The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hopes you will join us for the eleventh annual Battle in the Saddle Team Penning event on Friday, August 30, 2024 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Covered Arena.
Significant State Support
The Kentucky Horse Park will soon be getting a facelift, thanks to an unprecedented allocation of state funding. The Kentucky Horse Park will receive $39 million of state funds over the next two years to improve its facilities.
The significant allocation of support from the Commonwealth has made a number of substantial improvements possible. The Kentucky Horse Park is in the midst of a number of capital construction projects.
Dear Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Family,
Here at the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, we celebrate summer. Stunning green pastures, competition rings bursting with activity, and visitors from around the globe all work together to make the Kentucky Horse Park a very special place.
Indeed, the Kentucky Horse Park is special because of the partnerships that make so many things possible. This newsletter highlights a number of those partnerships, including:
- An unprecedented allocation from the Commonwealth of Kentucky that will allow the Park to make substantial capital improvements that will be felt for generations to come.
- A newly formed relationship with Fayette County Public Schools, ensuring the success and relevancy of the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop.
- An international exhibition in the International Museum of the Horse made possible because of a partnership with leaders of the equestrian community in Japan.
Perhaps most importantly, this newsletter celebrates the partnerships we share with our donor family, individuals like you who make wonderful things possible here at the Kentucky Horse Park. We hope you will come visit this summer to see your donation at work. As always, we remain grateful for the partners that join us on this amazing ride.
With Regard, Clay Green, Chair
2024 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
Ann Bakhaus
James C. Baughman, Jr.
Jane Beshear
Demetria N. Blair
Derek Braun
Stuart E. Brown II, DVM
Elizabeth Caldwell
LuLu Lenihan Davis
Barclay de Wet
Catharine Peterson
Dryden
Tawana Edwards
Jennie Garlington
Hutton Goodman
Bill Hilliard
Becky Jordan
Meg Jewett
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
Tom Riddle, DVM
Elizabeth Robbins
Walt Robertson, Jr.
Walt Robertson, Sr.
Amy Dix Rock
David B. Rudder
Justin Sautter
Martha Slaughter
Deborah Spike-Pierce, DVM, MBA
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
Battle in the Saddle is Back!
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hopes you will join us for the eleventh annual Battle in the Saddle Team Penning event on Friday, August 30, 2024 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Covered Arena. In this beloved 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!
Event and Table Sponsorships, as well as individual VIP Dinner Tickets, are now on sale. General Admission is FREE! To reserve a sponsorship or purchase VIP tickets, please contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org.
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 Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters of fiscal year 2023-2024 include:
Mack Roll Off Truck ($224,711): Funding to support the purchase of a Mack Roll Off Truck which will make a tremendous impact on the Park’s muck removal capabilities.
Mustang Troop 2024 Program (Up to $34,450): Funding to support the Mustang Troop Program during Summer 2024.
Purchase of Gun Belts and Tasers for Mounted Police ($20,631): Funding to support the purchase of gun belts and tasers utilized by the Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police.
Hall of Champions Televisions ($22,350): Funding to support the purchase of televisions for use in Hall of Champions and Big Barn to showcase the achievements of our resident horses.
Go For Gin Memorial Statue ($17,500): Funding to support the commission of a Bogucki bronze permanent memorial for long-time Hall of Champions resident Go For Gin.
Bruce Davidson Statue Restoration ($10,000): Funding to support the restoration of the Bruce Davidson Statue located on the concourse of Rolex Stadium.
Field Trip Fund ($4,290): Funding to cover field trip admission for more than 2,000 Kentucky School Children during Fall 2023.
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 2023, January 2024, and April 2024 meetings.
Southern Lights Success
Year after year, the Kentucky Horse Park stands as THE place to celebrate the holidays in Central Kentucky. 2023 was no exception.
More than 27,500 vehicles visited the 30th Annual Southern Lights Festival presented by Friends of Coal and held during the month of December. 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. The 2023 event included guests from 40 states and 3 countries!
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hosts the event with proceeds going to the Kentucky Horse Park, but it also welcomes every opportunity to serve the community. During last year’s event, Southern Lights welcomed a number of very special guests.
• A Kid Again, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with life-threatening illnesses, hosted a private party in our Holiday Village, and Southern Lights was honored to welcome 102 families at no charge.
• On two separate evenings, members of the Military and First Responders were invited to attend Southern Lights for free, and Southern Lights was honored to welcome 1,384 families.
• Mustang Troop alumni and their families were given complimentary passes to attend Southern Lights.
• Through a collaboration with LexTran, 420 individuals enjoyed a free ride through the driving route on public transportation.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is grateful to its sponsors and to all of the individuals that chose to make Southern Lights part of their holiday tradition. We invite you to mark your calendars for the 2024 event, which will be held Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Mustang Troop Making A Difference
The 2024 Mustang Troop program is off to a strong start. This celebrated outreach program of the Kentucky Horse Park has been in existence for over 30 years, providing children from underserved communities 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.
This year’s program is stronger than ever. The Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation have secured the support of several important community organizations to see the program to fruition. The Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative, presented by CHI Saint Joseph Health, has been integral in the planning process. The program has also partnered with Fayette County Public Schools, and specifically with Winburn Middle School, to assist in securing, transporting, and chaperoning the participants. In addition, several Lexington police officers serve as mentors through the Police Activities League.
The KHPF hosted a two day retreat at the end of March where representatives from the KHP, the KHPF, CHI Saint Joseph Health, Fayette County Public Schools, and the Police Activities League gathered to learn more about the program. The first day was spent in the Education Barn where participants were led through a typical day in the Mustang Troop program, complete with the opportunity to groom, pick hooves, and lead a horse through an obstacle course. The second day was spent at Winburn Middle School where participants gained valuable hands-on training in the area of social-emotional learning. The program concluded with a very special question and answer session with four students who attended the program last year.
The Kentucky Horse Park and the KHP Foundation are hosting Mustang Troop students this summer over the course of four weeks. To learn more about the program or to make a financial contribution, please contact the KHPF office.
KHP President Lee Carter participates in training session with KHP Staff members and community leaders in preparation for 2024 Mustang Troop Program.
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 and is serving even more children this Summer.
Since its inception in 2016, the program has allowed more than 24,000 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.
State Makes Significant Investment in the KHP
The Kentucky Horse Park will soon be getting a facelift, thanks to an unprecedented allocation of state funding. The Kentucky Horse Park will receive $39 million of state funds over the next two years to improve its facilities. Most of that money will come from a one-time spending bill which invests $2.7 billion of Kentucky’s reserved funds back into the state.
Sen. Steve West, R, Paris, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, joined Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter and members of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission this May to celebrate transformational funding supporting park upgrades and improvements.
“The Kentucky Horse Park is a testament to our state’s equestrian heritage, attracting over half a million visitors annually,” West said in a news release. “This funding will help preserve the park’s historical significance, boost tourism and support the local economy. I look forward to these upgrades as we further solidify our standing as the Horse Capital of the World.”
“Our horse park is a global attraction, and the success of our horse racing industry highlights the necessity for ongoing improvements,” Thayer said in the release.
A total investment of $39 million, $18 million in each fiscal year, will be allocated as follows:
• $2.5 million for the renovation of the restaurant;
• $15 million for the replacement of competition barns and stalls;
• $7 million for the renovation of entertainment pavilions;
• $5 million for the replacement of campground sites and bathhouse;
• $1.5 million for a maintenance pool; and
• $5 million for the renovation of the International Museum of the Horse.
Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter shared, “Our mission is centered around celebrating the relationship all people have with the horse. We are grateful the General Assembly chose to invest and support this mission in the recently approved budget. This funding touches every facet of the Park and will improve the experience for all guests.”
PARDON OUR MESSImprovements on the Way!
The significant allocation of support from the Commonwealth has made a number of substantial improvements possible. The Kentucky Horse Park is in the midst of a number of capital construction projects. Here is the status on these exciting improvements (at time of newsletter publication):
New barns – The structure is up for both barns. Both roofs are complete, and concrete work has begun. The project is on schedule to be finished this summer. This project represents the first phase in the overall barn improvement plan.
Visitor Information Center – The shingles, dormers and cupolas have been removed. New shingles have been installed and copper gutter installation is in progress.
International Museum of the Horse – Shingles have all been removed and replaced on building. Exterior has been painted. Copper gutter installation in progress. The bathrooms have been relocated, and the interior tiling is complete. Terrazzo floors will be installed soon, and the project is on schedule to be completed this summer.
VIC Gatehouse, Restaurant and Walking Farm Tour restrooms – New roof complete on all, copper gutter installation in progress.
Rolex Stadium – The front side of the roof is complete. The remaining roof will be finished this summer.
Covered Arena – The sides of the arena have been painted. The Park will remove all the insulation from the interior and will cover it with an insulated PVC roof to prevent leaks. Project expected to be completed spring 2025.
Videoboard and Sound upgrades – Both the Covered Arena and Rolex Stadium have new videoboards and improved sound systems installed.
For those visiting or competing at the Park this summer, please know that we have made every effort to keep both the visitor and competitor experience safe and accommodating during this time of transition. Safety is our top priority, and we look forward to seeing you at the Park!
KHPF Welcomes New Staff Members
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation team is growing! Please join us in welcoming our newly appointed Deputy Executive Director, Debbie Saliling.
Debbie grew up around horses, riding saddle seat equitation as a child, working on an Arabian breeding farm as a teen, and participating in eventing during college. Later, with her husband John, she and their children, Adam and Angelina, lived for nearly 25 years in Singapore and traveled to more than 25 countries. During this time, Debbie helped run professional golf tournaments for IMG across Asia, had a regional marketing role for Intel Corporation, and she also worked on fundraising/events management for various non-profits.
Leaving corporate life, Debbie circled back to horses by training to be a therapeutic riding instructor and operating a riding program in Singapore for children with developmental challenges. In 2020, the opportunity to accept a role as Director of Compliance for US Equestrian sparked Debbie and John to move from Singapore to Lexington, where she also resumed her eventing hobby. Moving to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is an inspirational next step, and Debbie shared that “Becoming a part of the iconic equine destination that is the Kentucky Horse Park, through working at the Foundation, is an inspirational opportunity to continue to contribute to awareness and education within the horse industry. I am thrilled to be a part of this essential stewardship for our equine partners.”
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is excited to welcome Briana Moreno to the team. Originally from California, Briana graduated from the University of Kentucky with an Equine Science and Management degree, and she has recently been working in design and social media marketing. She will work together with the KHPF team on developing and executing Foundation projects and fundraising activities. Currently an active show jumping competitor, Briana has competed at the Kentucky Horse Park as well as at various venues around the Southeast. Briana shares that she is “thrilled to be able to use my passion for horses and the Kentucky Horse Park in this new role!” Welcome, Briana!
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to welcome Jenna Young to the team. Jenna served as an intern during the Winter 2024 semester, and she is serving as the KHPF Marketing and Events Coordinator throughout the summer. Jenna received her undergraduate degree in Marketing Communications from Midway University this May and will attend UK’s Graduate Program for Communications this fall, while continuing to work part-time with the Foundation. Jenna was born in Dayton, OH, but spent her teen years in the Dominican Republic as her parents were missionaries. She trained as a show jumper in the D.R. and is now training to event with her personal horse, Rizz. Jenna shares, “After I moved to KY for college, I was accepted as a seasonal staff at the Breeds Barn, and I worked there for two seasons before starting my internship with the Foundation.” Welcome, Jenna!
FYI: If you follow KHPF on social media, you are familiar with Jenna’s work. She handles KHPF posts on all platforms!
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, 2023:
IN MEMORIAM
In memory of Rose Mary (Deuchars) Hobson Borders
Betty Ann Borders
In memory of Christine Brown
Ms. Kristine Soares
In memory of ‘Buddy’
Ms. Renee Rediker
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 Cigar
Mrs. Nancy Bechtold
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Specht
In memory of Cody Dorman
Ms. Laura R. Preolo
In memory of Peter Dueben
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Dadds
Mr. Carl R. Reisacher
In memory of Disco & Fever
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Saltzman
In memory of Ms. Elise R. Donohue
Ms. Elise Phares
In memory of Stephen Sandford Foust
Barbara Rutledge, Connie and Victor Riquelme
In memory of Funny Cide
Mr. & Mrs. David Allen
Ms. Susan Egloff
Ms. Diane Novitch
Ms. Elizabeth Tobey
In memory of Dixie R. Ganzmiller
Mr. Robert Ganzmiller
In memory of Go For Gin
Ms. Stacey Barbe
Ms. Karen Dardzinski
Ms. Dawn Defigueiredo
Ms. Jodie DeFoe
Ms. Linda Francis
Ms. Addie Ledbetter
Ms. Aileen Naro
Ms. Linda Pavey
Ms. Carmeleta Prince
Ms. Ashley Swink
Ms. Susan Ward
In memory of Andrea M. Gurdon
Bernadette M. Phillips and The Model Horse Community
In memory of Ron Hale
Ms. Judy Bisetti
Mr. Raymond Hackley
The Lamon Family
In memory of John Henry
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Specht
In memory of Indy
Ms. Kristine Soares
In memory Francis & Margaret Infalt
Mr. Brian P. Infalt
In memory of Terry Isaac
Mr. Al Isaac
In memory of Kavar Kerr
Mrs. Cornelia Bonnie
The Robert S. & Grayce
B. Kerr Foundation
In memory of Joe Leist
Mrs. Suzanne Leist
In memory of Lexington, the racehorse
Ms. Kim Wickens
In memory of Man o’ War
Ms. Ronelle Ingram
In memory of John Passerello
Mrs. Bev Passerello
In memory of Point Given
Mr. & Mrs. David Allen
In memory of Rhinelands First
Ms. Barbara Morrison
In memory of Rocky Balboa
Ms. Patricia C. Reavy
In memory of Sabastian
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Currie
In memory of Carmen Srigley
Ms. Lorie Poulton
In memory of Dan Stewart
Mrs. Cornelia Bonnie
In memory of Greg Swinford
Ms. Marilyn Swinford
In memory of Sharon Scott Walker
Mr. & Mrs. James Baumgardt
In memory of Lowry Rush Watkins
Mr. Lowry Rush Watkins, Jr.
In memory of Lonnie Whitworth
Ms. Sara Whitworth
HONOR OF
In honor of Nina Bonnie
Mr. Joe Fargis
In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Craig Fravel
Mr. & Mrs. Brett Setzer
In honor of Lisa Rakes and KHP Mounted Police
Ms. Jennifer Foster
Join us for the KHP Run/Walk Club
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Kentucky Horse Park Run/Walk Club this summer through September 9, 2024. 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!
A complimentary yoga class is also offered each week. Please gather under the trees near the Man o’ War Statue from 6:00-7:00. Participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat.
For more information about KHPF Run/Walk Club visit: khpfoundation.org/khp-runwalk-club/
IMPORTANT NOTES
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
Food available for purchase
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
Trail Ride Benefiting the Kentucky Horse Park
Please join us for the Fall Trail Ride on October 5!
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hosted a beautiful spring trail ride on June 1 with 126 guests in attendance. Riders enjoyed a six-mile trek throughout the Park’s greenspace, including its world-famous cross-country course and old steeplechase course. Proceeds from this event benefit ongoing programs at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Participant Quote: “We always put the Horse Park trail rides on our calendar as soon as the dates are announced. It’s a special opportunity to enjoy the iconic Kentucky Horse Park and support a great cause. We love getting a group together to enjoy the beautiful land, and the famous Head of the Lake and Rolex Arena.“
KHP WELCOMES BABY GRANT!
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Steven “Grant” Barnett, son of Volunteer Coordinator Sidney Barnett and her husband Chase. Grant arrived on May 21, and we can’t wait to welcome the Park’s newest volunteer!
ROOD & RIDDLE DONATION
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was honored to receive a generous contribution from the 2023 Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry Day presented by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. This loyal support greatly impacts the KHPF’s ability to fulfill its mission of enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry Day and Rood & Riddle Grand Prix which will be held on July 27, 2024.
KHP Gift Shop
Don’t forget the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop when you shop for all your summer 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
Use this form or save a stamp and donate online at KHPFoundation.org
BRINGING JAPAN TO THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK
The International Museum of the Horse will bring Japan to Kentucky this fall when it unveils its new exhibition Uma no Kokoro, a spectacular exploration of the horse world in Japan. The exhibition will feature artifacts and information dedicated to Japanese Equestrian History, Culture, and Horse Racing. Visitors will learn about the origins, current success, and notable horses and horsemen of Japan. With international support from Japan, Uma no Kokoro will be comprised of the museum’s permanent Japanese collection, as well as donations from around the globe.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to serve as a sponsor of this exciting endeavor. Uma no Kokoro will run from September 14, 2024 through January 4, 2026 in the International Museum of the Horse.
