NEWSLETTER
KHPFoundation.org
Fall 2023
A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park.
Events
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Initiatives
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Education
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Southern Lights are On!
Battle in the Saddle
KHP Mustang Troop
Celebrating its 30th year, Southern Lights presented by Friends of Coal opens November 24th and runs through the end of the year. Enjoy dazzling light displays from the comfort of your vehicle and then park and visit the Southern Lights Holiday Village.
The 10th Annual Battle in the Saddle, presented by Mt. Brilliant Farm and held on September 1st, was an overwhelming success. The KHPF was delighted to welcome hundreds of guests to the KHP Covered Arena for a night of fun and frivolity.
The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop celebrated another successful summer as 22 underserved youth gained exposure to horses for the first time. This beloved KHP education program has been in existence for over twenty-five years and is made possible through KHPF.
Save the date to support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation during the 2023 GoodGiving Challenge: November 28-December 1, 2023. Bggives.org/khpfoundation
KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R
2023 KHP Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Council Dear Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Family, The Kentucky Horse Park is a remarkable place every season of the year, but I find it particularly magical in the fall. As our guests and horses enjoy cooler temperatures, they are also greeted with the splendor of fall colors and a robust schedule of special events for every interest. Here at the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, we celebrate the fall, but we also eagerly await the return of Southern Lights Holiday Festival presented by Friends of Coal, celebrating its 30th year in the Bluegrass. This tradition for families from across Kentucky and beyond opens on November 24 and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.
Officers
Janie Musselman
Clay Green, Chair
Maegan F. Nicholson
Andrew Jacobs, Vice Chair
Mary Jane Nuckols
Nicole Pieratt, Secretary
Katherine O’Brien
Orson Oliver, Treasurer
Eloise Penn
Board of Directors
Tom Riddle, DVM
Hanzly M. Albina W. True Baker, DVM, DACVS
Amy Dix Rock David B. Rudder
James C. Baughman, Jr.
Justin Sautter
Jane Beshear
Martha Slaughter
Demetria N. Blair
Deborah Spike-Pierce, DVM, MBA
W. Buff Bradley
Perhaps most notably, however, this newsletter details your donor dollars at work. Because of the support of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation family, valuable improvements were made at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Park was the beneficiary of hundreds of thousands of dollars through Foundation grants, and we are thrilled to share all the details…from new horses to extremely necessary maintenance equipment, to invaluable programs like the Mustang Troop… there is so much to celebrate.
Catharine Peterson Dryden
As always, I am so grateful for the KHP Foundation family that stands by the Kentucky Horse Park today and helps us plan for tomorrow. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Deborah H. Long
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Walt Robertson, Sr.
Ann Bakhaus
This newsletter highlights the events coming up on the calendar, including Southern Lights and the fun and exciting Southern Lights Stroll, sponsored by CHI Saint Joseph Health. It also details successful events of the past quarter, including the KHPF trail rides, Battle in the Saddle, and a celebration of the life of the great horse and resident equine celebrity, Funny Cide.
With Regard, Clay Green, Chair
Walt Robertson, Jr.
Derek Braun Stuart E. Brown II, DVM Elizabeth Caldwell LuLu Lenihan Davis Barclay de Wet
Tawana Edwards Jennie Garlington Hutton Goodman Bill Hilliard Meg Jewett Bill Justice Teri Kessler Lisa Lourie Deirdre Lyons Jennifer S. Madden Zeff Maloney Judy Miller
Richard Sturgill Jenny W. Sutton Donna Ward Jane Winegardner 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 Howard Simpson
KHPFoundation.org
The Southern Lights Are On! Plans are well underway for the 2023 Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park. Celebrating its 30th year at the Kentucky Horse Park, Southern Lights presented by Friends of Coal is a magical holiday tradition for thousands of families from throughout the Bluegrass and beyond. Enjoy dazzling light displays from the comfort of your vehicle, and then park and enjoy the Southern Lights Holiday Village. Visits with Santa, the Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, and elaborate mini train displays are just a few of the attractions included with admission. Open Nightly November 24-December 31. 5:30-10pm (Closed Christmas Day). To purchase tickets in advance, please visit khpfoundation.org/ southern-lights. Proceeds from this event benefit the Kentucky Horse Park. Southern Lights is sponsored by:
KY Coal Keeps the Lights On
SCOTT
COUNTY
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KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R
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KHPFoundation.org
PRESENTING SPONSOR
TEAM SPONSORS
BATTLE IN THE SADDLE CELEBRATES 10 SUCCESSFUL YEARS!
The 10th Annual Battle in the Saddle, presented by Mt. Brilliant Farm and held on September 1, 2023, was an overwhelming success. The KHPF was delighted to welcome hundreds of guests to the KHP Covered Arena for an evening of fun and frivolity. A record crowd enjoyed a night of fierce team penning competition with 20 teams competing. The 2023 Champion team was sponsored by Flagler Insurance and included Scott Mallory, Josh Yarber, and Rebecca Baker. Each of the winning team members received a custom silver belt buckle and a bottle of Kentucky bourbon. The second-place team was sponsored by Keeneland, which included Elijah MacQuerry, Guy Mogge, and Colby Lavergne. The third-place team was sponsored by Baccari Bloodstock and featured Remington Leach, Lindsey Leach, and Martin Schwartz.
AFTER PARTY SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
The night concluded with an After Party featuring The Ranahans, where guests danced the night away. All proceeds from the night support the Kentucky Horse Park. FALL 2023 5
KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R
KHPF 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 Spring and Summer Quarters of 2023 include: MAINTENANCE ITEMS ($357,465.81): Funding to support the purchase of a number of maintenance items, including five John Deere gators, an equipment trailer, a mini excavator, skid steer attachments, finish mower, double drum roller, utility trailer, a platform truck, and pallets. REPLACEMENT OF STALL DOORS (UP TO $100,000): Funding to support the replacement of stall doors and wash room doors in the Parade of Breeds. PURCHASE OF TROLLEYS (UP TO $40,000): Funding to support the purchase of two horse drawn trolleys that are lower to the ground and offer greater accessibility. BUILDING EXPENSES ($24,527): Funding will be directed to building expenses which will allow the Park to obtain ownership of the building previously owned by USA Equestrian Trust. The Park will utilize the space to house tenants of the National Horse Center. AMERICAN CREAM DRAFT PURCHASE ($13,500): Funding to support the purchase of a team of four-year-old American Cream Draft horses (George & Manny) which will be utilized for horse drawn tours. PERCHERON PURCHASE ($6,000): Funding to support the purchase of a Percheron which will be utilized by horse drawn tours. BREEDS BARN FANS ($1,771): Funding to support the purchase of fans which are utilized in the Parade of Breeds. 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 2023 April, May, June, and July meetings.
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KHPFoundation.org
Thousands of Kentucky School Children Experience the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park 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 2022-2023 school year, the Park was delighted to welcome over 4,000 children through a scheduled field trip. Since its inception in 2016, the program has allowed more than 19,000 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. To learn more about supporting this effort, either through a financial contribution or through volunteering, please contact the KHPF office at 859-255-5727. FALL 2023 7
KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R
Mustang Troop is Back in the Saddle The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop celebrated another successful summer as 22 underserved youth from the Lexington community gained exposure to horses and riding, many for the very first time. This past summer, the Kentucky Horse Park was proud to partner with the CHI Saint Joseph Health’s Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative. This collaboration allowed the program to reach more youth in need from across Fayette County. The Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative, the health care system’s youth violence prevention program in Lexington, encourages youth and community members to establish an intolerance for violence, creating a safer and healthier Lexington community. The program is supported through a grant from the CommonSpirit Health Mission and Ministry Fund. 2023 Mustang Troop Graduate Jason Mock was a featured performer in this year’s “Hallowhinny” presented by the Kentucky Horse Park Parade of Breeds
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The KHP Mustang Troop serves disadvantaged youth, providing free of charge a life-changing summer horse camp experience. Mustang Troop participants learn how to groom, clean stalls, lead a horse, and ride. Special activities throughout the experience include visits to the International Museum of the Horse, lecture-demonstrations from equine professionals, and arts and crafts activities with trained and compassionate staff members. This beloved KHP education program has been in existence for over twenty-five years and is made possible through the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. To learn more about supporting the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop, visit khpfoundation.org.
KHPFoundation.org
FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO FUNNY Nearly 100 individuals from across the country gathered on October 8 to celebrate the life of Funny Cide, 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner, who died July 16 following complications from colic at 23 years old. Distinguished attendees included Jack Knowlton, Operating Manager of Sackatoga Stables, the ownership group that purchased Funny. Other guests included current and previous employees from all departments of the Kentucky Horse Park, Park volunteers, Park interns, KHPF team members, Funny Cide Super Fans, and Park visitors. “For the last 15 years, we have been graced by Funny Cide’s presence at the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter. “This year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes victories, allowing the Gutsy Gelding to captivate our hearts once again. While we mourn Funny Cide’s passing, he will forever remain the people’s horse.” KHP President Lee Carter and Hall of Champions Supervisor Rob Willis shared memories of Funny Cide’s time at the Park, while Jack Knowlton reminisced on Funny’s illustrious racing career. Sidney Barnett of the KHP Foundation spoke about the Funny Cide Memorial Fund which has been established to commission a permanent memorial to Funny at the Hall of Champions. Nicknamed the “Gutsy Gelding,” Funny was a resident at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions barn since 2008. Like other great Hall of Champions horses at the Kentucky Horse Park, Funny Cide was buried at the Memorial Walk of Champions alongside past Thoroughbred residents Go For Gin, Forego, Bold Forbes, John Henry, Alysheba, and Da Hoss. FALL 2023 9
KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R
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 September 1, 2022: IN MEMORIAM In memory of Rose Mary (Deuchars) Hobson Borders Betty Ann Borders In memory of Christine Brown Ms. Kristine Soares In memory of George Bryant Mr. & Mrs. Peter Heesen In memory of Gene Carter Mr. & Mrs. Scott Reagan Mr. Carl R. Reisacher In memory of Chance For Trouble Ms. Renee K. Rediker In memory of Cigar Mr. & Mrs. David Allen Mrs. Nancy Bechtold In memory of Roger Dalton Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Alexander Ms. Catherine Ambrose & Mrs. Frank Schwoeri Mr. & Mrs. Edward Ambrose Mr. & Mrs. William Miles Arvin, Jr. Ms. Miriam Ballert Mr. & Mrs. James R. Boyd Mr. & Mrs. William S. Cook, Jr. Mrs. Lindsey Ein Mr. & Mrs. William Ellison, Jr. Mrs. Mary Sarah Fairweather Mr. & Mrs. Donald Falace Mr. & Mrs. Joe Gathright Ms. Anne Pickney Gay Ms. Betty Gibbs Mr. & Mrs. Guy M. Graves Mr. & Mrs. David Habich Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Helm Ms. Virginia Heyburn Mr. & Mrs. W. James Host Long Run Woodford Hounds Ms. Janice Macneil OneMD Mr. Andrew Rapp Mr. & Mrs. Joe Rosenberg Ms. Elizabeth Tenney Ruch Mr. & Mrs. Brett Setzer
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Mr. Llewellyn Spears Mr. & Mrs. John Taylor Mr. George Van Meter, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Bob Vaughan Dr. & Mrs. William Wachs Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Walker, Jr. In memory of Disco & Fever Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Saltzman In memory of Deborah Kay Dobbins Ms. Gina Harpring In memory of Elise R. Donohue Ms. Elise Phares In memory of Pete Dueben Mr. Carl R. Reisacher In memory of Einstein, Shamrock Jake Mr. & Mrs. Donald Specht In memory of Funny Cide Ms. Susan Johnson Ms. Diane Novitch Ms. Elizabeth Tobey In memory of Stephen Sanford Foust Barbara Rutledge, Connie & Victor Riquelme In memory of Dixie R. Ganzmiller Mr. Robert Ganzmiller In memory of Gentleman in Gray Ms. Joyce Wainscott In memory of Go For Gin Ms. Marie Baldwin Ms. Christine D. Barcellona Mr. Shaun Basch Ms. Kelly Borres Ms. Christine Braeuner Mr. Jason Chadwell Mr. Christopher A. Curtis Ms. Linda Francis Mrs. Linda J. Gartland Ms. Jane M. Gerber Ms. Karen Gustin
Mr. Raymond Hackley Ms. Donna Hughes Ms. Marianne Malczewski Ms. Jennifer Martin Ms. Barbara Massey Ms. Tory Meisel Mr. John P. Moore and Ms. Jennifer Howard Ms. Lauren Reynolds Ms. Denise Stahl Mr. Isaac Strassburger Ms. Ashley Swink Ms. Susan Ward Ms. Brenda Wiles Ms. Sonya Worthington Ms. Brenda Wiles In memory of John Henry Ms. Patricia C. Reavy In memory of Kavar Kerr The Robert S. & Grayce B. Kerr Foundation Mrs. Cornelia Bonnie In memory of Mildred “Nana” Kirk Mr. & Mrs. Tim Beeson In memory of Man o’ War Ms. Ronelle Ingram In memory of Master Mariner Mr. & Mrs. Robert Currie In memory of Wm. E. McCreary Ms. Nora Walnoha In memory of Bobby Miller Ms. Debbie Long In memory of Old Smoothie Ms. Christi Bailey In memory of John Passerello Mrs. Bev Passerello In memory of Dan Stewart Mrs. Cornelia Bonnie In memory of Thomas the Friesian Ms. Shirley G. Gentry
In memory of Sandy Walker Mr. & Mrs. James Baumgardt In memory of Linda Walter Ms. Kathleen E. Wells In memory of Lowry Rush Watkins Mr. Lowry Rush Watkins, Jr.
HONOR OF In honor of all the Thoroughbreds who ever competed Mr. Michael Scarpa In honor of all the Horses in the Hall of Champions Ms. Christine Braeuner In honor of Nina Bonnie Mr. & Mrs. H. Hewett Brown Mr. Joe Fargis Dr. Janet Wygal Zoller & Ms. Rachel Sketo In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Craig Fravel Mr. & Mrs. Brett Setzer In honor of Elaine & Rocco Gibala Mr. & Mrs. Roger Shott In honor of Grady Mrs. Joyce Wainscott In honor of Lori & Bill Hilliard Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rosenberg In honor of KHP Mounted Police Ms. Jennifer Foster In honor of James & Misdee Miller Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth V. Miller In honor of Rachel Alexandra Ms. Donna Hughes In honor of Bill Robbins Mr. & Mrs. James Melia, Jr.
KHPFoundation.org
Trail Rides Benefiting the Kentucky Horse Park
KHP Volunteer Spotlight:
Dave McMillen
The Kentucky Horse Park Volunteer Program was honored to recognize the outstanding achievements of one of its own recently. Dave McMillen began volunteering at the Park ten years ago and since then has accumulated 3,500 hours of service. Named KHP Volunteer of the Year several times, Dave spends a great deal of time in the Hall of Champions entertaining school groups, welcoming visitors, and helping the barn crew wherever he can. Dave exemplifies the KHP Volunteer Program, by serving as a friendly face, a wealth of knowledge, and an ambassador to guests from around the world. The Park and the KHP Foundation join together in thanking Dave for being an irreplaceable part of the Hall of Champions team.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hosted two trail rides this year-a beautiful early summer ride on June 3 and a crisp fall trail ride on October 7. Guests enjoyed a six-mile trek throughout the Park’s greenspace, including its world-famous cross-country course and steeplechase course. The spring trail ride benefitted the Hall of Champions and was held in partnership with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club. The fall ride was dedicated to memorial plans for the great Thoroughbred champion Funny Cide who spent his last years in the KHP Hall of Champions. Follow the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation on social media for information about upcoming trail rides in 2024!
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Donation Form
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation · 4075 Iron Works Parkway · Lexington, KY 40511
FALL 2023
I would like my donation earmarked for the following: PLEASE CHECK ONE
Use this form or save a stamp and donate online at KHPFoundation.org
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Saturday, November 18
The Southern Lights Stroll presented by CHI Saint Joseph Health serves as the unofficial kick-off to the holidays for thousands of families from across the Bluegrass, and this year promises to be more festive than ever before. This year’s event will celebrate Family, Unity, and Peace and help guests get a jumpstart on the holiday season. On November 18, the Kentucky Horse Park is thrilled to welcomes guests of all ages who will catch the first glimpse of the Southern Lights while they run, walk, and stroll through three miles of dazzling lights displays. In addition, they will get a sneak peak at the new look in the Holiday Village where they will have the opportunity to visit Santa, ride on the mini train, and more! Participants may either enter the competitive 5K race or the untimed and leisurely “Stroll”. Participants are invited to don their holiday apparel, as the event always attracts festive costumes, including Santa and his merry ole elves. Staff also recommends to dress for the weather (Jack Frost seems to always visit on the night of the Stroll). To register visit khpfoundation.org
4075 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511 40511-8400 USA Phone: 859 255 5727 foundation@KHPFoundation.org KHPFoundation.org