Sylvester, Texas, March 12, 2012 – It’s the home of bluegrass, bourbon and beautiful horses . . . Kentucky. Having played host to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010 and the site of more than 85 national equine events, including the Alltech National Horse Show, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky, now welcomes the newest star in its cap, Road to the Horse.

“We are thrilled to move forward in the growth of Road to the Horse to this world-class facility,” said Road to the Horse Producer Tootie Bland. “Murfreesboro has been a tremendous host for seven years and we’ll miss our many friends here, yet the good news is our growth has made it necessary for the event to move to a larger facility and the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park is the perfect place.”

“The improvements to the Horse Park for the World Equestrian Games were designed for events just like Road to the Horse,” said Park Executive Director John Nicholson. “From its arena to the Park’s campground, Road to the Horse fans will find the welcome mat rolled out with bluegrass hospitality.”

Furthermore, the amenities are nearly endless as Road to the Horse fans will want to make plans to extend their stay and take in the many sites around Lexington, including Claiborne Farms, the resting place of Secretariat, the Mary Todd Lincoln Home and even better, just stroll around the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park where they can take in the many exhibits and see Breeders' Cup Champion Cigar and Kentucky Derby Winners Go For Gin and Funny Cide peeking from their stalls.

Make Road to the Horse a Family Legacy
More than 58% of Road to the Horse fans are repeat visitors each year, and now producer Tootie Bland has made it that much easier for those fans to keep their experience going.

With the move to Kentucky, Road to the Horse will offer a new level of seating to its fans termed “Legacy Seats.” Through this program, Road to the Horse will hold a certain number of seats in a certain location, determined by the purchaser, each year. Ultimately, fans will find their “home away from home” each year as they claim their spot. The seats will remain with that purchaser every year until that purchaser releases the seat by not renewing their purchase.

Dates for the 2013 competition will be March 15-17 with competitors yet to be announced. However, room blocks at nearby hotels havealready been confirmed in anticipation of another sold out event and the expectation of high demand for rooms as has been the case in the past. For more information about Road to the Horse 2013, go to www.roadtothehorse.com.
 ___________________________________________________________________________________
Road to the Horse is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines education and entertainment for an all-out horsemanship experience.

World-renowned horsemen along with talented trainers discovered by Tootie Bland compete in the invitation only competition to determine the World Champion of Colt Training. Horsemen select a gelding from a remuda or herd of 10-20 American Quarter Horses and are then evaluated on their ability to establish a relationship and bring the animal to its level of comfort under saddle.

Unlike a horse show, these competitors are judged not only on a final test of skill, but the means to the end result. The goal of Road to the Horse is to teach horsemen and women that natural horsemanship is a kinder, gentler way of working with horses.

Road to the Horse enjoys the support of corporate partners such as the American Quarter Horse Association, Ram Trucks, Wrangler, Martin Saddlery, Gist Silversmiths, W-W Livestock, Nutrena, the Four Sixes Ranch and Long Branch Lakes Property Development, along with other more than 20 othervalued industry products and services. To learn more, go to www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325.736.5000.
 
-RTTH-

Lexington, KY - February 28, 2012 - The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are pleased to announce that their first week of competition, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show CSI3*, May 9-13, 2012, has been designated by USEF as a 2012 US Show Jumping Team Observation Event.

The jumper highlights in the Rolex Stadium during the first week will include the $35,000 Welcome Cup on May 9th. This will be followed on Friday, May 11th by the $50,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic and on Sunday, May 13th by the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix. These two major competitions are Observation Events for the US Show Jumping Team.   Following the US Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in Wellington, FL in March, riders named to the long list must compete at two of the four designated observation events, one of which will be the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. In addition to the long listed riders many more top horse and rider combinations are expected to gather at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows to vie for the winning title in these challenging events.
 
Chef d'Equipe George Morris commented, "I think that Kentucky is a premiere facility, they have hosted trials before, they know how to do it. It's a lovely time of year, great footing, so it has to be a hit. The whole area is very horse friendly and very natural."
 
Mark Leone is also a member of the Selection Committee, and will be attending the Kentucky Spring Horse Show to observe the long listed riders. "Hosting the Observations at Kentucky is an excellent choice for our horses and riders," he said. "It's a top international facility, especially after having the World Equestrian Games there. We are trying to determine that type of championship quality horse, so it's a perfect venue to solidify our candidates for London."
 
In addition to the three major jumper classes during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, the competition will continue with the Kentucky Spring Classic CSI2* held May 16-20, 2012. The $32,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic will be held on Thursday, May 17 as riders try to accumulate valuable points for the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus. On Saturday, May 19, riders will compete under the lights in the Rolex Stadium during the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington.
 
Each year, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show boasts high-level grand prix action, as well as the nation's top hunters with a USHJA International Hunter Derby. New highlights during this year's events will include the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series with Leading Hunter Rider Bonus. The Kentucky Spring Classic will also be a WCHR Member event, where riders can earn points towards year-end awards.

While competing at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, exhibitors and their families can also explore downtown Lexington, which features fine dining and shopping. The beautiful Lexington area offers numerous hotel accommodations near the horse show facilities and the main downtown area.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit  www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
 
 

Photo Credit: Kent Farrington and Uceko won the 2011 $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.
 
KENTUCKY HORSE SHOWS 2012 HORSE SHOW SERIES FAST FACTS

Events: 2012 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2012 series includes two weeks of top competition during the month of May. These premier hunter/jumper competitions feature a USEF 5* Jumper Rating and a "AA" Hunter rating. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. Home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW CSI3* - May 9-13, 2012

$35,000 Welcome Cup
$50,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic(US Show Jumping Team Observation Event) $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix(US Show Jumping Team Observation Event)
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby    
KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC CSI2* - May 16-20, 2012
$32,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington
WCHR recognized hunter competition
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2012) The Kentucky Horse Park is pleased to announce a new state-wide horse grooming contest to be held on March 31.

The contest will to provide 4-H Clubs, Future Farmers of America, United States Pony Clubs, and other youth groups an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work together in a safe and humane manner to groom and prepare horses for showing. Both senior and junior divisions will be offered, and champion and reserve champion awards will be given.

Participants will need to dust off their grooming supplies and get in groom-ready shape. The Kentucky Horse Park will provide the horses, and park staff will make sure the animals are all in need of a good grooming before the contest.

Teams of three will be assigned a horse and then given 30 minutes to brush, dust, detangle and polish their way to the champion groom team honors. The contest also will include a written test on general horse knowledge as well as a showmanship class at the end of the day, to show off all of the polished ponies.

This is sure to be good, “clean” family fun and a great opportunity to kick off the summer show season, which is just around the corner.

For complete details and a registration packet, please contact Sheila Forbes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 859-233-4305.

Written by: Kenneth Kraus/ PhelpsSports.com.
Client: Alltech National Horse Show
Release Date: 2011-12-14

Lexington, KY – December 14, 2011 - - Following an amazingly successful debut this year, the second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is set for October 31 through November 4, 2012. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, closed with great excitement, receiving unanimous approval from the horse show community. The Show was a great success with the thousands of attendees, in addition to nearly half a million viewers who watched the events unfold online.

More than 560 horses and 350 riders from nine countries, including nine Olympic veterans, competed this year, and according to Mason Phelps, Jr., the President of the National Horse Show Association, next year’s show will build on the excitement of the 2011 debut. “We couldn’t have been happier with our first year effort in Kentucky. But, that being said, we are already working on a bigger and better event for next year,” he said. “We expect bigger prize money, we’ve already added an extra competition day and the American Saddlebreds will return to the Alltech National Horse Show next year. So we are very excited about what lies ahead.”

The show’s debut this year will go down in the record books as one of the most successful in the history of equestrian events in the United States.

“The Alltech Arena is an ideal location for the National Horse Show, it is perfect for all the horsemen and horses, and it really captured the feel of Madison Square Garden,” noted legendary horseman George Morris after attending this year’s show. “The Alltech National Horse Show has brought back class, something that has been lacking in horse shows today.”

Next year’s show, scheduled for October 31 through November 4th, will build on the success generated during this inaugural run.

“It’s been fantastic. It’s been amazing. It’s been wonderful,” agreed Alltech President and Founder Dr. Pearse Lyons. “This inaugural event was a good beginning, but it was only the beginning. This show will continue to grow and next time around the city of Lexington will embrace this show more and we, in fact, will go all out to create a super experience for all who attend.”

“We hope that everyone will mark their calendars for next year,” added Phelps. “With what we learned during our first year, I can promise you that the Alltech National Horse Show in 2012 will prove to be an amazing event.”

Photos above:  (Top) Kent Farrington on Up Chiqui in 2011 Alltech National Horse Show; (Bottom) National Horse Show Association President Mason Phelps, Jr. and Dr. Pearse Lyons, President and Founder of Alltech. ©Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com.

Thoroughbred Horse Show Association Created to Provide Opportunities for Thoroughbreds beginning Show Careers

Lexington, KY –  A group of Central Kentuckians interested in creating opportunities to showcase the talent and competitive spirit of Thoroughbreds off the racetrack has created the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association. The association is working to develop shows exclusively for Thoroughbreds to give them valuable show experience while helping rescue organizations place Thoroughbreds in new homes. THSA members will be able to follow these horses in the shows because the horses must be entered using their registered names with The Jockey Club. 

“Adopting Thoroughbreds after they race is a significant issue and will become even more important if race-day medication is ended and additional racehorses need to find second careers,” said THSA founder Jan Roehl of Lexington. “Our logo of a horse jumping out of a paddock symbolizes these horses are not ready to retire.”

Shows are geared for Thoroughbreds just starting their show careers with entry-level divisions in multiple disciplines, including dressage, combined training, hunter/jumper, suitability for hunting and competitive trail riding. THSA already has scheduled shows in 2012 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for April 14-15 and October 6-7, and is working with rescue organizations and others to hold additional shows next year.

“Thoroughbreds off the track make very talented show horses, but they first need experience to develop their abilities and be seen by trainers who can take them to the next level,” said Roehl, who has spent much of her life working with Thoroughbreds in the show ring and on the racetrack.

Because Thoroughbreds that compete in THSA or affiliated shows must be entered using their registered name with The Jockey Club, THSA members will be able to follow the second careers of horses they admired at the racetrack.

“This is a great feature of THSA membership,” Roehl said. “Many of us would like to keep up with horses after their racing careers end and they become show horses. More often than not, Thoroughbreds off the track don't show under their registered names, so there hasn't been an easy way to follow them.”

Roehl said THSA is a membership-driven community designed to connect Thoroughbred owners to a large group of like-minded people who care about the future of these horses. The association's annual membership of $300 will finance shows and promote Thoroughbred adoption. THSA has launched a website at http://tbhorseshow.org where people may learn more and join the association.

Joining Roehl in THSA is John Prather, a veteran event coordinator and manager. Prather is a board member for Equestrian Events Inc., the governing body of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, and is on the board of Blue Grass Farms Charities. He was the main stadium manager at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information, contact Jan Roehl at (859) 421-8710 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Note:  Photo above of Party Leader, a retired Thoroughbred in retraining for a second career at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Show your support at the Alltech National Horse Show!

Kentucky Fall Classic Saddlebred Show

Lexington, KY - September 30, 2011 - Nine Olympic veterans, including four gold medalists highlight the talented roster of riders scheduled to compete at this year's Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2 - 6, 2011.

This year's debut event in Kentucky, designated a CSI-W 4*, will feature a big money Open Jumper division with over $370,000 in prize money, including the main event, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifier, on Saturday night. All in all, over $600,000 in prize money is up for grabs in November. "That brings this show on par or better than any show in North America, or any indoor show anywhere in the world," noted show manager Hugh Kincannon.

American Olympians McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Joe Fargis, Margie Engle and Todd Minikus will lead a stellar field of riders, representing eight different nations at this year's show.

Currently ranked number two in the Rolex World Rankings, two-time Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward will be joined by his Athens and Hong Kong teammate Laura Kraut. Joining this dynamic duo is veteran rider Joe Fargis who secured Olympic Gold in Los Angeles in 1984. Margie Engle and Lauren Hough, members of the United States Olympic team at Sydney, Australia are also scheduled to compete in Lexington.

Engle and Ward are currently ranked one-two on the list of all time grand prix wins in North America.

Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa, the Individual Gold medalist at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, leads the international list that also includes Nick Skelton, a six-time Olympic veteran for his home country of Great Britain. Pessoa is a three-time World Cup Champion, while Skelton, also a former World Cup Champion, has won Gold at the European Championships and just last month narrowly missed a second Gold, but took home the Bronze in this year's event.

Adding to the international flavor of this year's show are Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, Pablo Barrios of Venezuela, Ireland's Shane Sweetnam, Richard Maloney and Jonathan McCrea and a strong contingent from Great Britain that includes Skelton, and up and coming stars, Scott Brash and Ben Maher. Barrios has represented his country at the Olympic Games, while Sweetnam, Maher and Brash have all just completed a very successful summer on this year's FEI Nations Cup tour.

The national roster of top rider includes top competitors Kent Farrington, Charlie Jayne, Christine McCrea, Richard Spooner and Ashlee Bond, all members of the United States FEI Nations Cup efforts over the past two seasons. Spooner is among the top five in all-time grand prix victories.

The stars of the future will be well represented at this year's Alltech National Horse Show. Led by Katie Dinan, the Individual Gold Medalist at this year's North American Young Riders Championships in Lexington, the roster also includes Young Rider Team Gold Medalists Lucy Davis and Saer Coulter of California and Reed Kessler, one of the country's top junior riders, with multiple wins on the highly competitive European circuit this summer. Joining the group is Brianne Goutal a former ASPCA Maclay national champion, and Kirsten Coe, a World Cup qualifier winner in California just a couple of weeks ago.

All in all, thirty-five of the world's best show jumpers will take center stage when the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, gets underway on November 2 - 6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

This year's show, designated CSI4*-W, will feature a complete schedule of 'AA'-rated hunter divisions, including the Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter section. Also on the agenda, a big money Open Jumper division highlighted by the Sasco Creek Farm $50,000 Welcome Speed Class, the $75,000 Double H Farms Thursday's Jump-Off class, the $60,000 Spy Coast Farm Faults Converted Speed class on Friday and of course, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifying event. $100,000 will be up for grabs for the Junior and Amateur Jumper divisions, including the $50,000 SJHOF Junior/Amateur Championships, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, Chansonette and Deeridge Farm. The final Sunday is highlighted by the signature event of the National Horse Show, the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, presented by C.M. Hadfield's Saddlery.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America's oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association's primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.