The annual Hippity Hoppity Hunt takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground on Saturday, March 30!  Little campers and their parents will enjoy the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, a petting zoo, crafts, inflatables and a lunch sponsored by Northside RVs. 

The Hippity Hoppity Hunt is open only to campers, so be sure to get your reservation in by contacting the KHP Campground at (800) 370-6416 directly or the reservation system at (888) 4KY-PARK or www.parks.ky.gov or going straight to the campground pages on this website at:

http://kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=571&Itemid=264

Date and Time:

Saturday, March 30 – 11 am – 3pm

Campground Fee:

$30.00 – Sunday-Thursday per night/1-8 people

$32.00 – Friday-Saturday per night/1-8 pepole

$26.00 per night/primitive with electric

$20.00 per night/primitive

The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation’s Antiques and Garden Show at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena will celebrate its 28th year with its show March 8-10, 2013. Highlights include nationally renowned Keynote Speakers* landscape designer Jon Carloftis, Hall of Fame interior designer Laura Bohn, and culinary artists Christopher Hirsheimer & Melissa Hamilton of Canal House Cooks; a special loan exhibit “Kentucky Revealed: Treasures from the Speed Art Museum”, a vintage car show, Designer Vignettes by Matthew Carter Interiors, Jennifer Schnabel Interior Design, Kimbrel/Birkman Interior Design, and J. Michael’s Design; daily complimentary lectures featuring regional experts, and on Saturday only, an Appraisal Fair* with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Bluegrass Auction & Appraisal.   

The festivities begin with a Gala Preview Party* on Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm featuring fine cocktails and culinary specialties from Catering by Donna, a silent auction, valet parking, and shopping opportunities.  The three-day show features more than 80 exhibitors of antiques, gardens, designer vignettes, silver, jewelry, collectibles and fine home furnishings, and hosts an A la Carte Café & Bar by Kentucky Horse Park Catering.  

The show’s complimentary daily lecture schedule begins March 8 at 2:00 p.m. with “Beauty & the Bluegrass:  Maine Chance Farm & Elizabeth Arden” with Martha Birchfield.  On March 9 at 10:30 a.m. “The Seasons of the Gardens & Flowers of the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion” with Beth Sebastion, Garth Vinson and Tim Depenbrock; at 2:00 p.m., “Antiques in the Market Place” with Taylor Thistlethwaite; and at 3:30 pm, “Gardens of Inspiration: Incorporating Ideas from Historic Gardens around the World into Your Own Garden” with Joseph Hillenmeyer.  On Sunday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m., “Short Stories of Early Kentucky Furniture, 1790-1820” with Mack Cox; and the final complimentary lecture will be at 2:30 p.m., “Kentucky in Prints” with James D. Birchfield.

*Denotes events requiring reservations, by calling the Blue Grass Trust at (859)253-0362 or going online at www.bluegrasstrust.org 

Dates and Times:

Thursday, March 7, 2013 – 7:00 – 10:00 pm – Gala Preview Party

Friday, March 8, 2013 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday, March 9, 2013 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, March 10, 2013 – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena

Admission:

Daily entry is $10.00; Run of Show ticket is $15.00 – available at the door

*Gala Preview Party $125 p/p; $95 young collector (35 & under)

*Keynote Lectures: Hirsheimer/Hamilton: $60 p/p; Laura Bohn: $40 p/p; Jon Carloftis: $60 p/p. Special See all 3 for $130.

*Appraisal Fair on March 9, 10 am – 4 pm: with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers Alexander Eblen, G.G., Director, Fine Jewelry and Time Pieces, and Rowley Kennerk, Director, Fine Arts; and from Bluegrass Auction & Appraisal LLC, Filson Graham, owner. Reservations required, call BGT @ 859/253-0362. $20 p/p, includes appraisal fee and daily show ticket. Limit: 2 items p/p, subject to approval. 

Road to the Horse International 2013 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the World Champion Colt Starting competition with the most extravagant competition yet in Lexington, Kentucky.

A competition untouched by others, tests skill, experience and colt training prowess, Road to the Horse dares four young, elite horse trainers, Guy McLean, Dan James, Sarah Winters and Obbie Schlom, to create a trusting partnership with an untouched 3-year-old Quarter Horse from the renowned 6666 Ranch in Texas.  Competitors have just three hours spread out over three days to build a working relationship with their colt.  Clinicians work through the process using their own natural horsemanship style giving spectators a chance to learn from the best in the world.  With disruptive sounds, exhilarating sights and adrenaline-pumping time constraints each competitor must face the final trial, an obstacle course.  Only one will walk away with the Colt Starting World Champion Title.

Unlike the team format of 2012, these horsemen and horsewomen will represent their countries as individuals.  Road to the Horse 2012 champions, Australians, McLean and James have their sights on once again being on top of the world.

Americans, Winters, 22, and Schlom, 18, will be the youngest ever competitors, marking only the second time another female competed in the event’s 10 year history.  In a battle of Australia versus America, will the title go back to Australia or will the challengers keep it at home?

True horse enthusiasts recognize Road to the Horse as the event of the year.  An event so big can only happen in one place; the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, Kentucky.  Meet horsemen and women from around the world at the Kentucky Horse Park for a truly unique experience.  Now, for the first time ever, Road to the Horse legends will meet in one arena.

“This is the greatest equine event, held in the greatest facility, in the horse capital of the world,” says award-winning producer, Tootie Bland.

The event will expand into the Alltech Arena, home to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Kentucky Horse Park on March 15-17, 2013.  The site boasts an on-site campground, nearby racehorse farms and historical sites.

Road to the Horse has become the hottest ticket in the equine world and historically sells out months in advance.  Don’t miss your chance to witness the World Championship of Colt Starting, much like the Super Bowl, being there is an experience that is unforgettable!  Tickets for this electrifying event are on sale now and going fast at roadtothehorse.com.

To learn more, go to www.RoadToTheHorse.com or call 325.736.5000.

2013 Competitors:  Guy McLean, Sarah Winters, Dan James and Obbie Schlom

2013 Clinicians:  Chris Cox, Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron, Curt Pate, Dan James, Glenn Stewart, Guy McLean, Jonathan Field, Ken McNabb, Martin Black, Richard Winters, Stacy Westfall and Tommy Garland

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena for competition and all clinicians

Nations Members park in the Alltech Arena lot

General parking in the Main Visitor Parking lot; shuttles will be available to the Alltech Arena

Dates and Times:

Friday, March 15, 2013

9:00 am - Doors open for Nations Members

9:15 - 11:30 - Clinician Meet and Greet

10:30 am - Doors Open to all Ticket Holders

12:00 pm - Clinics Begin

2:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies

6:00 pm - End of Day 1

Saturday, March 16, 2013

9:00 am - Doors open for Nations Members

10:00 am - Doors Open

10:30 am - Clinics Begin

12:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies

4:00 pm - End of Day 2

10th Anniversary Celebration Party - Alltech Arena Floor - Saturday 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Sunday March 17th, 2013

8:00 am - Doors Open

8:15 am - Cowboy Church - Section 101

9:00 am - Opening Ceremonies

3:00 pm - 2013 World Champion Announced!

Admission:

Tickets range from $80 to $200 (plus fees) and are valid for all three days

General Admission tickets or Nations Members tickets are available at

877-772-5425, or 888-695-0888, or at www.RoadToTheHorse.com.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is hosting a benefit trail ride March 13 and 14 in conjunction with the Road to the Horse event being held at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena March 15-17, relocating to Kentucky in 2013 from Tennessee.  All proceeds from the trail ride will support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation – a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park.

The “Ride the Park on the Road to the Horse” trail ride will provide participants with a unique opportunity to bring their personal horses and ride on many trails marked throughout the park especially for this event.  The trails will be open for the exclusive use of registered participants from 10 am to 4 pm both March 13 and 14, subject to weather conditions.  Riders can enjoy the trails at their own pace on this unguided exploration of the park grounds.

Dates and Times:

Wednesday and Thursday, March 13 and 14, 2013 – 10 am to 4 pm

Registration Fee:

$50 per horse/rider combination – allows unlimited access to trails on either or both days

$20 per night stabling fee

Registration:

Registration forms are available here - http://khpfoundation.org/Latest/2013-trail-ride.html

and are available by calling 859-255-5727 or by simply visiting www.khpfoundation.org.

For more information on Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com.

Thinking about remodeling? Or starting fresh on new home construction? Visit the New Home & Remodeling Marketplace to learn how local building professionals can enhance your lifestyle!

This third annual event is open to the public and designed with the consumer in mind who is planning to build a new home or planning a remodel project in their existing home.  Some 55 exhibitors, consisting of professional builders, remodelers and home product supply companies will be on site to meet and discuss ideas with show guests.  These are professional builders and remodelers backed with great reputations, customer recommendations and years of experience.

You should attend the show if you are looking to build. If you already have home plans, bring them to the show, if you do not have home plans the builders at the show will be there to guide you through the process.  If you plan to remodel instead of build, the show’s remodelers can assist you to make your vision a reality.

Even if you are not building or remodeling, the show’s product suppliers can show you how to freshen up your home with new lighting fixtures, bathroom/kitchen faucets, or new flooring among other options.

Show specials and door prize drawings will be offered by the exhibitors

Sponsors: Pella and Bath Fitters

For more information on the show, visit Home Builders of Lexington at  www.hbalexington.com.

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena

Dates and Hours:

Friday, February 22, 2013 - 4 pm – 8pm

Saturday, February 23, 2013 - 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 11 am – 4 pm

Admission:

$5 Adults

Children 12 and Under are FREE

The American Saddlebred Museum’s 2013 special exhibit is sure to entertain and interest horse fans and antique buffs alike. Entitled The Art of Selling with Saddlebreds: The Show Horse in Vintage Advertising, it will feature images of the breed on products, printed advertising and corporate collectibles dating from the late 1800s through the 1970s.

From cigarettes and tobacco to liquor, motor oil, hotels, fruits and vegetables, automobiles, jewelry stores and more, the Saddlebred was featured in advertising through the years to denote the highest quality. The 2013 exhibit assembles the largest collection of these items to have ever been displayed together. This unique exhibit offers a glimpse of yesteryear and the esteem the Saddlebred held in society and the marketplace. 

The exhibit runs February 15, 2013 to January 31, 2014, and admission to the American Saddlebred Museum’s Showplace for Saddlebreds and The Art of Selling with Saddlebreds exhibit is included with admission to the Kentucky Horse Park.  

For further information contact 859-259-2746 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

 Location:

The Showplace for Saddlebreds – American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop

Admission:

Included in Kentucky Horse Park regular daily admission - sold at the American Saddlebred Museum or the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Information Center.

January 2 - March 14, 2013:  Adult $10, Child (7-12) $5

March 15 - November 3, 2013:  Adult $16, Child (7-12) $8

November 4 – January 31, 2014:  Adult $10, Child (7-12) $5

Season Pass:  Adult $40, Child (7-12) $25, Family of Four $90

Children 6 and under:  Always free when accompanied by an adult

Dates and Times:

The Showplace for Saddlebreds – American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop is open –

Wednesday – Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm through March 14 and November 4 to January 31 (2014)

Daily, 9 am to 5 pm from March 15 to May 26 and September 3 to November 3

Daily, 9 am to 6 pm from May 27 to September 2 (an extra hour past KHP regular hours)

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.

An exotic “Bollywood Bash” comes to the Kentucky Horse Park on February 9 when the Living Arts and Science Center (LASC) presents its 23rd Annual H’Artful of Fun fundraiser in the Alltech Arena’s North Exhibit Hall.  Bringing a renewed energy and excitement to this year’s event, the 2013 H’Artful of Fun makes the Kentucky Horse Park its new home.  

“Bollywood Bash” will provide a more intimate experience, with exclusive invitations extended only to Lexington’s finest restaurants, bakers, caterers, and artists.  Lexington’s first Bollywood-themed event will showcase creative artistry in all the details as art will be auctioned, music will be made, and participants will enjoy an evening of fun entertainment.  Local wineries, distilleries, and breweries will provide their finest for tastings, and a variety of musicians, dancers, artists, and interactive surprises throughout the evening all ensure a lively, artful and elegant ambience.

Now in its 23^rd year, H’Artful of Fun supports the creative and educational arts and sciences programs provided by the Living Arts & Science Center for more than 40,000 Central Kentuckians each year.

Date and Time:

Saturday, February 9, 2013 – 7 to 11 pm

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena, North Exhibit Hall

Tickets:

Advance tickets:  $65

Tickets available at the door:  $80

VIP Tickets:  $85 (includes 1 drink ticket and 1 “special gift”)

Table for 8:  $700 (includes 1 drink ticket and 1 “special gift”)

Tickets/more information available at:  (859) 252-5222 or at www.lasclex.org.

Lexington, Kentucky is known as the "Horse Capital of the World" for good reason. From Thoroughbred racehorses to internationally celebrated equestrian events, there are more ways to witness man's unique relationship with the horse in Lexington than anywhere else in the world. Now you can add one more world-class event to that list, as the Professional Roughstock Series brings almost $5 million worth of horses and bulls to town with the "Lexington Shootout" Friday, January 18th (7:30 pm) and Saturday, January 19th (7:30 pm) at the Kentucky Horse Park's Alltech Arena

Professional Roughstock events showcase the top riders and top livestock in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding all packed into a high-energy, 2-hour program.

The lineup of nationally known riders coming to Lexington is equally as impressive as the equine and bovine group from a statistical standpoint. Combined, the two-night performance will feature defending PRS World Champions Steven Peebles (Bareback), Seth Glause (Bull Riding), Jesse Wright (Saddle Bronc) as well as nearly two-dozen National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and big names like Kaycee Feild (BB), JR Vezain (BB), Jory Markiss (BR), McKennon Wimberly (BR), Chad Ferley (SB) and Cort Scheer (SB).

The Lexington Shootout is the third stop on the nationally televised 2013 PRS Tour, having kicked off in Montana in December. The PRS features the three most exciting and dangerous events in rodeo -- Bareback Riding, Bull Riding and Saddle Bronc Riding. Each night, twelve riders from each discipline will have one riding opportunity in the first round. The top four scores in each discipline will advance to the "Wrangler Final Four Showdown." Out of the two nights of competition in Lexington the riders with the highest aggregate scores will be crowned Lexington Shootout Champions.

www.professionalroughstock.com

Admission:

Adults - $10.00, $15.00, $20.00 and $30.00 (Gold Buckle Seating) – additional fees may apply

Kids 12 and under - $8.00 (except on Gold Buckle Seating) – additional fees may apply

Tickets available online at www.prstickets.com (print at home option), the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Information Center (Wed. – Sun. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) or by calling (888) 695-0888 with call center hours being from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Prices increase $2.00 day of show so buy early and save!

Dates and Times:

Friday and Saturday, January 18 and 19, 2013 – 7:30 pm each night

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena

About the PRS:

Headquartered in Belle Fourche, SD, the Professional Roughstock Series was founded in 2001 with several independently produced events per season, mostly in the mountain west region. The series features the top names in Bareback riding, Saddle Bronc, and Bull Riding matched up with hand-picked world class animal athletes.   The PRS televises each of their self-produced events through three different media partners ----- Altitude Entertainment, Blue Highways TV, and Midco Sports Network.

Of all the equestrian sports out there, none of them are as FUN as mounted games. The US Mounted Games Association will hold a series of competitions at the park over five weekends this winter and spring, sure to delight participants and spectators alike with teams competing in relays named Bang-A-Balloon, Hi Lo, Hula Hoop, Socks and Buckets, Windsor Castle and others. The series will culminate in the US Mounted Games Bluegrass Open on April 13 and 14, 2013 in the beautiful Rolex Stadium.

The competition is open to adult and youth divisions and is known as a niche equestrian sport that is relatively inexpensive and has a wide variety of classes suited to the skill level of the rider. Bring out the family to watch the fun, and get caught up in the action!

Information: Paul Greiling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.usmga.us 

Admission:

Included in Kentucky Horse Park visitor admission, available at the Visitor Information Center

Times and Locations:

Saturday and Sunday, January 12 and 13, 2013 – Alltech Arena

Saturday, January 26, 2013 – Covered Arena

Saturday and Sunday, February 2, 2013 – Covered Arena

Saturday and Sunday, March 2, 2013 – Covered Arena

Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, 2013 – Rolex Stadium

Parking:

Parking is in the main visitor parking lot