The North American Riders Group (NARG) has released its report of the Top 25 Horse Shows of 2012, its third annual report, and three of those shows are held at the Kentucky Horse Park each year - the Alltech National Horse Show, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, and the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. The Kentucky Horse Park, once again, hosted more Top 25 shows on the list than any other facility in North America.

“We are proud that the Kentucky Horse Park facilities lend to the success of the three horse shows selected on the NARG Top 25 list,” said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “To be counted among the best facilities on the continent, hosting the best shows in North America, truly validates the hard work of the many people who have served in leadership and support positions at the park over the past 35 years of our development.”

The North American Riders Group is an advocacy group, representing the riders, owners and trainers in North America that was formed with the goal of improving the sport of show jumping, and is composed of top horsemen from the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the report of the NARG Top 25 Horse Shows of 2012, the group stated, “This effort, albeit evolving, has created a mirror in which top equestrian events can reflect on what is important to us, how to improve and whether they truly seek to be a Top 25 event. And this year is proof that those who aspire to be great are willing to look, listen and improve.”

The Alltech National Horse Show, which showed at the Kentucky Horse Park in October 2012 in just its second year in Kentucky, is second for any American horse show, and achieved an overall rating of fourth among all horse shows in North America on the NARG list. Known as America’s oldest indoor horse show, the National Horse Show originally started in Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1883 and eventually moved to Lexington in 2011.

According to the NARG report, “With all the ingredients of a fabulous equestrian event, a perfect score is within reach for The Alltech National Horse Show. First and foremost, the show has one of the sport’s top sponsors in its title.” The report indicated that the location in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena gave the event “the ability to host a tremendous indoor affair within its walls – from show jumping to shopping to fine dining and fabulous parties.”
The report continued, “The prize money offered is the best of any indoor show in North America. Excellent footing and top course design mixed with a solid turnout of international competitors resulted in great sport.”

The Alltech National Horse Show awarded more than $600,000 in prize money in 2012. The third edition of the Alltech Nationals will take place Oct. 29-Nov. 3, 2013, in the Alltech Arena.

Earning an overall ranking of eight on the NARG report, up five spots from 2011, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows is a series of hunter jumper shows held back-to-back for two weeks in May. The Kentucky Spring Horse Show and the Kentucky Spring Classic have been held at the park for more than 20 years, and utilize the park’s Rolex Stadium, Covered Arena, Hunter Jumper Complex and other facilities.

According to the NARG report, “The Kentucky Spring Shows continue to climb up in the ranks. Scoring just below 70 two years ago, improvements made last year earned a 74. Raising the bar in 2012 resulted in an 83 and the eighth spot.” The report explained that the show took on the responsibility of becoming an Olympic Observation Event and secured a higher competition rating, a CSI3*, which increased the show’s importance and expenses.

The report continued, “The effort to entertain as well as produce great sport did not go unnoticed. The evenings began with exhibitions and the course was beautifully designed with recognizable WEG (World Equestrian Games) jumps and also new custom-built jumps for this event. Other noticeable improvements included a conveniently located food facility by the Rolex Stadium in-gate and improved FEI (International Equestrian Federation) stabling with a large grazing area.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will be held May 8-12, 2013 and the Kentucky Spring Classic will be held May 15-19, 2013. Produced by the same management group, the Kentucky Summer Horse Show will be held July 24-28, 2013 and the Kentucky Summer Classic will be held July 31-Aug. 4, 2013.

With an overall ranking of 18 on the NARG report, the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) is a relatively new event the park was able to attract and accommodate because of the Alltech Arena and Rolex Stadium. Held at the park since 2009, NAJYRC is the highest level competition for qualified young riders in North America to compete in the FEI disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Reining in a challenging Nations Cup format.

According to the NARG report, “The Kentucky Horse Park sits on 1,200 acres, with multiple arenas, a world-class cross country course and fantastic footing. The best attribute of this championship event, and the main reason it earns a good score, is the world-class venue, specifically the Rolex Arena. The courses are challenging and the jumps beautiful. Aside from some hot summer weather, it is a magnificent setting.”

The next Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships will be held July 17-21, 2013, and will utilize the Alltech Arena, Rolex Stadium, Covered Arena, Hunter Jumper Complex, Walnut Ring and other facilities.

The North American Riders Group developed the Top 25 ranking system to establish a clear measure of excellence among North America’s horse shows so as to evaluate them fairly so that they could be considered world class. According to the report, “From the sport perspective, NARG aims to have Global Champions, Olympic Gold Medalists, Nations Cup victories and more winners of FEI World Cup Finals. Our continent needs to support these goals by offering world class events where riders from the United States, Canada and Mexico can achieve results through top notch competition, course design and prize money in well-groomed arenas and fields.”

A copy of the full Top 25 Horse Shows of 2012 report is available at www.NARG.org.

Lexington, KY - June 19, 2012 -  The Alltech National Horse Show, scheduled for October 30 through November 4, 2012 at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park announced today that the show's new website has officially launched at www.AlltechNationalHorseShow.com.  
 
The site will be a one-stop source for all of the news and vital up-to-date information for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, officials and for all fans of equestrian sport.
 
The prize list for this year's show will also be available at www.AlltechNationalHorseShow.com.
 
The new website features important exhibitor information, including all of the details regarding the ASPCA Maclay National Finals. Also, look for essential information regarding vendors, Taylor Harris Club table sales, program advertising and much more.
 
In addition, a link will send visitors to the highly popular Alltech National Horse Show merchandise store, featuring all of the latest gear and souvenirs.
 
Scheduling details, directions to and from the ANHS Horse Show, hotel lists, sponsorship and sponsor links, press releases, who's who at the ANHS and links to comprehensive information about the venue at the Kentucky Horse Park are also available at: www.AlltechNationalHorseShow.com.
 
The new website also offers visitors a link will take them back in time and a chance to read up on the long and glorious history of the National Horse Show.
 
The 2012 Alltech National Horse Show takes center stage on October 30 through November 4, 2012 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to the top rated hunters and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, the show features world-class international, open, junior and amateur-owner jumpers competing for the biggest prize money on the United States indoor tour.
 
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.
 
 
 
Photo Credit: Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui competing at last year's Alltech National Horse Show. Photo ©Shawn McMillen This photograph may only be used in relation to this PMG press release.
 
 
2012 Alltech National Horse Show - Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a weeklong championship event featuring "AA"-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 30 through November 4, 2012, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website:  www.AlltechNationalHorseShow.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors  - Matt Morrissey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales - Kiki Umla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 904-607-5541
Advertising - Steve Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 310 403-2110
Sponsorship - Mason Phelps at  mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.comor 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) - 859 - 233-0512 - Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT - 859 -977-5870 - Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON - 859-259-1311 - Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA - 859-231-7551 - Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN - 859-231-0232 - Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES - 859-455-5000 - Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE - 859-231-5100 - Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN - 859-231-6191 - Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT - 859-253-4646 - Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN - 502-570-0220 - Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN - 859-299-1261 - Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN - 859-293-2626 - Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN - 502-867-4888 - Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT - 502-863-4888 - Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES - 502-868-8000 - Approximately 6 miles
 
For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit:
www.visitlex.com and  www.georgetownky.com

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com
 
Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     
ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:  Katie Gehrt
North American PR and Advertising Manager
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky
Telephone: (859) 881-3589
Mobile: (859) 553-6312
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web site : www.alltech.com

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:    
Re: News and Information:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.phelpsmediagroup.com     
 
Re: Media Credentialing:
Classic Communications
38 Mechanic Street - Suite 101
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-698-6810 (phone)
508-698-6811 (fax)  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    www.classic-communications.com

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.

Written by: Rebecca Walton
Client: Kentucky Horse Shows LLC
Release Date: 2011-12-12

Lexington, KY – December 12, 2011 – On December 6, 2011, Hugh Kincannon of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was recognized at the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. Kincannon received the President’s Distinguished Service Award for his management of USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, the USEF Pony Finals, and the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. The USHJA presented the award to Kincannon for his dedication to these events, and his efforts to always go above and beyond to make them a success.

In 2006, USHJA created a new award category, the USHJA President's Distinguished Service Awards. These awards were developed by the President and staff to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members to USHJA and our sport. The staff and President reviewed the programs of USHJA, as well as the work involved in developing and implementing them, and those individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to bring our sport to a new level and to benefit our membership.

These awards are presented annually at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. The recipients of these awards remain a surprise until the night of the presentations. Kincannon was not able to attend the event and Marion Maybank accepted the award on his behalf.

“Receiving this award is very gratifying,” noted Kincannon. “We’re very happy to have the opportunity to be involved with those very special events. A large part of it is the fact that we have the best place to do those events, the Kentucky Horse Park. I think it’s a combination of many factors that makes my job so much easier. It includes my talented staff, the facility, and the cooperation of the groups for whom we are producing those events.”

Kincannon is the founder of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, one of the leading horse show management companies in the nation, and is pleased to announce the dates for the 2012 horse show season. Featuring “AA”-rated hunter/jumper competition throughout the spring and summer at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, these events draw the country’s top horse and rider combinations each year.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Photo Credit: Hugh Kincannon received the USHJA’s President’s Distinguished Service Award. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

Lexington, KY - October 12, 2011 - The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, set for its exiting debut at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2 - 6, 2011, will be hosting some of the horse industry's most sought after vendors at the Alltech Arena. Retail booths will be set up around the arena featuring 25 vendors specializing in fine and equestrian jewelry, souvenirs from the Alltech National Horse Show, ladies boutiques, art galleries and many more entrepreneurial venues.

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.

Matt Morrissey, the Vendor Manager, believes that the retailers will have the opportunity for huge success. "With the amount of horses and entries the horse show has received this year, and the classes being entirely filled, I am expecting a large amount of traffic and a great turnout for the horse show and for shopping."

For those with an addiction to shopping, the booths will be arranged in a way that makes them easy to find and easy to access. Each booth will have a designated area around the Alltech Arena concourse, giving both exhibitors and spectators a chance to peruse the merchandise.

"It was actually astounding how large of a response we had to the vendor spots this year," said Morrissey. "Most of the vendors received the mailing we sent out with an invitation e-mail, the response was overwhelming. We have already filled all of the slots, and have a large amount of people on the waiting list. We have even had to tell a few people that there just isn't room, it's really fantastic!"

  Cindy Hadfield, owner of C. M. Hadfield's Saddlery, will have her mobile tack shop located outside of the Indoor Arena. Cindy began riding as a child, was "bitten by the bug," and has remained involved in the horse industry ever since, founding C. M. Hadfield's Saddlery in 1978. A presence on the horse show circuit for many years, C. M. Hadfield's will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championship and is also the Exclusive Mobile Tack Shop of the Alltech National Horse Show. "I think that Alltech's generous involvement in this event is absolutely wonderful, and I wish great success to Mason Phelps and all of the people involved," said Hadfield. "I hope that everybody has a great time and enjoys the show."

C. M. Hadfield's Saddlery will be showcasing their new, 53-ft. trailer that made its debut earlier this year. Designed by Cindy herself, the mobile store boasts over 1,000 square feet of elegantly-appointed retail space and offers an expansive inventory of fine English riding apparel and equipment, including H adfield's own product lines: the Cynthia Munro Clothing Collection, featuring hunt coats, shirts and breeches; and the Hadfield Bridleworks Ltd. line of bridles and tack accessories crafted in Hadfield's own English factory. Hadfield's also offers high quality sportswear, rainwear and unique accessory items, as well as custom fittings for both horse and rider. Added Hadfield, "I welcome everyone to visit our new store and hope that they will enjoy shopping with us as much as I enjoyed designing it and putting it together."

Located inside the Alltech Arena, along the concourse, will be custom saddle makers such as Stackhouse Saddlemakers and CWD USA. These booths will feature top-of-the-line saddles made to the consumer's exact specifications.

Five of the vendors featured at the Alltech National Horse Show will specialize in fine jewelry, including the well-known Fox Run Ltd. with Ed Infusino. Not only does Fox Run have a concentration in fine jewelry, but Infusino also sells many pieces that are considered equestrian as well. The horse show circuit is nothing new to Infusino. He has been a vendor at the National Horse Show for 19 years, dating back to the days of Meadowland and Madison Square Garden. After closing the doors to his family jewelry store in 1984, he decided to take his knowledge of horses and the equine industry and put them to good use, in the form of his fine jewelry.

"I started out running the family business as a fine jeweler and then after I started showing in 1979, I got into have equestrian jewelry and brought it with me to my shows," said Infusino. "In doing equestrian jewelry along with fine jewelry, I have grown to develop some very high expectations because this is a very select group. I understand the clientele and the people who come to the horse shows, they are a very unique group and I think the Alltech facility is a perfect fit."

Infusino actually made a special trip to Lexington, KY, when he heard that the Alltech National Horse Show was taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park. "I had never been to the Kentucky Horse Park or even Lexington, but my customers had raved about it for years," Infusino admitted. "Honestly, the facility blew me away and I realized what everyone was talking about. The Indoor Arena is an excellent facility for the National Horse Show. I was astounded by how truly horse-friendly the venue is," Infusino said. "I can really see this show having a home in Kentucky, it's in a facility that welcomes equestrians and is very convenient."

Other jewelers featured at the Alltech National Horse Show include Bennett Fine Jewelry, Corbett Frame Jewelers, Erez LLC's coin jewelry, Stern Design Works and the official jeweler of the Grand Prix, Vandermoore. The varying styles and designs are sure to catch shoppers' attention as they peruse the merchandise and find those perfect pieces their accessories collection may have been missing. In the situation that their dog needs a little more variety in their collars, Lisa Welch Designs will be more than happy to provide from her array of dog jewelry and designs.

The White Horse Gallery will feature equestrian décor and jewelry with many of their gifts starting at under $20, the perfect souvenirs to remember the Alltech National Horse Show, accented with an artistic flair. Ouisha McKinney with Ouisha Designs will provide the artistic touch to many hand-painted equestrian gifts and equestrian themed collectibles.

There will also be several prestigious boutiques located throughout the Alltech Arena. The local Kentucky based fur boutique, Embry's, will showcase their high-quality furs just in time for the cool weather and cocktail parties to grace the Alltech National Horse Show. Gretchen Hunt, a woman well-known for her boutique that travels the horse show circuit regularly, will have cashmere sweaters, jeans and designer blouses at the popular Hunt Ltd. Equine Impressions will feature their equine inspired fashion at their booth with numerous designs. Hats by Katie will also appear as a vendor this year, showcasing the eloquent and unique hats worn for many of the equestrian events.

Art enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy themselves with Procaccio Studio. Robert Casterline will have numerous pieces of art displayed during the horse show. The gallery will feature both equine and non-equine artwork alike, providing a variety of different pieces.

Along with the many vendors this year, the Equus Foundation and the ASPCA will have booths, offering them an opportunity to fundraise for their wonderfully worthwhile causes. As an initiative to help fund global water sanitization projects, there will be a charity present amongst the fundraising booths under the name, Clear Rounds for Clean Water. They are a nonprofit corporation that raises money through equestrian events for worldwide water projects. Since it's beginning in 2009, CRforCW has been able to help fund water and sanitation projects in Northern Uganda, Honduras and Southern India. All funds from donations and sales of our merchandise goes directly into their 2011 project with Dr. Jeremy Penner in Remba Island, Kenya. The non-profit organization will sell shirts and a line of jewelry with their logo on it as a way of raising money for their global projects. If people donate to their cause, they will be able to receive private label wine adorned with beautiful equine artwork.

"Every single dime we take in at that booth goes directly to water projects somewhere in the world," said founder and executive director of Clear Rounds for Clean Water, JoJo White. "It is a great cause and we are so happy to be able to make a difference at such a prestigious event. I'm really hoping and praying that this show is going to be knocked right out the ballpark, I really think it is going to be something spectacular."

Several equine equipment and service companies will extend their products and knowledge such as Lucas Equine Equipment and Dandy Products, Inc. There will be products from animal padding and footing, custom promotional products, premium corporate gifts and staffing apparel programs.

In the situation that exhibitors or spectators need to make a dry cleaners run or simply get some laundry done, Josey's Laundry will right outside the Alltech Arena to provide assistance. Josey's Laundry offers a quick turn around on clothes, saddle pads, leg wraps, towels, blankets and anything else that needs washing. 

The south side of the concourse will fondly be called the "Alltech Experience," where the Kentucky Horse Park and Alltech will provide Alltech National Horse Show souvenirs through All Pro Merchandise, a full line of Alltech products including the LIFEFORCE supplement and numerous feed partners such as Canidae/Equidae, Direct Action Company (DAC), Ritchie Feeds, Southern States, Tribute and Triple Crown.

"With such a variety of vendors and quality products, we are looking extremely forward to the outcome. I think that the Alltech National Horse Show is going to be more successful than we could ever imagine," Morrissey concluded. 

For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.Photo Credits: Alltech Arena photo courtesy of the Alltech National Horse Show. C.M. Hadfield's Saddlery trailer and interior design photographs courtesy of Cindy Hadfield. Clear Rounds for Clean Water wine label image courtesy of JoJo White/Clear Rounds for Clean Water.

International recording artist, Ronan Tynan of the Irish Tenors, will be the featured performer at the Black Tie Gala to launch the Alltech National Horse Show, on Tuesday, Nov 1.

This will be a great opportunity to hear a world-class tenor and support a very worthy cause -- all proceeds benefit the Kentucky Equine Humane Center! 

More information

Take a 6-minute
video tour of the Alltech Arena, as the Kentucky Horse Park prepares to host the Alltech National Horse Show, Nov 2-6.  Narrated by John Nicholson, executive director of the park.  Brought to you by Ky Forward.

Photo by Craig Brown

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.

Lexington, KY - September 21, 2011 - Similar to the call center Alltech ran before last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, a hotline is now open to answer any questions regarding the Alltech National Horse Show taking place November 2-6.

Eager to assist with any questions the public has about the Alltech National Horse Show, Alltech has opened a toll-free call in number answered by live, local staffers who can assist callers with information on the venue, tickets, charity involvement, parking, hotels, and more. The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (EST). The number to reach the call center is 1-855-255-ANHS (1-855-255-2647).

Personnel may also assist callers with the ticket ordering process. There are nine ticketed events during the five days of the event, all taking place at the Alltech Arena in the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Alltech received an overwhelmingly positive response to the call service established for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and we knew that this was a service that would once again be beneficial for the Alltech National Horse Show.  Our goal is to make the process of purchasing tickets as convenient for the customer as possible," said Jonathan Lang, promotions manager at Alltech.

Alltech National Horse Show tickets, ranging from $10-$30, are on sale and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Fifty percent of each ticket sold benefits certain local and national charities. Parking at the Kentucky Horse Park is free.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from 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.