Category 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.

Int’l Museum of the Horse Shares Discoveries from History Harvests for African American Equestrians

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 30, 2019) – The International Museum of the Horse will hold a Shareback Session as a follow-up to the recent History Harvests. The event is free, open to the public, and will be held on Thursday, June 13, 6:00-7:00 pm, at the Lexington Public Library, Central Branch, in Meeting Room A. Museum staff will present highlights from the community contributions and share what has been learned from the objects and stories.

History Harvests were held on April 13 and May 18 at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. The events provided opportunities for community participants to bring items that relate to African Americans working in the horse industry, to be scanned and photographed. Participants, volunteers, and staff held conversations and recorded oral histories as well. All participants were given a digital copy of their contributions.

The museum’s History Harvests are free, public events dedicated to uncovering, sharing, and digitizing items of historical significance for inclusion in the forthcoming website, the Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry.

Community partners for the History Harvests included Phoenix Rising Lex and The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, who promoted the event in Lexington’s East End neighborhood. The museum plans to hold more History Harvests in additional communities. They also offer the option of recording oral histories at the museum or visiting contributors at their homes. To contribute to the project, email chronicleinfo@ky.gov or call 859-259-4279.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

To learn more, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

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

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.

International Museum of the Horse Hosts Community History Harvests for African American Equestrians

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 12, 2019) – The International Museum of the Horse is pleased to announce two upcoming opportunities to preserve the legacy of African Americans in the equine industry. History Harvests will be held on April 13 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and on May 18 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center at 300 East 3rd Street, Lexington, KY 40508.

The events provide opportunities for community participants to bring items that relate to African Americans working with horses to the Lyric Theatre to be scanned and photographed. A conversation station and refreshments will encourage attendees to connect with each other and discuss their images, documents, and memorabilia. At the May event, there will be appointments available to record oral histories. To sign up for an oral history time, email ChronicleInfo@ky.gov.

The History Harvests are free, public events dedicated to uncovering, sharing, and digitizing items of historical significance for inclusion in the forthcoming website, the Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry. All participants will also be given a digital copy of their contributions to keep. The museum does not keep the participant’s items. Only scanned images, digital photographs, or audio recordings will be archived, with permission, for future use on the website.

Community partners for the event include Phoenix Rising Lex and the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, who are promoting the event in Lexington’s East End neighborhood. This area is significant to hold the first History Harvests, as the East End was home to the Kentucky Association racetrack, a source of steady employment for the influx of African Americans into Lexington between 1860-1870.

The IMH plans to hold more History Harvests in additional communities. They also offer the option of recording oral histories at the museum or visiting contributors at their home.

To learn more, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

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

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.

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

The Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop Presents a Book Signing with Pellom McDaniels, III

Author and lecturer, Dr. Pellom McDaniels, III, will greet visitors and sign copies of his book Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy at the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop in the Visitor Center on Thursday, April 30, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the book signing is free.

One of the greatest jockeys racing has ever known and one of Kentucky’s greatest sons, Isaac Burns Murphy was the leading jockey of the 19th Century. He still holds the record for a lifetime winning percentage in Thoroughbred racing: 628 wins out of 1,412 starts for 44%. Murphy’s career includes three Kentucky Derby wins, four American Derby wins and five Latonia Derby wins, and he was the first jockey to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Murphy died of pneumonia in 1896 at the age of 36.

Murphy’s grave is located at the Kentucky Horse Park, available to visitors from all around the world. Learn more about this great American and Kentucky athlete on the park’s website here.

McDaniels is visiting Kentucky as part of the Keeneland Library Lecture Series. Learn more here.

Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511; Interstate 75, Exit 120
(859) 259-4234, (800) 678-8813 x4234, www.KyHorsePark.com/Shop

Kentucky Horse Park Open Friday through Sunday in Holiday Weeks

Park Closed Dec. 22-25, 29-31, Jan. 1; Southern Lights Open Nightly through Dec. 31

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2014) – The Kentucky Horse Park will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24-25), and again New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 31 – Jan. 1). The park is normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter season, so the park will also be closed as scheduled on the Mondays and Tuesdays in those holiday weeks (Dec. 22-23 and 29-30).

The park will be open Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26-28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will reopen in 2015 on Friday, Jan. 2, with the regular winter schedule of Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The special holiday driving event, Southern Lights, is open every night from now until Dec. 31, 2014 from 5:30-10 p.m. The other holiday attractions inside the park are open only through Tuesday, Dec. 23. The lighted driving portion will be the only attraction offered from Dec. 24-31. The cost is $15 per car Sunday through Thursday nights and $20 per car on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20, but will then be $15 every night until Dec. 31.

The Kentucky Horse Park’s Bit & Bridle Restaurant will be closed for the holidays starting Dec. 17, reopening Friday, Jan. 2. The park’s Farmhouse restaurant is closed for the winter and will reopen in March.

Information about the Kentucky Horse Park is available at 859-233-4303, 800-678-8813 or www.KyHorsePark.com. Information about Southern Lights is available through the KHP Foundation at 859-255-5727 or at www.SouthernLightsKy.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

Breeders’ Cup Wagering Available during National Horse Show

Attend the Nation’s Top Horse Show While Betting on the Nation’s Top Thoroughbred Racing

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2014) – Off-site wagering for the 2014 Breeders’ Cup races will be available at the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena on Friday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Both walk-up and drive-thru wagering will be available in the parking lot adjacent to the arena, and signs will be posted directing guests along the way. Park admission is not required and parking will be free.

Guests are invited to stay and enjoy the National Horse Show, America’s oldest indoor horse show, both Friday and Saturday, which is taking place at the park Oct. 28 to Nov. 2. Admission to the show is free both days that Breeders’ Cup wagering is offered until 6 p.m., then is $8 in advance/$10 at the door on Friday night and $16 in advance/$20 at the door on Saturday night after 6 p.m. Children 12 and under are free.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars, and has been held at the Kentucky Horse Park since 2011. Show jumping elite from around the globe will be competing at the event for numerous prestigious titles, including the ASPCA/NHSAA Alfred B. Maclay National Championship, and more than $750,000 in cash prizes, the biggest prize money on the United States indoor tour.

For more information about the National Horse Show, or ticket information for Thursday or Sunday, call 859-608-3709 or visit www.NHS.org. Media inquiries for the National Horse Show should be directed to 561-753-3389. For information on the Kentucky Horse Park, call 859-259-4200 or visit 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 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

Halloween Show Brings Frights and Delights to Kentucky Horse Park

Unusual Sightings of Humans and Horses Abound

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2014) – It’s not just area children who dress up in costumes for Halloween. In Kentucky, horses do, too! On Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m., the Kentucky Horse Park will present its annual Halloween Show at the Horses of the World Barn where park horses and their riders are likely to show up as just about anything – a scary headless horseman, cranky wicked witch, swashbuckling pirates, genie with a bottle, “Phantom of the Opera” – it’s different every year.

Throughout the year, the Horses of the World Show is presented with riders wearing costumes appropriate to the breed of horse or discipline. For the Halloween Show, costume ideas are planned all year by park employees and special guests to wrap up the park’s summer tourist season with a fun twist on the tradition.

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

The Kentucky Horse Park is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through Nov. 2. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for children 7-12, and includes the Next Day Free. Beginning Nov. 3, the park will switch to its winter schedule and will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Winter admission will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 7-12, and includes the Next Day Free. Children 6 and under are always admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate; and the “Showplace for Saddlebreds” – The American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop.

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