KHP Foundation Spring 2022 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

KHPFoundation.org

Spring 2022

A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park.

Welcome

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Grants

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Event

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Lee Carter Joins the Park

Donor Dollars at Work

KHP Run/Walk Club

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to welcome Lee Carter as the Kentucky Horse Park’s new Executive Director.

Lee Carter assumed the position in February after an exhaustive search led by the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. Lee has hit the ground running as it launches into its Spring Season.

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation awarded over $477,000 in new grants to the Kentucky Horse Park during the 2021 Fall and 2022 Winter Quarters. Funding was directed toward a number of initiatives at the Park, including substantial improvements to competition footing, needs in the International Museum of the Horse, and programs in the area of Equine Operations.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Kentucky Horse Park Run/Walk Club May 30, 2022, through September 5, 2022. Meeting every Monday evening from 4:30-7:00 at the KHP Visitor Center, the Park welcomes the community to explore the Park’s scenic grounds free of charge.

BREAKING NEWS: The KHP Commission was recently notified of the State’s intention to award the Park $21 million for capital needs in this biennium.

This substantial allocation is in addition to the Park’s General Fund Allocation.

Such a significant allocation holds major implications for the Kentucky Horse Park.

2022 KHP Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Council Dear Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Family,

Officers

Judy Miller

We are celebrating Spring and looking forward to a full Summer season at the Kentucky Horse Park. It is such a delight to witness the return of major equestrian events and their fans, to greet thousands of school children on field trips, and to see maintenance and upgrades taking place in every corner of the Park.

Clay Green, Chair

Janie Musselman

Andrew Jacobs, Vice Chair

Maegan F. Nicholson

Nicole Pieratt, Secretary

Mary Jane Nuckols

Orson Oliver, Treasurer

Katherine O’Brien

All of this is made possible through the support of our donor family, friends like you who have “stepped up” and stayed alongside the Foundation during challenging times. We have witnessed again and again the commitment of friends like you, and we will highlight just a few things your commitment has made possible.

Board of Directors

Tom Riddle, DVM

Hanzly M. Albina

Amy Dix Rock

W. True Baker, DVM, DACVS

Walt Robertson, Jr.

Ann Bakhaus

David B. Rudder

Highlights…

James C. Baughman, Jr.

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This spring, more than 1,300 Kentucky school children will visit the Park on a complimentary field trip made possible by the KHP Field Trip Fund.

The 2021 Southern Lights Holiday Festival attracted more than 30,000 vehicles to the Kentucky Horse Park, indicating that over 120,000 individuals visited the Park for this holiday tradition.

Plans are well underway for the 2022 KHP Mustang Troop, including the addition of a two-week experience for Mustang Troop graduates focused on careers and job readiness in the equine industry.

The KHPF approved nearly half a million dollars in grants to the Park, including $450,000 to make major footing upgrades and expand the competition footprint around the Covered Arena and the Walnut Arena.

Eloise Penn

Jane Beshear Demetria N. Blair

Walt Robertson, Sr. Justin Sautter Martha Slaughter

W. Buff Bradley

Deborah Spike-Pierce, DVM, MBA

Derek Braun

Richard Sturgill

Stuart E. Brown II, DVM

Jenny W. Sutton

Elizabeth Caldwell

Donna Ward

LuLu Lenihan Davis

Jane Winegardner

Barclay de Wet

Marian Zeitlin

Catharine Peterson Dryden Tawana Edwards

Advisory Council Nina Bonnie Alex Boone

Hutton Goodman

This newsletter showcases some of these exciting things in the life of the Park, and it also welcomes new leadership. Lee Carter was named Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park in February, and he has hit the ground running in preparation for the busy days ahead.

Caroline Boone

Bill Hilliard

Luther Deaton, Jr.

Meg Jewett

Greg Goodman

Bill Justice

Linda Green

Teri Kessler

Mary Guinness

I hope you will find time to visit the Kentucky Horse Park this Spring and Summer so you can see your donation at work. The Park is truly bursting with activity, and we don’t want you to miss a thing!

Deborah H. Long

Dell Hancock

Lisa Lourie

Misdee Wrigley Miller

Deirdre Lyons

Greg Simon

Jennifer S. Madden

Howard Simpson

NE WSL ET T E R

Jennie Garlington

With Regard, Clay Green, Chair

Zeff Maloney

KHPFoundation.org

Lee Carter Joins the Park

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to welcome Lee Carter as the Kentucky Horse Park’s new Executive Director. Lee Carter assumed the position in February after an exhaustive search led by the Kentucky Horse Park Commission.

A graduate of Georgetown College, Carter has served as Executive Director of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), the organizing body for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, since 2012. Prior to joining EEI, Lee held the position of Senior Vice President for the National Tour Association (NTA). While with NTA, Lee oversaw the association’s operations and events, planning events throughout North America and Europe.

Lee has hit the ground running as the Kentucky Horse Park launches into its Spring season, but he took a few moments out of his busy schedule to tell us a bit more about himself.

While I don’t really fish, one of my favorite places on the Park is the lake across from Rolex Stadium.

Beyond the light displays during Southern Lights, or the Land Rover that often floats there during the Kentucky Three-Day Event, I see this as a unique point of intersection. During the season, there are always individuals and families around the lake … fishing, feeding the ducks, and overall just enjoying the Park. At the same time, in the background, you can see equine competitions being held in the Rolex Stadium. Like the Run/Walk Club and the Legacy Trail, this is a great example of how the Park enhances the quality of life for all of Central Kentucky. I hope we can find even more ways to contribute in the years to come.

What was your first job?

When I entered middle school, my brother and I were responsible for mowing our local cemetery. Starting in late spring, we would mow every two weeks. It would take us at least two hours to push mow and weed around the plots. We were paid $14 … and that had to be split between us!

Tell us about your family:

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

My wife of 26 years, Laura, is a Physical Therapist at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. We have two children; Eli, a Senior at Bellarmine

I am the middle child, with a brother 1 ½ years older and a sister 5 years younger. Having an older brother that close in age, we had a

What are you currently reading?

I read a lot of legal dramas or crime novels. I just finished reading John Grisham’s book, The Guardians and started The Sentinel: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child and Andrew Child.

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What is your favorite spot on the Park?

lot of opportunity to be “creative.”

From chasing one another through the house with the water hose, to treating the automatic garage door as our own amusement park ride, to convincing one of our baby-sitters that it was OK for us to tie her up, we were always full of ideas.

What’s your favorite fair food at Land Rover?

There are so many options! If I had to pick one, I would say Bourbon Chicken. (Along with pizza, kettle corn, burgers, Toasties, Mr. Gyros … the list goes on!)

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

In college, when trying to select a major, a friend encouraged me to study something I enjoyed. I majored in Religion with minors in Philosophy and Physical Education.

Admittedly, my career has taken a path that may not seem logical given my chosen course of study.

However, the advice of doing “something I enjoyed” has stayed with me over the years.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation looks forward to working with Lee as he settles into his new role at the Park! If you see him out and about this Spring, be sure to take a moment to say “Hello”!

NEWSLETTER

University and Graham, a Senior at Great Crossing High School.

KHPFoundation

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N E W S L E T T E R

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Awards Nearly Half A Million Dollars in New Grants to the Kentucky Horse Park The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation awarded over $477,000 in new grants to the Kentucky Horse Park during the 2021 Fall and 2022 Winter Quarters.

Funding was directed toward a number of initiatives at the Park, including substantial improvements to competition footing, needs in the International Museum of the Horse, and programs in the area of Equine Operations.

Kathy Meyer, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation stated “The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is pleased to support these worthwhile projects at the Kentucky Horse Park and is grateful to its family of donors who value the Park’s programs. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is

particularly thrilled to make such a substantial investment in the competition arenas at the Park. This investment in surface expansion and all-weather footing will serve competitors for years to come.”

The projects funded during the 2021 Fall and 2022 Winter Quarters include: Capital Projects Upgrades to the Annex Ring, Annex Schooling Ring; Expansion of Walnut Schooling Ring ($450,000): The upgrades will change the footing to a synthetic, all-weather ring that shows can count on to be usable in any weather condition.

KHPFoundation.org

Equine Operations Parade of Breeds breeches and helmets ($4,589): The Parade of Breeds will be sporting new helmets and breeches in advance of the 2022 Summer Season.

Go for Gin Cremation and Memorial Flowers ($1,612): Hall of Champions’ resident Go For Gin was also laid to rest at the Kentucky Horse Park. Plans for a permanent memorial are being made.

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DaHoss Cremation, Marker, and Landscaping ($3,214): Beloved Hall of Champions’ resident DaHoss was laid to rest at the Kentucky Horse Park through the support of donors. A commemorative marker ensures that visitors can pay their respects for generations to come.

Museum Purchase of Environmental Monitoring Equipment for IMH ($5,244): These monitors provide real-time notice to IMH Staff when there are environmental concerns in the building so that they may be addressed immediately.

Annual Smithsonian Dues ($3,000): This payment represents the annual fee associated with the International Museum of Horse’s affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute.

Large Format Printer ($4,770): The IMH was able to purchase a large format printer which will be utilized by the Art Department of the International Museum of the Park and other departments of the Park.

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 2021 and January 2022 meetings.

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Therapy Blanket for Horse Drawn Tours ($4,990): KHPF helped purchase a therapy blanket that will be utilized by horses on Horse Drawn Tours.

KHPFoundation

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N E W S L E T T E R

KHP Field Trip Fund Spring is here, and for the first time in two years, the Kentucky Horse Park is filled with the sounds of buses, children’s voices, and field trips! The Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Fund was launched in 2016 to ensure that all school children from Kentucky have the opportunity to experience the wonder of the Kentucky Horse Park, and after two years without field trips, we are thrilled to welcome students back.

Through the support of generous Kentucky Horse Park Foundation donors, all Kentucky public schools are offered complimentary fields trips to the Park.

They are also eligible to apply for transportation assistance.

Since its inception, the program has served over 10,000 Kentucky school children. 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 the one of the world’s most renowned horse facilities, and they are given an experience that otherwise would be unavailable to them.

The KHPF is proud to provide so many children the opportunity to experience this world-renowned gem that is right in their backyard and is continually seeking supporters to make this effort possible. If you would like to support the KHP Field Trip Fund, or if you know of a corporate or foundation funding opportunity, please contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org.

KHPFoundation.org

The Kentucky Horse Park is poised to host the beloved KHP Mustang Troop again this summer, and the KHPF is honored to play a significant role in this program’s continued success. With a history that spans decades, the KHP Mustang Troop has long stood committed to providing underrepresented youth from our community exposure to horsemanship and riding that would have otherwise not been possible.

Through a partnership with Consolidated Summer Enrichment Program, underrepresented youth are given the opportunity to attend a two-week summer horse camp experience at the Kentucky Horse Park completely free of charge. Participants learn various aspects of horsemanship and riding, while building their self-confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills.

For many participants, this is their first visit to the Kentucky Horse Park and their first time to touch a horse, and the experience is life changing.

New in 2022, the KHP Mustang Troop will be offering one session for previous participants. These Mustang Troop graduates will attend a two-week experience

that moves beyond the basics of horsemanship and explores career opportunities in the equine world.

The focus of this special experience will be skills-based learning opportunities, with the intent of building a pipeline for college and career readiness. If you are associated with an equine organization or equestrian business willing to host our Mustang Troopers for an educational field trip during this session, please reach out to the KHPF. The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop is only made possible through charitable contributions to the KHPF. We are constantly seeking new community partners and supporters. If you would like to support this effort, or if you have corporate and foundation contacts that the KHPF should pursue, please contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org.

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The KHP Mustang Troop Back in the Saddle in 2022

KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R

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KHP Run/Walk Club returns Memorial Weekend The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Kentucky Horse Park Run/Walk Club May 30, 2022, through September 5, 2022! Meeting every Monday evening from 4:30-7:00 at the KHP Visitor Center, the Park invites the community to explore the Park’s scenic grounds free of charge!

For more information visit: khpfoundation.org/khp-runwalk-club

Event is free to the public Register online ahead of time or at the event: khpfoundation.org/ khp-runwalk-club Routes are marked for visitors to walk or run a 1.5 mile or 3-mile loop

Strollers & leashed dogs permitted No bikes or other vehicles on the route Parking for the KHP Run/Walk Club is free-please park in Visitor Center Parking Lot

Food available for purchase

Join Us For a Trail Ride

Explore the Kentucky Horse Park at the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Trail Ride! Proceeds will support the KHP Tree Fund Initiative, to protect and expand the natural beauty of the Park. Guests of all levels, breeds and disciplines are invited to explore the Park grounds with their own horse for a $45 entry fee to access the trails from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022.

Riders may register online at khpfoundation.org or at the Registration Tent the day of the event.

KHPFoundation.org

KHP Employee Spotlight: Sidney Barnett was named the new Volunteer, Outreach, & Education Program Director for the Kentucky Horse Park in November 2021.

Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Sidney studied at the University of Kentucky majoring in Equine Science and Communications. Sidney is not a new face at the Park-she previously has held positions in both the Education and Equine Departments.

Since accepting her new role, Sidney has hit the ground running, creating new volunteer and educational opportunities at the Park.

Favorite thing about the Kentucky Horse Park?

Who would you invite onto your talk show?

Besides the horses my favorite thing about the Park is all the people you get to meet and experiences you get to be apart of. I love getting to see a person pet a horse for the first time or hearing about how a guest’s grandfather used to farm with Belgians. It’s the visitors that really make this place special!

Temple Grandin. She has played a huge role in the animal welfare industry and a lot of what I studied in school was based off her research.

What led you to the KHP and what positions have you held at the Park?

In my free time I coach a competitive dance team and when I’m not busy with that, I like to travel with my friends and family. I recently traveled to New Orleans to judge the UDA Nationals.

I first came to the Kentucky Horse Park as a sophomore in college looking for a summer job in one of the barns to gain more experience.

I worked as a seasonal in the Education Department for two summers and then switched to the Big Barn. I worked in the Big Barn for a year as a seasonal before accepting the Equine Operations Coordinator position in December of 2018.

What do you like to do in your free time?

What’s your favorite food?

Anything Italian or any type of dessert.

Do you have any pets?

I have a Great Dane named Athena who is a rescue.

What do you hope to bring to the Volunteer Program and what’s new in 2022?

We just hosted a “Volunteer Kick Off Party” in March and I was excited to meet so many of the wonderful volunteers. I’m eager to get the season started and focus on creating new volunteer opportunities, including a museum host position which will enrich the educational experience of our IMH guests. I am also working on educational experiences for our volunteers to learn more about other Kentucky attractions-in turn, it enhances our guests’ experience at the Park. I hope to continue growing the Volunteer Program and see what we can do not only for the Kentucky Horse Park, but for the equine industry as a whole.

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Sidney Barnett

KHPFoundation N E W S L E T T E R

Remembering Two Champions Go For Gin

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Champion Thoroughbred Go for Gin died Tuesday, March 8, 2022, due to heart failure at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he had lived since retiring from stud duty in June 2011. The 31-year-old was the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner.

“We’re honored that Go for Gin was an ambassador of the park for nearly 11 years,” said Kentucky Horse Park ExecJim Evangelou utive Director Lee Carter. “As a visitor favorite, Go for Gin brought visitors from around the world to the Bluegrass and introduced new fans to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the Kentucky Horse Park.”

Gin won the 120th Kentucky Derby with Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron. He followed that win with a second in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1) losing both of those races to Tabasco Cat. From age 2 to 4, Go for Gin won 14 out of his 19 races, earning $1,380,866.

Like the other great Hall of Champions horses that died in retirement at the Park, both Da Hoss and Go For Gin will be buried in the Memorial Walk of Champions.

Da Hoss Two-time Breeders’ Cup Mile Winner, Da Hoss, died Sunday, January 2, 2022, at the Kentucky Horse Park where he had retired after a successful five-year racing career. At the age of 30, the gelding passed away due to infirmities of old age. Da Hoss had been living at the Kentucky Horse Park since January 2000.

Breeders Cup Photo ©

Da Hoss is one of only five horses to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile twice, and the only horse to win twice in non-consecutive years. Between the 1996 and 1998 Breeders’ Cup Races, Da Hoss was injured three times and did not race for nearly two years. His inspiring finish in the 1998 Breeder’s Cup Mile produced one of Tom Durkin’s most memorable race calls, as he exclaimed: “The greatest comeback since Lazarus!”

KHPFoundation.org

Tom Seidel’s Lasting Legacy The Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation continue to be grateful for the legacy left by beloved volunteer and donor Tom Seidel who passed away in 2021.

A fixture at the Kentucky Horse Park, Tom was not only a generous supporter of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, but he was also one of the Park’s most committed and loyal volunteers. Tom served in many departments of the Park, establishing friends wherever he went.

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Tom reaffirmed his passion for the Park in 2011 when he made the decision to join the Champions’ Circle Society, the planned giving recognition society of the KHPF. His gift established The Thomas W. Seidel Gallery located at the International Museum of the Horse.

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Since his passing, the KHPF has been honored to be a beneficiary of funds from The Thomas W. Seidel Revocable Living Trust. These funds have been designated for the Nina Bonnie Endowment and the KHPF Discretionary Fund and will make a significant impact on the KHPF’s ability to secure the Park for future generations.

We remain so grateful for the life of Tom Seidel and for his generous spirit that lives on here at the KHP. If you would like information about the Champions’ Circle Society, please visit our website at khpfoundation.org or contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org or 859-255-5727.

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Donation Form

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation · 4075 Iron Works Parkway · Lexington, KY 40511

SPRING 2022

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

A new display has arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park for all ages to enjoy! This miniature stable was built with love by Violet Aileen Gordon of Angmering, United Kingdom in 1936 to house her children’s toys. Stop by the Visitor Center to see how many animals you can spot in this “Seek & Find” display.

4075 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511 40511-8400 USA Phone: 859 255 5727 foundation@KHPFoundation.org KHPFoundation.org