WHO:  Richard and Jeannette McGrath of Hearts Up Ranch

WHAT:  Press conference with Public Safety Administrative Officer Rick Curtis, representing Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Kentucky Horse Park executive director John Nicholson, and the McGraths. 

WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept 7, 4pm

WHERE:  Kentucky Horse Park's Alltech Arena

WHY:   Richard and Jeannette McGrath are 3,000 miles into a 4,000-mile coast-to-coast horseback journey to raise awareness and funds for Hearts Up Ranch, a serene, working ranch established in Jackson, Wyoming where "emotionally broken people can find peace with both God and themselves once again."  Their ride began on March 4, 2010.  They have traversed the deserts and mountains of the west, winter on the plains, and the flooding and storms of the spring on the same 4 horses (who will be resting and recuperating at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center, located at the Kentucky Horse Park before finishing the last segment of the ride in Virginia Beach). www.HeartsUpRanch.com.  

HOW:  Members of the media should go to the Alltech Arena.  Past the parking booth, take the roundabout to Cigar Lane, then turn left on Alltech Way.  The press conference will be held outside the main entrance (signs will be posted for alternate rain location).  For more information please contact Equestrian Influence Media Department, www.equestrianinfluence.com, 615-830-1001, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Watch an interview with the McGraths from the Kentucky Horse Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfElmeNDETk

Watch a video from WTVQ-ABC36 from the press conference:  http://www.wtvq.com/news/9551-4000-miles-on-horseback-to-heal

Photos from the Lexington Herald-Leader from the press conference:
http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/07/1873207/couple-rides-x-country-on-horses.html