The goal of the Asbury Universitiy Police Mounts is to produce safe, reliable horses ready for active police duty. To achieve this goal, Asbury University students put each horse through several stages of training starting as weanlings.

Their Sensory Training involves a process of desensitizing the horses to external stimuli, and sensitizing to the cues of the handler/rider. The result is a horse and rider relationship built on trust.

Students and horses-in-training will perform demonstrations in our Horses of the World presentations each day for park visitors

Some departments that utilize Asbury Police Mount "graduates":
-Omaha Police Mounted Patrol, NE
-Lexington Mounted Police, KY
-US Park Police, Washington DC
-Atlanta Mounted Police, GA
-Polk County Sheriff, NC
-The Kentucky Horse Park Police- Officer Foster's partner, Dinero, graduated from their program last year

For more information on the Asbury University Police Mounts:
Website: www.asburypolicemounts.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asbury-University-Police-Mounts/142013192584408
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/palisadesfarm?feature=guide

May 16, 2012

Lexington, KY- Calling all pony lovers, it’s your time to shine in the latest exhibit at the Wheeler Museum, located in the USHJA Headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The exhibit, Ponies Through the Decades pays homage to a vital part of both the sport of horse showing itself, and the people and ponies throughout history, who have influenced us all.

A special opening reception hosted by USHJA was held on May 15th and officially debuted memorabilia from some of history’s most revered pony athletes such as, Midget, a 12.3 hand grey mare owned by Nancy Baroody. This pair is one of the most successful teams on record, having won the American Horse Show Association’s (now USEF) most coveted Horse of the Year Award four consecutive years- 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, and during this era were the highest scoring junior horse or pony in the history of the AHSA awards. Nancy has donated much of Midget’s legacy to the exhibit and shared her insight on the exhibit, “I’m so happy that I can share her legacy with everyone, because from an educational and a historical standpoint this era really was the beginning of the sport with the ponies and it [the exhibit] really shows people how the sport began with these ponies. The attire and the kind of appointments we used. I’m hoping people can see the perspective of it all-where we’ve come from and where we are today.”.

Ponies Through the Decades presents the pictures, ribbons, coolers, and trophies that these special and often famous ponies have been awarded. Among these treasures guests will learn about Gremlin’s Delight, the little mare that Marguerite Taylor-Jones purchased from Farnely Farm for the then three year-old daughter Marianne. Gremlin would become a champion at events nationwide and in 1961, partnered with Sally Todd produce a perfect score over fences to take the win at the International Pony Team competition held on the grounds of Windsor Castle in England.  Gremlin went on to become the foundation broodmare for the highly respected Taylor Made Ponies breeding program. Many of the mare’s prodigies, such as Dresden and Swan Song inherited her championship qualities and continue to be celebrated among the greatest equine athletes. Throughout this exhibit are mementos capturing the Taylor Made Ponies glorious history and influence in our sport.

“Working with the Wheeler Museum Committee to put together the Ponies Through the Decades exhibit really made me understand the importance of our museum in preserving and keeping alive the history of our sport. In the process of putting this exhibit together we built connections with so many individuals who are passionate about our sport and were so excited to have the opportunity to share their memories of special ponies with us, tell us how the Taylor Made line of ponies came about, remind us of the days when ponies and horses competed head to head at the National Horse Show, share their experiences traveling as a team member to represent the US at the  International Pony Hunter Competitions and so much more.  We have a responsibility and opportunity with the Wheeler Museum to make sure that those new to our sport are aware of its history and I feel that this exhibit has propelled us forward toward achieving that goal.”  Shelby French, CEO USHJA said.

The pony loving public is invited to visit and learn how many of our most accomplished riders today started out as pony riders, and take a look at how history has evolved with regard to ponies and their special place in our sport. Grandparents and parents alike, who are horsemen and horsewomen themselves, can both reminisce and share memories. Spectacular sterling silver goblets, gorgeous ribbon displays, specially created Breyer® horses, wardrobe items, and exquisite retired trophies from such prestigious shows as Devon, will be just a few of the items on display. The exhibit opened May 15th at the Wheeler Museum and will continue until September 23rd.

For more information on the Ponies Through the Decades exhibit please contact Shelby French at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 859.225.6701.

Dancing horses, summer evening, outdoor dining.... sound irresistible?

Then join us for "Party at the Park" presented by the Kentucky Dressage Association and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, May 26 at the Rolex Stadium to watch FEI and CDI*** Dressage Freestyle.

Doors open at 5:30. $10 for adults; children 12 and under admitted free of charge.

www.kentuckydressageassociation.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Mary Simons (859)533 8055

SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Spring Moneigh® - ReRun - eBay® Auction – “Homage to the Triple Crown/Triple Tiara Participants and Rising Stars”, hosted by Thoroughbred legends Cigar and Storm Cat.
May 27 – June 3, 2012
www.ebay.com  search word Moneigh

A Moneigh® is an original, abstract painting, made by a horse, using whiskers, muzzle, tail, hoof, or paintbrush.

From May 27 to June 3, some of horse racing’s biggest names will show off their artistic talent when their paintings will be auctioned on eBay ® to raise funds for ReRun, Inc., a Thoroughbred retraining and adoption charity.

In addition to Cigar and Storm Cat, featured artists will include Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes winners.

The Kentucky Horse Park is proud of the creative talent shown by Cigar along with 2 other Hall of Champion residents:

Go For Gin won the 1994 KY Derby and was 2nd in the Preakness and Belmont. He currently is the oldest living KY Derby winner.

Funny Cide won the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness and was 3rd in the Belmont.

For more information, please contact Mary Simons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to www.rerun.org.

Laura Klumb
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
859-255-5727
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Toyota Donating 100 Cars to 100 Nonprofits in 100 Days – Public to Choose the Winners on Facebook. Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Needs Toyota Tundra Truck to Help Care for Park’s Horses and Maintain the Park

Lexington, Kentucky – May 9, 2012 – The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation announced today that it has been selected as one of 500 nonprofit finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, a major philanthropic initiative in which the automaker is giving 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days.  The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was selected as a finalist from more than 4,000 applications nationwide.

Each day, beginning May 14, 2012, 100 Cars for Good will profile five finalists at www.100carsforgood.com.    Individual members of the public will be able to vote for whichever nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle.  The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day will win one of six Toyota models.  Runners-up will each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will be up for consideration on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. EDT to 11:59 p.m. EDT. 

"Everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park is thrilled that the Foundation has been selected as a finalist for the 2012 100 Cars for Good program," said Laura Klumb, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.  "We’re grateful for this incredible opportunity to showcase the Kentucky Horse Park and hopefully win a new truck for the park!  We hope everyone will help us spread the word now and, of course, will make time to visit www.100carsforgood.com on Sunday, May 20, to vote for us.  A new truck would really be a game changer for our ability to care for the 130 horses living at the park and keep our park looking beautiful for our 1 million annual guests."

"At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits nationwide," noted Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.  "Toyota has donated more than half a billion dollars to nonprofits across the U.S. over the past 20 years, and 100 Cars for Good allows us to expand that commitment to local communities in important new ways.  The 500 finalists are an extraordinary group, and we look forward to the public learning more about them."

100 Cars for Good is the first initiative to directly engage the public to determine how Toyota’s philanthropic donations are awarded.  

For more information on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and its efforts to win one of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good, please visit the Kentucky Horse Park’s website at www.kyhorsepark.com.  You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter at https://www.facebook.com/kyhorsepark  or http://twitter.com/#!/KyHorsePark. For complete information on 100 Cars for Good and profiles of all 500 finalists, please visit www.100carsforgood.com.  

Local residents are encouraged to support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and its quest for a new Toyota Tundra truck. If the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, it will be used daily at the park to take feed and hay to the 130 horses living on its over 1200 acres, to repair and maintain the park’s 33 miles of white fences, and keep the park’s grounds safe and beautiful for the guests visiting year-round.

A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

About the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 825,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2011. The park is home to the National Horse Center which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations.  Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is The place to get close to horses.  Open daily March 15 to Nov. 4, and Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 5 to March 15.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants in eight states. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design facilities. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals more than $23 billion.

Toyota is deeply committed to being a great community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, with a particular concentration on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs across the U.S.

For more information on Toyota, please visit www.toyota.com.  

About Toyota Financial Services (TFS)
TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota and Lexus in the U.S., offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust and extended service contracts and other payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). TFS employs 3,300 associates nationwide, and has managed assets totaling more than $91 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

CONTACT:  Jessica Oldham Stith, High Hope Steeplechase: 859-967-9444; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.          Website: www.highhopesteeplechase.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lexington, KY, Friday, May 11, 2011 – The 45th running of the High Hope Steeplechase returns to the Kentucky Horse Park this coming Sunday, May 20th.  

High Hope Steeplechase remains area horse lovers’ only chance to enjoy the beauty and excitement of live Steeplechase racing in a family fun ambience complete with activities and entertainment for all ages in a country fair setting. 

Be sure to join us this year as High Hope Steeplechase and the Susan G Komen Foundation team up for the inaugural running of the Sportswomen’s Challenge Race for the Cure. 

This will be a one mile flat race for lady riders and their trusted sport horses, each sponsored by and carrying the racing silks of many well-known local thoroughbred farms.  

In addition to four top-tier jump races worth a total of $70,000 in purses, High Hope Steeplechase Day will also features great fun for the entire family, including:

• Kids’ Playground and Activities – including the annual kids Stick Horse Derby, face painting, clowns and much more.
• Terrier Races
• Equine Demonstrations
• Tailgating
• Great Food and Arts and Craft booths. 

Also on High Hope Day… the 4rd running of the “Catch a Riding Star” flat race featuring student-jockeys currently enrolled in the North American Racing Academy. 

Launched in 2006 by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System under the guidance of Hall of Fame and two-time Kentucky Winning jockey Chris McCarron, NARA is now part of Bluegrass Community and Technical College. 

NARA Graduates have gone on to win over 750 races and have purse earnings of over $10 million.

McCarron and many of the students will be on hand when High Hope Steeplechase is previewed during the May 17th Thursday Night Live festival at the 5/3 Bank Pavilion in downtown Lexington (http://www.downtownlex.com/thursday-night-live-concerts). 

High Hope staff will also be on hand to sell tickets for High Hope day. 

Proceeds from High Hope Steeplechase day will benefit Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and, this year, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.  To date, High Hope Steeplechase has helped raise over $1.5 million for worthy causes.

Tickets Information:

Track Side Parking ($25) 
Park on the top side of the steeplechase course beside the rail. Includes admission for everyone in the car and a program. Tailgating invited. 
Box ($125)
A box for 8 people overlooking the finish to High Hope. Includes table and 8 chairs, admission and parking.
Member's Pavilion ($75 single $125 couple)
Buffet lunch, drinks & admission
Preferred Tailgating ($225 - 250)
Corporate Tent ($2000)
20' x 20' tent close to the finish line of High Hope - includes two 8' tables and 40 chairs. Admission for 40 people and preferred parking. Great way to entertain friends and clients.

For tickets, information or to volunteer please contact the High Hope Steeplechase office at (859) 967-9444; email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit us online at www.highhopesteeplechase.com.
 

Lexington, Ky (May 7, 2012) – She is every little girl’s dream -- the beautiful woman in the spotlight surrounded by a spellbinding herd of Arabian horses at liberty. Her name is Sylvia Zerbini, and she transforms liberty work into the ultimate equestrian performing art.

“I’ve been with horses my entire life. It’s in my blood,” says Sylvia, a ninth-generation performer who has captivated audiences throughout Europe, North America, and South America since her debut on stage at the age of 5.

“It’s about the bond,” explains Sylvia, who grew up around her family’s Lipizzaner, Arabian, and Spanish horses. Studying their behavior at rest and play became her equine classroom, inspiring Sylvia to adopt liberty as a chosen way of communicating with horses. “I listen to what they tell me,” remarks Sylvia, who uses only body positions and a handful of verbal cues to communicate with 8-10 horses on stage - one third of which are stallions.

Most recently the star of the acclaimed equestrian spectacle Cavalia (2008-2011), Sylvia’s gift for orchestrating nine Arabians at once in her mesmerizing "Grande Liberté" performance has earned accolades from widespread media ranging from the Los Angeles Times to CNN to Arabian Horse World. Now, The Pyramid Society and the Kentucky Horse Park are excited to welcome Sylvia Zerbini and "Grande Liberté" to the 2012 Egyptian Event, to be held June 4-9 at The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY!

“For over 40 years, The Pyramid Society has promoted the humane handling of horses at the Egyptian Event,” states Executive Director Anna Bishop, “Sylvia's "Grande Liberté" is a commanding example of how horses respond to abuse-free training.”

Zerbini’s critically-acclaimed performance will be open to the public and will kick off the action-packed Egyptian Event Championship Finals, beginning with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, in the Kentucky Horse Park Covered Arena.

“We’re absolutely anticipating large crowds for this one-of-a-kind show,” said Bishop. “Local spectators should make plans to arrive early to do a little shopping, get a drink, and find a great seat before the arena fills up!”

John Nicholson, Executive Director of The Kentucky Horse Park adds, “For three decades the Egyptian Event has been one of our most popular annual horse shows here at the park, so to have horses trained by Sylvia Zerbini performing for our guests will make this event even more enjoyable than ever. We really hope the public will attend and experience these Arabian horses with all their charm and exotic beauty. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience.”

General admission seating is free to the public during The Egyptian Event Finals night. Reserved Seating options are also available. Visit the Event website at www.TheEgyptianEvent.com or contact The Pyramid Society at 859-231-0771 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

MORE ABOUT SYLVIA ZERBINI

Born in Sarasota, Florida, Sylvia grew up with her parents on tour. Her father, was a wild animal trainer. Like her mother, a famous trapeze artist, Sylvia took to the air as a girl, but horses were her true passion. At an age when most teens get a driver’s license, Sylvia was professionally training and performing with liberty horses. Sylvia calls the horses themselves her greatest mentors. She coined the phrase Grande Liberté (French for grand liberty) specifically for liberty exhibitions involving more than six horses - her specialty.

Honored with numerous awards including the prestigious Cup of Monaco, presented to her by Monaco’s Prince Rainier, Sylvia has performed for nearly 10 million people in her career, to date. She appeared at landmarks such as Madison Square Gardens in New York, Playa De Americas in Mexico City, Molsen Center in Montreal, and Los Angeles’ Staples Center, before touring with Cavalia.

Now launching a dream that has been a lifetime in the making, Sylvia is developing seminars and clinics, which have never before been offered to the public, to share her knowledge of liberty training. Seminars and clinics will be available throughout the country, as well as in Ocala, Florida, where her headquarters is located.

PRESS CONTACTS Richie Waite
Business Manager
941-256-1063 
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MORE ABOUT THE EGYPTIAN EVENT

Every year in early June, thousands of people from across the globe gather in “The Horse Capital of the World” to experience The Pyramid Society’s annual Egyptian Event, well-known as the world’s largest showcase of the Egyptian Arabian Horse.

This year’s highly-anticipated Event, “Born of the Desert Wind,” will take place June 4-9, 2012, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. The Egyptian Event is free to attend for Kentucky Horse Park guests and offers world-class halter and performance competition, expert-led educational seminars, superb shopping, exciting live and silent auctions, and a variety of social activities for all ages – all in celebration of the legendary and exotic Egyptian Arabian horse!

Come feel the desert wind blowing across the heart of horse country! Get a complete schedule, order activity tickets, and make your plans to attend this year’s Event today by visiting www.TheEgyptianEvent.com. Please direct any inquiries to The Pyramid Society at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (859)-231-0771. The Pyramid Society is pleased and honored to recognize Pyramid Society Life Member Al Baydaa Stud, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt, as the returning Signature Sponsor of the 2012 Egyptian Event.

MORE ABOUT THE PYRAMID SOCIETY

The Pyramid Society is a member organization actively seeking to educate, inspire and connect people world-wide who are interested in Arabian horses with Egyptian bloodlines. Formed in 1969 by a small group of American Arabian horse breeders, The Pyramid Society originally set out to prevent Straight Egyptian Arabian blood from completely vanishing in North America.

Today, The Pyramid Society has grown into an international community of breeders, owners, and supporters who remain dedicated to this mission: to preserve, perpetuate and promote the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse as the premiere source of classic Arabian type in the world. Visit www.PyramidSociety.org today to learn more about the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse, The Pyramid Society, and the many ways you can get involved.

MORE ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

The Kentucky Horse Park is the leading equestrian facility of its kind in the world, recognized as the theme park for the American horse industry, as well as the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s leading tourism attraction. In addition, the park is the nation’s epicenter for equestrian events and includes a recreational campground and the National Horse Center equine office park. Visit www.kyhorsepark.com or contact (800)-678-8813 for more information.

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.

Watch all the action and enjoy gourmet burgers,
fresh-made sandwiches, salad bar and cash bar at
"The Tack Room"
tent by the lake at Rolex Stadium

FREE ADMISSION
$3 Parking
Kentucky Horse Park