Tag Archives: Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center

Benefits, Breeds, Community/Charity, Publications/Media

Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center’s Lexington Movie Night

October 11, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

From left to right: Volunteers Carolyn, Elizabeth, and Stephanie, Carolyn Drover, Catherine Flowers, Volunteer Kristen, Sarah Matl, and Erin Anuzis – all the MMSC employees, interns, and volunteers that were working to greet and check guests in. Photo by Susanna Thomas.

Exclusive showing of Sundance and Toronto Film Festival winning film Dark Horse

Lexington, KY. October 7, 2016 — Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC), a premier non-profit re-schooling facility for adoptable Thoroughbreds located at the Kentucky Horse Park, hosted a movie night featuring the award-winning documentary, Dark Horse.

The Dark Horse Movie Night took place on Thursday, October 6th at the historic Kentucky Theater at 214 East Main Street. The money raised from ticket proceeds will benefit MMSC’s initiatives to find a second career and future homes for off the track Thoroughbreds. Each horse is taught new skill sets through their re-schooling program while embracing the breed’s physical and emotional strengths and limitations.

Dark Horse is a documentary based on a true story about Dream Alliance, a horse born and bred by a syndicate in a depressed South Wales mining village. This horse performed against all odds and conquered the world of racing.

“We wanted to switch into fall gear by inviting the Lexington community to a fun, family friendly evening that we hope will bring both Lexington community members as well as the equestrian world together,” said Director of Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, Susanna Thomas. “With the constant support of our community members, we are capable of sharing our story and mission, which is able to leave an indelible mark in our hearts and transform the lives of Thoroughbreds.”

The event had open seating; VIP tickets provided patrons with access to the complimentary wine bar.

About Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center: The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) is a premier non-profit re-schooling facility and showcase for adoptable Thoroughbreds. Founded in 2004, the MMSC uses its illustrious location in the Kentucky Horse Park to herald the athleticism of this amazing breed by teaching new skill sets to horses of all levels of ability so they can go on to be ambassadors for racehorses in new careers.

Contact: Jessica Greene, Sirota Public Relations
212.486.3319, jessica@sirotapr.com

Community/Charity

Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center Partners with RunTheBluegrass to Offer Family Fun Day

April 1, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo credit Catherine Flowers.

Lexington, KY. March 28, 2014 – On Saturday, March 28th, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center hosted runners and their families for an afternoon of fun in collaboration with RunTheBluegrass. A day of running and experiencing the best of Central Kentucky’s farms and horse parks, RunTheBluegrass offered races of various length from Kids’ One Mile to Half-Marathon.

After crossing the finish line, participants headed to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center for a family fun day, where they had the opportunity to paint and decorate their own genuine horseshoes, take pictures with the Secretariat statue, watch the off-the-track Thoroughbreds play in the arena, groom a horse, and even dress like a jockey.

Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center Executive Director Susanna Thomas was on hand to greet guests and join the activities. “RunTheBluegrass is a fantastic event that really showcases all the beauty that Lexington has to offer,” said Thomas. “I am so glad that the MMSC was able to partner with the race to teach participants about all the work that we do to help Thoroughbreds and to give families an enjoyable and memorable afternoon with the horses.”

About the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC):

The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center is a premier reschooling facility and showcase for adoptable Thoroughbreds. Founded in 2004, the MMSC uses its illustrious location in the Kentucky Horse Park to herald the athleticism of this amazing breed by teaching new skill sets to horses of all levels of ability so they can go on to be ambassadors for racehorses in new careers.

Sarit Schneider
Account Manager
Sirota Public Relations
261 Madison Avenue, 9th Fl.
New York, NY 10016
O: 917.525.4372
C: 917.783.2334

Community/Charity

Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center Shows Kentucky Pride at Annual Fundraiser

September 22, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

MMSC Board Member Louise Riggio among guests at Sips ‘N Saddles. Photos: Philippe Cheng Photography.

Sips ‘N Saddles Showcases Premiere Kentucky Bourbon, Local Food, Music and More to Raise Money for Retired Racehorses

Lexington, KY. September 19, 2014 – Kentucky’s reputation is built on horses and bourbon. The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) paid homage to both at the second annual Sips ‘N Saddles on Friday, September 19th. The theme Kentucky Proud was threaded into all aspects of the event, from food and beverages to music and entertainment.

Farm-to-table Lexington restaurant Holly Hill Inn, Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese in Barren County and Ayres Family Orchard overlooking the Kentucky River Valley provided dinner at the event. Guests enjoyed beverages from Lexington’s Grimes Mill Winery and West Sixth Brewing Company, and Maker’s Mark concocted a signature drink especially for the evening. Winchester’s Ale-8-One supplied a slushie machine, inviting guests to flavor Maker’s Mark and Ale-8-One soda drink slushies.

In between bites and sips from acclaimed local vendors, guests danced the night away to bluegrass tunes performed by Lexington band NewTown and participated in horse and ranch-themed challenges such as horseshoes, lasso tossing and more. Former professional football player Jeff Tow Arnett will speak about his newfound love of Thoroughbreds and his decision to adopt from the MMSC.

*Retraining Demonstration during Sips ‘N Saddles*

MMSC Director Susanna Thomas led a demonstration of her unique and effective Horse Centered Reschooling Program, which can prepare an off the track Thoroughbred for a second career in an average of 42 days. Guests were able to see firsthand how MMSC staff starts each horse’s education with natural horsemanship and bombproofing, followed by long-lining training, and then starting to build each horse’s knowledge base under saddle with classical dressage schools and basic jumping lessons. Thomas talked about each horse’s backstory and personal journey as it exhibited its new skills during the demonstration, explained each step of the process, and highlighted the athleticism and versatility of Thoroughbreds.

MMSC graduate Warden’s Choice showed off his new jumping skills with owner and MMSC Head Rider Carolyn Drover, and another graduate, Tidings, wowed guests with her new career as a polo pony with her current trainer, University of Kentucky polo team member Emma Oakley. MMSC ambassador Patrick Henry also made an appearance. His owner, Louis Riggio, and trainer, Melissa Murphy, joined Thomas to speak about the Patrick Henry Project and bringing Thoroughbreds back into prominence in the show ring.

“We had three objectives when planning Sips ‘N Saddles,” said Thomas. “The first was to celebrate the versatility of former racehorses in new careers. The second was to showcase all the things that make Kentucky so unique: from our horses, to our bourbon, our foods, and our music. And the third was to ensure that all guests had a wonderful time and came away Kentucky Proud!”