions provided on the KHP website (available on the widget on the right-hand side under Park Info/Address or at the top under Visitor Info), follow the brown highway signs or call ahead to double-check their route.  Additionally, we recommend that out-of-town visitors use Interstate 75, Exit 115 (Newtown Pike) instead of Exit 120 (Georgetown Road) to access the Southern Lights entrance at the KHP Campground to help avoid congestion and a left-hand turn across traffic into the park.  (Link to directions: http://www.kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=610&Itemid=336.)

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Community/Charity

Southern Lights Stroll Sets the Holiday Season in Motion

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Run, Walk or Stroll through Annual Holiday Display in Heart of Horse Country

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2013) – With the return of the Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc., the Southern Lights Stroll returns on the festival’s opening night, Thursday, Nov. 21.  The only evening of the seasonal event when the public is allowed to experience a major portion of the lighted route on foot, visitors may choose to run, walk or stroll their way through thousands of dazzling holiday lights in the heart of horse country, on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park.

Now in its 12th season, the Southern Lights Stroll has proven popular, from casual walkers and families who bring children and dogs to get photos and see the lights outside of a car to serious runners who compete in the 5k portion of the “stroll.”  Visitors take in the Christmas Village, the Twelve Days of Christmas, Keeneland Race Track, Show Jumping, Steeplechase and the Spires of Churchill Downs – displays comprising thousands of twinkling lights.  New this year will be several Wizard of Oz light displays featuring favorite characters Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, and the Wicked Witch.

John’s Run/Walk Shop has donated its services to the competitive 5k race, and awards will be given to winners.  Additional activities include complimentary Mini Train Express rides, refreshments, prize drawings and more.  A food drive for God’s Pantry and a local animal shelter will be held in conjunction with this event.  All participants are asked to bring non-perishable items to help local families and animals in need.

Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 7-12.  Walk-up registration Nov. 21 begins at 5 p.m., and the stroll begins at 6:45 p.m.  Check-in is at the park’s Visitor Information Center.  The first 500 registered adults receive a free souvenir T-shirt, and the first 200 registered kids receive a free holiday souvenir.

All proceeds support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.  The 2013 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc.; the Holly & Ivy Sponsors are Kerr Brothers and Cafe Press Inc.; and the Ribbons & Bows Sponsor is Kentucky Utilities.  Additional sponsors are Pepsi, SafetyTec, and John’s Run/Walk Shop.

The Southern Lights driving route will be open to vehicles from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly from Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2013.  The additional attractions inside the park will be open every night except Nov. 28 and Dec. 24-31.  The cost is $15 per car Sunday through Thursday evenings and $20 per car on Friday and Saturday nights.  More information is available by contacting the KHP Foundation at 859-255-5727 or at foundation@khpfoundation.org, or by visiting www.SouthernLightsKy.org or www.KyHorsePark.com.

Some electronic map services available on Apple and Android mobile and auto GPS devices are not providing accurate directions to the Kentucky Horse Park.  We recommend that visitors use home computers to access a mapping service for directions, use the directions provided on the KHP website (available on the widget on the right-hand side under Park Info/Address or at the top under Visitor Info), follow the brown highway signs or call ahead to double-check their route.  Additionally, we recommend that out-of-town visitors use Interstate 75, Exit 115 (Newtown Pike) instead of Exit 120 (Georgetown Road) to access the Southern Lights entrance at the KHP Campground to help avoid congestion and a left-hand turn across traffic into the park.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fulfills its mission to enhance, expand and improve the Kentucky Horse Park by fundraising within the private sector.  This partnership between private donors and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is what has enabled the incredible success of the Kentucky Horse Park.  Since its inception in 1985, the KHP Foundation has raised more than $25 million, which has funded critical improvements such as new facilities, research projects, new horses, landscaping ventures, and much more.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2012.  The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is the place to get close to horses.  Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found on-line at www.KyHorsePark.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Laura Klumb
859-255-5727
Laura.Klumb@khpfoundation.org

Community/Charity

‘The Spirit of the Horse’ Producers Seek to Sell 1001 Tickets for Charity

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Ticket Buyers Can Help Spread Holiday Spirit with Ticket-Raiser for Less Fortunate

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2013) – The producers of a new holiday show in central Kentucky, “The Spirit of the Horse:  A Holiday Equine Extravaganza,” are staging a charitable “ticket-raiser” to enable individuals from across the country to purchase tickets that will be distributed to the less fortunate in Lexington, Louisville and surrounding areas for its two productions (Nov. 29 and 30) at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

An original equine entertainment production, “The Spirit of the Horse” is produced and performed by the KYB-GPE Equine Theater Production Company from Maple Park, Ill.  The company will enlist the support of charitable organizations to target 1001 recipients of the tickets across Kentucky.

The “Spirit of the Horse” is a magical, heartfelt fairytale filled with meaningful examples of generosity, gratitude and kindness – a powerful message as we enter the holiday season.  In keeping with that spirit, the production company has already contributed $500 towards the 1001 “ticket-raiser.”

“It is our strong belief that ‘The Spirit of the Horse’ represents a spirit of joy,” says Yvonne Barteau, the author of the script. “We would like to see that joy spread among families and children who might not otherwise have the means to see the show. We hope that people across the country will help change that and make a difference for 1001 or more people this holiday season.”

To participate in the “ticket-raiser” guests can go to www.kybdressage.com/tickets, also accessible from www.KyHorsePark.com, and enter the code JOY2013 in the special code section when purchasing tickets.

In addition to the show, guests may purchase tickets for a “meet and greet” with the stars of the production at the holiday Barn Tour prior to the show each evening, and tickets are also available for the Post Production Party where guests can enjoy food and drink and, again, mingle with the horse and rider performers.

The show is presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30, with the Barn Tour available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. each evening, and the Post Production Party taking place immediately after each performance at the Alltech Arena.  Show tickets range from $25 for VIP seating to $15 general admission for adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12.  Barn Tour tickets are $5 for adults and complimentary for one accompanying child when purchased with a show ticket.  Tickets to the Post Production Party to “meet and greet” the cast are $25 per person, adult or child.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2012.  The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is the place to get close to horses.  Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found on-line at www.KyHorsePark.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Ginna Frantz
KYB-GPE Equine Theater Production Company
312-593-4466
GFrantz@GrandPrixEquestrian.com

Community/Charity

Halloween Show Brings Frights and Delights to Kentucky Horse Park

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Photo by Steve Faust.

Unusual Sightings of Humans and Horses Abound

It’s not just area children who dress up in costumes for Halloween.  In Kentucky, horses do, too!  On Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2:00 pm, the Kentucky Horse Park will present its annual Halloween Show where park horses and their riders are likely to show up in just about anything – from a scary headless horseman, cranky wicked witch, hip ‘60s chick, swashbuckling pirates, genie with a bottle, Phantom of the Opera – it’s different every year.

Throughout the day, the park will offer discounted admission to guests who arrive in costume: adult admission will be $12.00 (normally $16.00) and there will be no charge for children 12 and under (normally $8.00) – no full-head masks, please.  Treats will be given out to children and dogs upon arrival at the park (dogs required to be on a leash at all times).

Not to be left out, the KHP Campground produces the annual Halloween Campout Oct. 25-27.  Campers have a frightfully good time with costume awards, trick or treating, kids’ crafts, golf cart parade, entertainment and more.  The event is sponsored in part by Northside RVs, Halloween Express and the KHP Foundation.  Full service sites are full for 2013, but the campground has unlimited primitive camping still available at $20/night.  For information or reservations, contact (859)259-4257, (800)370-6416 or campground@kyhorsepark.com.

For more information about the Halloween Show, the public may contact the Kentucky Horse Park at (859) 233-4303 or (800) 678-8813 or info@kyhorsepark.com or visit www.KyHorsePark.com.

Community/Charity, Dressage, Western/Reining

Kentucky Horse Park Hosts ‘The Spirit of the Horse’

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KYB-GPE Equine Theater Production Company Presents Holiday Show for Kentucky Families

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2013) – Central Kentucky families have a new event to enjoy this holiday season when the Kentucky Horse Park welcomes “The Spirit of the Horse:  A Holiday Equine Extravaganza” to the Alltech Arena, Nov. 29 and 30.  An original equine entertainment production, “The Spirit of the Horse” is produced and performed by the KYB-GPE Equine Theater Production Company.

The show tells a magical holiday-themed story on horseback with orphans and villains, reining, dressage and liberty work, all in an hour-long production that will delight audiences of all ages.

World-class horses, including three-time U.S. Dressage Federation Horse of the Year and Grand Prix-level dressage superstar GP Raymeister, are brought together in this truly entertaining and original live production.  Featured riders include Kim and Yvonne Barteau of KYB Dressage, who have entertained audiences at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Orlando, Fla., and have appeared on the “Today” show.  Joining them will be Australia’s Dan James of Double Dan Horsemanship, a world-renowned entertainer and equine performer.

In addition to the show, guests may purchase tickets for a “meet and greet” with the stars of the production at the holiday Barn Tour prior to the show each evening, and tickets are also available for the Post Production Party where guests can enjoy food and drink and, again, mingle with the horse and rider performers.

The show is presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30, with the Barn Tour available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. each evening, and the Post Production Party taking place immediately after each performance at the Alltech Arena.  Show tickets range from $25 for VIP seating to $15 general admission for adults, and $10 for children ages 3 to 12.  Barn Tour tickets are $5 for adults and complimentary for one accompanying child when purchased with a show ticket.  Tickets to the Post Production Party to “meet and greet” the cast are $25 per person, adult or child.

More information about “The Spirit of the Horse,” including online ticket purchasing, is available at www.kybdressage.com or at www.kyhorsepark.com.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2012.  The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations.   Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is the place to get close to horses.  Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found on-line at www.KyHorsePark.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Ginna Frantz
Grand Prix Equestrian
312-593-4466
GFrantz@grandprixequestrian.com

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Ride the Park on the Road to the Horse

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A Trail Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation

Here’s your opportunity to explore the Kentucky Horse Park with your own horse! On March 13 & 14, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is hosting a two-day trail ride prior to the opening of The Road to the Horse (a three-day event matching some of the country’s best horse trainers and clinicians against one another, being held for the first time at the park this March).

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Single entry fee of $50 allows access to trails on either or both days.

Stabling is available for an additional fee of $20 per night.

Paddock rentals and bedding also available from Devers – www.deverinc.com to reserve.

Continue reading Ride the Park on the Road to the Horse →