The KHPF was delighted to host the twelfth annual Battle in the Saddle Event on August 29. Battle in the Saddle
Horse Trials Series
Starting in 2025, the KHPF is thrilled to announce that it will organize three eventing competitions annually.
Celebrate Southern Lights
Southern Lights presented by Friends of Coal returns to the KHP on November 28.
Dear Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Family,
This October will mark the 40th anniversary of the official inception of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. We recognize that so much has changed over the past 4 decades, but we are proud that our commitment to improving the Kentucky Horse Park has never wavered. Since its earliest beginnings, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has worked to enhance the Park today and secure it for future generations.
This edition of the newsletter celebrates programming that has stood the test of time, such as the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop, and the Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Fund. It also introduces programming that will lead our organization into the future. We are honored to support the Emerging Equine Professionals Program, an outreach effort that stems from the Mustang Troop. We are also thrilled to introduce our involvement in the Kentucky Horse Trials Eventing Series, an effort that allows us to promote the Kentucky Horse Park as a premier destination for equestrian events and educational activities.
We are grateful to our donors who have supported the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation on this journey, both those that were with us from the very beginning and those that have only recently been introduced. It is through your support that we can not only nurture the legacy of our founders, but we can also build on that legacy for tomorrow.
As always, I am grateful you’ve joined us on this ride.
With Regard, Clay Green, Chair
2025 KHP Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Council
Officers
Clay Green, Chair
Andrew Jacobs, Vice Chair
Nicole Pieratt, Secretary
Orson Oliver, Treasurer
Board of 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
Advisory Council
Nina Bonnie
Alex Boone
Caroline Boone
Luther Deaton, Jr.
Greg Goodman
Linda Green
Mary Guinness
Dell Hancock
Misdee Wrigley Miller
Greg Simon
Battle in the Saddle Bigger Than Ever
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hosted the twelfth annual Battle in the Saddle Team Penning event on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Covered Arena. In this funfilled event presented by Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation, teams compete against each other to determine who has the skills and bravery needed to pen a group of cattle in the fastest time. And all of this fun is in the name of charity – to raise funds to support the Kentucky Horse Park!
Congratulations to Mt. Brilliant Team B, this year’s Championship Team who penned 3 cows in 1.03.61 minutes.
We also congratulate these teams who placed in the competition:
2nd place: Georgetown Eye Care
3rd place: Hillcroft Farm
4th place: Bauer Hay & Straw Team B
5th place: Rood and Riddle
6th place: Churchill Downs
7th place: Pine Branch Farm
8th place: Donamire Farm
KHP Foundation Awards Grants to Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to support the Park by awarding grants through a formal application process. Projects funded during the past year include:
Maintenance Equipment Purchase ($64,548): Funding to purchase several pieces of maintenance equipment, including mowers, weed eaters, dumpsters, and a concrete mixer.
International Museum of the Horse Education Classroom ($61,000): Funding directed towards the purchase of audio and visual equipment, storage racks, tables, and chairs for a new educational suite.
Gators ($53,887): Funding to purchase two John Deere gators for use by Education Barn and Breeds Barn.
Commission of Mural ($48,000): Funding to commission mural by local artist Wyle Caudill to be incorporated on roof at International Museum of the Horse.
Funny Cide Memorial Statue ($45,000): Funding to support the commission and creation of a statue celebrating the life of Funny Cide.
Mustang Troop ($34,600): Funding to support expenses associated with 2025 Mustang Troop Program.
Light Towers ($34,170): Funding to purchase two light towers to enhance security for a variety of events and areas.
Floor Scrubber ($23,260): Funding to purchase floor scrubber for cleaning the concourse at Alltech Arena.
Field Trip Fund ($15,970): Funding to cover field trip admission for over 5,000 Kentucky School Children during 2024-2025.
Conservation of KHP’s 16 Outdoor Sculptures ($15,930): Funding directed towards conservation efforts of outdoor sculptures.
Horse for Education Department ($12,000): Funding to purchase a 6-year-old mare to be incorporated into the Education/Mustang Troop program.
Mounted Police Uniforms ($9,701): Funding to purchase new uniforms for Mounted Police.
Saddles for Mustang Troop ($5,070): Funding to purchase new saddles for use by Mustang Troop.
Payment to Web Design Company ($4,900): Related to exhibition in International Museum of the Horse, Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry.
Staff Appreciation Lunches ($4,500): Funding to support annual staff appreciation lunches for Kentucky Horse Park Staff.
Horse Tack for Breeds Barn ($4,047): Funding to purchase necessary tack for use by horses in the Parade of Breeds.
Camera Purchase ($2,317): Funding to purchase a camera for use by KHP Marketing Department.
Accessible Swing Seat ($1,983): Funding to purchase inclusive swing seat which allows children of all abilities and needs to swing in the playground.
These grants were awarded through a formal application process, administered by the KHPF Grants Committee, composed of members of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board of Directors. The Grants Committee makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors upon their review of all applications. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to report that these awards were approved unanimously by the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board of Directors at its October 2024, January 2025, April 2025, and July 2025 meetings.
Southern Lights Presented by Friends of Coal
For years, the Kentucky Horse Park has stood as THE place to celebrate the holidays in Central Kentucky, and 2025 will be no exception when Southern Lights presented by Friends of Coal returns for its 32nd year.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation invites you to mark your calendars for this signature event which will be open nightly Friday, November 28 through the end of the year.
Last year, more than 25,000 vehicles visited the Southern Lights Holiday Festival. Featuring a stunning driving route and a Holiday Village with attractions for all ages, Southern Lights has truly become a beloved tradition for families from across the Bluegrass and BEYOND.
Guests enjoy an evening of entertainment, including the driving route, visits with Santa, model train exhibits, and an exotic animal petting zoo, all included with admission. Visitors interested in a sneak peak at the lights are invited to join us for the Southern Lights Stroll on Saturday, November 22.
For more information about the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, please visit our website at khpfoundation.org.
Mustang Troop Changes Lives in Central Kentucky
The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop program celebrated another successful summer. This special outreach program of the Kentucky Horse Park has been in existence for over 30 years, providing children from underserved communities with the opportunity to attend a summer horse camp experience free of charge. During their time in the program, local youth gain the experience of caring for a horse while building self-confidence, developing social-emotional skills, and learning about vocational opportunities in the horse industry.
The Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation worked closely with Fayette County Public Schools, Scott County Public Schools, the Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative, presented by CHI Saint Joseph Health, and Operation Be You to see the program to fruition. In addition, several Lexington police officers served as mentors through the Police Activities League.
In June, the Park hosted two week-long sessions for beginning Mustang Troop participants, serving 14 students. In July, individuals that had completed the beginning session, either this summer or last, were invited to participate in a two-week advanced camp.
During their time at the Park, Mustang Troop participants had the opportunity to ride at least once a day. They learned about basic horsemanship needed to care for horses. In the arena, they learned how to steer and stop, and were introduced to trotting. In the classroom, they learned about anatomy, horse breeds, colors, markings, and careers in the equine industry. While in the classroom, participants also completed arts and crafts that they were able to take home as keepsakes.
To support the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop, or learn more, please visit our website at khpfoundation.org.
Introducing Equestrian Vocational Opportunities to Local Youth
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to announce the launch of a new outreach and education program. The Emerging Equine Professionals Program provides underserved youth from our community the opportunity to gain additional training in equine management while also serving as ambassadors for the Kentucky Horse Park.
The program is an offshoot of the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop which has been in existence for over three decades. Youth who have qualified for and completed the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop program are eligible to apply for this more advanced training experience.
Participants volunteer alongside Kentucky Horse Park equine professionals one day every weekend throughout the school year. They gain more in-depth equine training and exposure to job opportunities in the horse industry. They also serve as Park Ambassadors at public events and Parade of Breeds shows. Ultimately, the experience is designed to encourage career development, improve communication skills, foster a sense of responsibility, and nurture self-esteem and confidence.
Program Director Angel Antonaccio shared the following, “Our new initiative, the Emerging Equine Professionals Program (EEPP), is already off to a strong and inspiring start. We currently have three dedicated participants, and we’ve witnessed remarkable personal and profes-
sional growth in each of them. A recent highlight came when Flor, one of our participants, chose to take her Quinceañera photos at the Barn—with her entire family present and her favorite horse by her side. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of the impact we’re making. To be included in such meaningful milestones speaks volumes about the connections being built and the positive role this program is playing in their lives.”
The Emerging Equine Professionals Program provides the following for its participants:
• Supervised on-the-job training by licensed professionals in a variety of equine fields.
• Volunteer community service hours.
• Meals and snacks during their time at the Kentucky Horse Park.
• Gear for winter months so that participants can continue to work outside.
• Stipend for service as Counselor in Training during Summer Mustang Troop that is in keeping with minimum wage.
The Emerging Equine Professionals Program is supported by the United States Equestrian Federation Opportunity Fund, the Copia Foundation, and Partners for Youth.
To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org.
Thousands of Kentucky School Children Experience the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park was delighted to welcome thousands of school children from across the state this past school year through the Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Fund.
The Field Trip Fund, made possible by the generous support of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and its donors, invites all Kentucky public schools to visit the Kentucky Horse Park free of charge. During the fall and spring semesters, the Park was delighted to welcome over 5,000 children through a scheduled field trip.
Since its inception in 2016, the program has allowed more than 30,000 Kentucky school children to visit the Park. During their time at the Park, students tour the International Museum of the Horse, meet retired racehorse champions, and are introduced to horse breeds from around the world. They gain exclusive access to one of the world’s most renowned horse facilities, and they are given an experience that otherwise would be unavailable to them.
Kentucky educators shared the following when asked about the value of the program:
“For many of our students, field trips are their first exposure to real-world connections to what they learn in class. This visit supports our curriculum in science, social studies, and literacy by providing an immersive experience where they can interact with what they are learning. Additionally, this opportunity ensures that all students, regardless of financial barriers, can participate and benefit equally.”
“Our school is 100% free and reduced lunch, and many children do not bring in funds for any activities at school because they cannot afford to. Funding helps our school afford this trip, since it is almost 2 hours from our school. McCreary County is one of the poorest counties in the state and almost 100% of our students have not been to the Kentucky Horse Park.”
“We are a Title one school. All of our students receive free lunches. Field trips are a great experience for our rural students. A large percentage of them don’t leave the county very often and we love to give them this horse experience here in Kentucky.”
To learn more about supporting this effort, either through a financial contribution or through volunteering, please contact the KHPF office at 859-255-5727.
GALLOPING GREEN: A Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Initiative
When you hear the word ‘green’ associated with the Kentucky Horse Park, what do you envision? Conceivably the acres of green ‘bluegrass’ and green trees for horses and riders and visitors to enjoy, which is one of the inspirations for the Galloping Green Initiative. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation wants the Park to be green for decades to come.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is digging deeper into all the ways to keep the Park green, including developing an Arboretum and Gardens and identifying energy savings, sustainable building opportunities, water reclamation concepts, recycling remedies and more. This is the Galloping Green Initiative.
Below are a few Galloping Green highlights:
TREES
With the help of certified arborist Andrew Betts, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has developed a Park tree inventory.The evolving tree catalog includes over 300 trees and 35 unique species to date. The Galloping Green Team has placed over 50 physical tree markers throughout the Park, with more in the plans. The majority of the first round of markers are located around the Visitor Information Center, the Rolex Arena and the lake, along Nina Bonnie Blvd, as well as near the Hunter-Jumper complex. Look for the markers to learn more about the Park’s spectacular trees the next time you are on the grounds.
ENERGY
The development of energy efficiency recommendations from the Galloping Green Team, that address renewable and cost-saving solutions, led to conversations and discussions with Park and state representatives. Following the prescribed protocols for these types of projects, the recommendations inspired collaboration on identifying solutions and setting direction for the future of sustainable energy efficiencies that will play a significant role in the longevity of the Park.
PLANS
Over the last year, the Galloping Green Team invited a list of professors from the University of Kentucky to collaborate on ideas and solutions. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is pleased to begin working with the Landscape Architecture Department on further evolving plans for the core of the initiative, developing an Arboretum and Gardens that will thrive amongst the equines and equestrians and visitors that come to the Kentucky Horse Park every season.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will continue to evolve the Galloping Green Initiative into a Master Plan for a Galloping Green Campaign. The funds that will support this campaign will play a role in keeping everything green at the Kentucky Horse Park for this and future generations.
KHPF Presents the Kentucky Horse Trials Series
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is thrilled to announce that it has taken on the responsibility of organizing three eventing competitions annually starting in 2025. For many years, these three competitions were successfully operated by a local organizer, and the KHPF is excited to carry on this legacy.
The first two events have already taken place. Committed to providing a cohesive competition experience, the Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials (Starter through Preliminary levels) was held May 16-18, and used arenas, cross-country course, and stabling adjacent to Alltech Arena. The Kentucky Summer Horse Trials (Starter through Intermediate levels) was held July 18-20 and used arenas, cross country course, and stabling adjacent to Rolex Stadium. Both competitions hosted more than 350 competitors.
Feedback from both events has been very positive, including the following comments on social media: What a fantastic, well-run, well-executed quality show! We can’t wait for more. From the signs everywhere to a great Saturday party, to top quality courses, to jumping in the Rolex Arena. No stones left unturned, great attention to details, convenience to everything, feel-good atmosphere!
This fall, the KHPF looks forward to hosting the Kentucky Oktoberfest Horse Trials, November 1–2.
Celebrated Olympian David O’Connor has joined the organizing committee for Kentucky Horse Trials Series, and he also serves as the cross-country course designer. Emphasizing that these events aim to provide a high-quality experience for every level of competitor,
David O’Connor noted, “The Kentucky Horse Park is wellknown as a world-class competition venue, and providing an enjoyable opportunity for inexperienced horses and riders on up to an international level is essential to our mission. We look forward to sharing the historic standards of the Park by offering a fresh approach to these established competitions.”
The KHPF encourages those interested in competing in October to make their plans now. Competitors may check the USEA educational activities calendar for information (useventing.com/ safety-education/educational-activities) and may enter online at evententries.com.
The successful operation of an eventing competition
is reliant on the dozens of staff and volunteers who provide their time and knowledge to ensure everyone has a positive experience. Please contact the KHPF if you are able to volunteer.
The KHP Foundation is dedicated to supporting the equestrian community and to promoting the Kentucky Horse Park as a premier destination for equestrian events and educational activities. We look forward to welcoming competitors, fans and volunteers to these events as we celebrate the spirit of eventing.
For more information, please contact Briana Moreno, Briana.moreno@khpfoundation.org or visit khpfoundation.org.
TRIBUTE GIFTS
Making donations to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation in honor or memory of a loved one is a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone while supporting the Park. Our sincere thanks for the following tribute gifts which were made since June 1, 2024:
IN MEMORIAM
In memory of Karen Avery
Fran & Sam A. Erin
In memory of George Bryant
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Heesen
In memory of Gene Carter
Mr. Carl Reisacher
In memory of Chance for Trouble
Miss Renee K. Rediker
In memory of Cigar
Mr. & Mrs. David Allen
Mrs. Nancy Bechtold
In memory of Pete Dueben
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Dadds
Mr. Carl Reisacher
In memory of Marilyn Franklin
Mr. Steve Huntress
In memory of Funny Cide
Finger Lakes Thoroughbred
Adoption Program
In memory of Dixie T. Ganzmiller
Mr. Robert Ganzmiller
In memory of Go For Gin
Ms. Tracy Carter
Mr. Jason Chadwell
Ms. Juliandra Mull
Ms. Nicole Rivera
Ms. Kelly Weimer
In memory of Ron Hale
Ms. Judy Bisetti
Mr. Terry Isaac
Mr. Al Isaac
In memory of Joyce Kelly
Ms. Amy Fulmer
In memory of Richard “Doc” Mays, DVM
Ms. Susan Lyman-Krom
In memory of Man o’ War
Ms. Ronelle Ingram
In memory of ex-MFH
Oldham County Hounds
Mr. Lowry Rush Watkins, Jr.
In memory of Ruth Midboe
Dr. Dean Midboe
In memory of Anne K. Montgomery
Hever Foundation
In memory of Mary Morse
Eileen Hayman
In memory of Phillip Needham
Dr. & Mrs. Chris Cahill
In Memory of Bruce Pieratt
National Horse Carriers Association
In Memory of Point Given
Mr. & Mrs. David Allen
In memory of Rita Preolo
Ms. Laura Preolo
In memory of Reflection
AKA Charlie Horse
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Saltzman
In memory of William G. Robbins
Elizabeth “Sissy” Robbins
In memory of Secretariat
Ms. Marie Carnevale
Ms. Patricia Reavy
In memory of Greg Swinford
Mrs. Marilyn Swinford
In memory of Lowry Rush Watkins
Mr. Lowry Rush Watkins, Jr.
IN HONOR OF
In honor of Ina Brown Bond
Mr. & Mrs. Austin Musselman
In honor of Nina Bonnie
Mr. Joe Fargis
In honor of Beth Lendrum
& Jerome Broussard
Ms. Sharon Anthony
In honor of KHP Mounted Police
Ms. Jennifer Foster
In honor of Elaine Gibala
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Shott
In honor of Alston Kerr
Mr. & Mrs. S. Sayre Combs, Jr.
In honor of Captain Lisa Rakes & the KHPF team
Ms. Laura Klumb
In honor of Ray J. Yoder
Ms. Kathleen Allen
Champions’ Circle Society of Planned Giving Profile: Anna Gunther
Anna Gunther has loved horses, and particularly Thoroughbreds, her entire life. As a child growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Anna’s father introduced her to the race track, and she fondly remembers dressing up on Sundays and heading to Churchill Downs. Her favorite holiday was the Kentucky Derby, and she could name Derby winners quicker than she could United States Presidents.
She has lived in many major cities as a result of her career as a corporate investigator, but it wasn’t until she and her husband Gordon moved to Rochester, NY that she owned horses of her own, predominately off-track Thoroughbreds. In Rochester, Anna enjoyed foxhunting, trail rides, and the occasional dressage competition. She also treasured her annual visits to the Kentucky Horse Park, where she was a regular attendee of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and always made time to visit her favorite Park Thoroughbreds, John Henry and Cigar. She loved the rare opportunity to see Olympians and some of the best eventers in the world compete. When she was offered a corporate position with Amazon in Kentucky in 2012, Anna jumped at the chance to return to her home state. Anna and Gordon now live in Georgetown, just ten minutes from what she deems “my Zen place.” She retired in 2020 which has allowed her to become a frequent Park volunteer. She has served in a number of
roles, including being a Park host, an International Museum of the Horse docent, and a special events volunteer.
When asked what makes the Park so special, Anna shared the following, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the Kentucky Horse Park. It’s amazing, beautiful, peaceful, and an escape from everything else. I love that the Park is so focused on the horse, and I consider it such a great treasure.”
It is because of this love for the Kentucky Horse Park that Anna has chosen to become a member of the Champions’ Circle Society of Planned Giving by including the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation as a beneficiary of her estate plans. She appreciates the fact that the Park is affordable for all to enjoy, and she recognizes that it can only remain that way through private support. Anna said, “The Kentucky Horse Park is perfect just the way it is. It has brought so much joy to my life, and I want to be sure it’s here for future generations.”
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation formed the Champions’ Circle Society to recognize those individuals who have informed the KHPF of their intentions to make a planned gift. For more information about planned giving or joining the Champions’ Circle Society, please contact the foundation office at 859-255-5727 or visit us on the web at khpfoundation.org.
HAPPY TRAILS AT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to host two trail rides each year to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park and allow guests to enjoy its beauty in a very special way. The KHPF hosted a beautiful Spring trail ride on June 7 and a Fall trail ride on September 13. Riders enjoyed a six-mile trek through the Park’s greenspace, including its world-famous cross-country course and old steeplechase course.
Stay tuned for trail ride dates in 2026!
KHP Gift Shop
Don’t forget the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop when you shop for all your gift needs. The shop features Kentucky-themed housewares, equestrian treasures, toys and plushies, KHP souvenirs, and beautiful clothing and jewelry. As a Breyer Flagship Retailer, the shop carries one of the largest selections of Breyer model horses, accessories, and other Breyer novelty items. Stop by and you are certain to find something for everyone on your list.
One product line that also benefits the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is the distinctive collection of Jane Heart jewelry. These equestrian themed pieces are distinctive and timeless and celebrate the life of the great horse Man o’ War who is buried at the Kentucky Horse Park. Jane Heart donates a portion of each purchase to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation to assist with the upkeep of the iconic Man o’ War statue.
The Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Kentucky
Horse Park Foundation Donation Form
I would like my donation earmarked for the following: PLEASE CHECK ONE
Scan to make a donation to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
Use this form or save a stamp and donate online at KHPFoundation.org
Help us turn on the Southern Lights at the Southern Lights Stroll on Saturday, November 22. Be among the very first guests to experience this year’s display as you race or stroll through the Kentucky Horse Park. Help us celebrate Family, Unity, and Peace as we kick off the holiday season!
• Gates open at 4:00 p.m.
• The 5K race starts at 5:30 p.m.
• The Stroll begins at 6:00 p.m.
• At the conclusion of the route, participants are invited to enjoy the Holiday Village, complete with vendors, attractions, live music, and awards presentation.
• To register, please visit: khpfoundation.org/southern-lights-stroll
The Southern Lights Stroll is presented by CHI Saint Joseph Health.
