The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park. Since its inception in 1985, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has raised over $40 million, helping make the Kentucky Horse Park the leading equestrian facility of its kind in the world.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation (“Foundation”) welcomes this opportunity to report on the past year as there is so much to share and celebrate. The year 2025 was truly a fruitful time in the life of the Foundation, and we are most grateful to the family of donors that made it possible. The Foundation’s commitment to supporting the work of the Kentucky Horse Park (“Park”) has never wavered, and I am proud to share all that was accomplished.
Inspiring equine education programs, accommodating new barns, stunning public art, and a renewed commitment to excellence in equestrian competition are just a few of the initiatives we wish to highlight. You’ll find more information about each of these, as well as our plans for the future, throughout this report.
Thank you for sharing our passion for the Park and for entrusting the Foundation with your donor dollars which will make a positive impact on future generations. Not only a venue for honoring the horse, but also an institution with deep impact in the community, the Park remains one of our region’s greatest cultural gems.
As we look to the future, let’s work together to build sustainability and beauty across the Park, inspire emerging equine professionals, and maintain the Park’s status as a global leader in equestrian competition.
As always, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the Foundation family that stands by the Park today and helps us plan for tomorrow. Thank you for joining us on this ride.
Through the support of donors, the Foundation provided more than $710,000 in direct support to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2025.
Kentucky Horse Park Facility Fees
Maintenance Equipment
Kentucky Horse Park Events Sponsorships
Commission of Murals
International Museum of the Horse Programs
Hall of Champions Memorial Pedestal
Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop
Kentucky Horse Park Breeds Barn
Emerging Equine Professionals Program
Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police Equipment
Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Fund
Kentucky Horse Park Staff Appreciation
Kentucky Horse Park Marketing Department
Kentucky Horse Park Campground
$48,000 $177,100 $16,000
$39,700
$2,300 $4,500
$9,800 $9,600 $2,000 $32,000 $25,000 $130,000 $155,000 $10,000
135 Horses that call the Kentucky Horse Park home
680
Youth from underserved communities who cared for a horse for the very first time since the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop was formed
4,840 Individuals who attended a Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Equine Event in 2025
28,000
Equestrians that competed in 2025 at the Kentucky Horse Park
30,809
Children who have visited the park through the KHP Field Trip Fund since it was created
110,000
Visitors who attend Southern Lights annually
The Foundation and the Park have committed to environmental stewardship through the Galloping Green Campaign. The commitment to “Building Green” is being applied to the construction of an eco-friendly, fully sustainable warehouse located on-site to house the extensive Southern Lights display inventory. The Foundation is also leading efforts to begin a tree identification program across the Park’s many acres of green space.
The Foundation supports the Park’s efforts to remain a global leader in equestrian competition at all levels of the sport. To this end, the Foundation assumed an organizing role in several highly regarded eventing competitions in 2025 and will expand on this involvement in 2026, ensuring their success and continued presence at the Park.
The Foundation continues to invest in future generations through the KHP Field Trip Fund, providing complimentary school field trips; the Mustang Troop, offering a horse camp experience for underserved youth; and the Emerging Equestrian Professionals Program, an immersive teen mentorship program where aspiring equestrian professionals volunteer alongside Park staff members.
The Foundation has recently commissioned the services of renowned landscape designer Jon Carloftis to create a low-maintenance, visually stunning landscape that serves as both a welcoming retreat and an Instagram-worthy destination around the KHP Visitor Information Center. The proposal seeks to ensure visual appeal across all seasons while creating an intuitive layout that naturally draws visitors.
Program Event Revenue Contributions Unrestricted Contributions-Donor Designated
TOTAL $3,415,466
Program Expense G & A Expense Fund Raising Expense
December 31, 2025-unaudited
The Man o’ War Society is dedicated to supporting day-to-day operations at the Park, and is essential for bridging the gap between support provided by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, earned income, and the needs of the Park.
“The Kentucky Horse Park is a special place that holds some of our fondest memories. It is where we met many of our life-long friends. It is where we return every year to celebrate the Best Weekend All Year.”
There are a number of special projects that require the support of our donors. Barn construction and renovation, outreach programs, green initiatives, educational efforts, and equine departments are just a few of the special projects in need of support.
James shares, “It is my great honor to support the Kentucky Horse Park and the Foundation every year. The polo fields need more attention directly from the KHP and it is my hope this will inspire more foundation support from others who also benefit from the polo facilities. Polo has been an important part of my life since I learned to play at the Kentucky Horse Park in the summer of 2000. I am committed to ensuring the Kentucky Horse Park continues to be a place to discover and play Polo in the Commonwealth. Misdee and I share a passion for all equine disciplines. The Park and the work of the Foundation have contributed to the the growth and passion of horses and we recognize that the Park is an equine treasure that must be preserved for future generations.”
The Champions’ Circle Society recognizes those individuals who have included the Foundation in their estate plans or have contributed to the Foundation through a life-income gift.
Before his death, Mr. Ted Bassett joined the Champions’ Circle Society, designating his commitment to the International Museum of the Horse. This gift was realized in 2025 after his passing and will significantly impact the Museum’s ability to care for its collections. In 2019, Mr. Bassett shared the following:
“I truly believe the International Museum of the Horse is one of the most unique things in the world, and I feel it’s important to make sure it continues. It is my intention that my gift will help perpetuate the museum’s great standards of excellence for future generations.”
Support of the Foundation can take many forms, and we welcome the opportunity to explore options with our donors. Gifts to the Nina Bonnie Endowment, appreciated stock, workplace charitable matches, and volunteering are just a few of the many ways donors make an impact at the Foundation.
LuLu Lenihan Davis has been a supporter for years, serving the Foundation in many capacities. Most recently, she championed efforts to welcome competitors to the Park by organizing, financing, and executing a Welcome Wagon Carrot Delivery during Foundation eventing competitions. The positive response from riders and horses alike was overwhelming.
“My passion for the Kentucky Horse Park began when I competed over its undulating hills and hallowed ground as an event rider. I then gradually moved to the hunter ring after some added hardware to my left leg. Then my passion for the Park soared when my dear friend Nina Bonnie suggested I consider joining the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board. Now after all the years of enjoying the Park as a competitor, I’m returning the favor, and I am giving of my time, talent, and treasures by supporting the Man o’ War Society, special projects, and volunteering at Kentucky Horse Park Foundation eventing competitions.”
How can you get more involved in the work we do?
The Kentucky Horse Park to see your donation at work.
JOIN Man o’ War Society of Annual Giving and The Champions’ Circle Society.
On social media: @kentucky_horse_park_foundation @khpfoundation
VOLUNTEER
At a Kentucky Horse Park Foundation event.
ATTEND
Park and Foundation events held throughout the year.
Officers
Clay Green, Chair
Andrew Jacobs, Vice Chair
Nicole Pieratt, Secretary
Orson Oliver, Treasurer
Directors
W. True Baker, DVM, DACVS
James C. Baughman, Jr.
Jane Beshear
Demetria N. Blair
Derek Braun
Stuart E. Brown II, DVM
Elizabeth Caldwell
Dan Crumb
LuLu Lenihan Davis
Barclay de Wet
Tawana Edwards
Jennie Garlington
Hutton Goodman
Bill Hilliard
Lamon Harkness Jewett
Becky Jordan
Bill Justice
Teri Kessler
Deborah H. Long
Lisa Lourie
Deirdre Lyons
Jennifer S. Madden
Zeff Maloney
James M. Miller
Judy Miller
Janie Musselman
Maegan F. Nicholson
Mary Jane Nuckols
Katherine O’Brien
Eloise Penn
Elizabeth Robbins
Walt Robertson, Jr.
Walt Robertson, Sr.
Amy Dix Rock
David B. Rudder
Justin Sautter
Martha Slaughter
Deborah Spike-Pierce, DVM, MBA
Donna Ward
Marian Zeitlin
Nina Bonnie
Alex Boone
Caroline Boone
Luther Deaton, Jr.
Greg Goodman
Linda Green
Mary Guinness
Dell Hancock
Misdee Wrigley Miller
Greg Simon
Howard Simpson
Staff
Kathy Meyer, Executive Director
Debbie Saliling, Deputy Executive Director
Elizabeth Bartlett, Director of Development
Briana Moreno, Executive Project Management Analyst
Chris Nentwick, Database & Southern Lights Manager
