Aurora, CO (August 19, 2011) - The breed's premier sport horses will gather for the ninth annual Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (Sport Horse Nationals) Sept. 28 – Oct. 2, 2011.

Sport Horse Nationals ranks as the only single-breed sport horse event in the nation.

Unique from the Arabian Horse Association's (AHA's) other national shows, Sport Horse Nationals offers only classes from sport horse divisions including hunter/jumper, dressage, carriage pleasure driving, sport horse under saddle and in-hand classes. The youngest of all the AHA nationals shows, Sport Horse Nationals is known for its amateur friendly atmosphere coupled with bar-raising competition.

With 500 horses expected, three arenas will run simultaneously beginning at 8 a.m. each day. New this year is the A/HA/AA 14.2 & Under Working Hunter Exhibition, spotlighting the new division of working hunter horses measuring 14.2 hands or smaller. There are no qualification points and no entry fee required for the exhibition, but exhibitors must enter in the Show Office on an Official Entry Form. Other must-see classes include Saturday evening's Carriage Pleasure Driving – Gamblers Choice and Sport Horse In-Hand Supreme which serves as an all-star-like competition with all the in-hand champions in the same ring so one can be named supreme.

Exhibitors, spectators and visitors to the show will have the chance to visit The International Museum of the Horse's newest wing, the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries, which officially opened in June of 2010, and shop at the Sport Horse Nationals Shopping Expo on the concourse of the Covered Arena. The always popular Barn Parties, on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. lets exhibitors host spectators and each other to a spread of food, drink, and fun.

Visit www.ArabianHorses.org/SHN during the show for daily updates and for more informaiton.

What makes Arabians Special?
Arabians are the oldest pure breed of horse. The Arabian horse was portrayed on the walls of caves as early as 25,000 to 40,000 years ago. The first written documentation of the breed more than 3,000 years ago verifies that the Arabian horse is basically the same today as it was then. Most of today's popular breeds came from Arabians, including the Thoroughbred--the majority of Thoroughbreds can be traced back to three foundations stallions, two of which were Arabians.

The Arabian's physical attributes are not only eye-appealing, but also very functional as a sport horse. Arabians have a shorter, stronger back that allows it to carry substantial weight in comfort; large nostrils and trachea for greater lung capacity; dense, compact bone; and lighter muscling which dissipates heat and lactic acid more readily.

Lastly, Arabians are known for their intelligence, willingness to be trained and for the fact that they really enjoy human companionship, due to the fact that they actually used to stay in the tents of their owners in the deserts of Arabia. The history of the Arabians is wonderfully told at the brand new Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries. A spin around the museum and some time watching classes would make a perfect daily outing!

LEXINGTON, KY (September, 2011)  The Kentucky Horse Park will host the first History Heritage Days, Nov 9-12, which will include eight teams of special oxen shipping in from Maine. 

The four-day schedule will include demonstrations of various uses of oxen such as plowing, log hauling, use of a stone boat, maneuvering an ox cart through an obstacle course, driving a single ox, driving a team from behind with reins and yoking-up a team.

John Nicholson, executive director of the park observed, “Teams of horses and oxen have worked side-by-side throughout history, and certainly both have played a huge role in the development of our country.  So we are pleased to welcome these fine animals to the Kentucky Horse Park to demonstrate their skills and remind us of the invaluable contributions that oxen have made to opening up the west, farming, the successful outcome of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and so much more.”

One of the highlights of the exhibit will be the eight teams representing different breeds, all hitched together maneuvering a Big Wheel Log Hauler around the spacious Dressage Complex (Big Wheels were used in the early 1900s by loggers working in the Midwest and west coast woods). The oxen will also be hitched to the park’s three trolleys for visitors to ride around the park.

The coordinator of the event, Dan Midkiff, purchased his first team of oxen in 2007 and has found them to be very special and interesting animals.  He wanted to share this fascination and appreciation with the public, and particularly children.   He has been working with the Kentucky Horse Park to make this oxen exhibition a wonderful, educational experience, so schools, 4-H and FFA groups are encouraged to attend.

Dottie Bell, who will participate with her flashy team of Ayrshire cattle, stated, “History shows oxen have been used in agriculture all over the world for centuries. Maine oxen in particular are still hauling from the pine woods of Maine to the Midwest. They helped build New England and move us west, so now we’ll enjoy showing Kentucky Horse Park visitors what our Maine oxen can do.”

Demonstrations will take place daily beginning at 9am and ending at 4pm.

The History Heritage Days are included with park admission.  Through November 6, the park is open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $16/adults, $9/children ages 7-12.  From November 7 to March 14, the park is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission is then $9/adults, $6/children ages 7-12.  Children ages 6 and under are always admitted free of charge.  Special group rates are available for schools and other groups by contacting the Group Sales Department, 859-259-4225 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Editor’s Note:  Photos of oxen are available for use with this press release by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Lexington, KY - September 8, 2011 - The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that tickets, ranging from only $10 to $30, are now available for purchase, online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult (limit 2 child tickets for every paid adult).

Additionally, fifty percent of the net proceeds from the General Admission gate receipts will be donated to the various charities that are featured each day at the Alltech National Horse Show. 

Doors for each session open 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. All seats are General Admission and parking is free.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2 - 6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor 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.

In addition to the Alltech National Horse Show itself, those attending will be able to enjoy a fabulous sixty booth equestrian trade fair and wonderful educational opportunities for the entire family.

"We hope people will take advantage quickly of the availability of online ticket purchases at Ticketmaster," said Mason Phelps, Jr., President of the National Horse Show Association. "There is a real excitement about the Alltech National Horse Show coming to Lexington and I have no doubt that every session, especially the prime time events, will be a complete sell out. So, I would say that if you're planning on attending any of the night sessions or Sunday's ASPCA Maclay National Finals, please buy your tickets early."

Alltech National Horse Show Class Schedule

Wednesday, November 2nd (Charity: Shriners Hospital for Children)
8:00 AM
20 14 Hands Winery Regular Confirmation Hunter Model
10 Green Confirmation Hunter Model
22 14 Hands Winery Regular Confirmation Hunter
23 14 Hands Winery Regular Confirmation Hunter - Handy
12 Green Conformation Hunter
13 Green Confirmation Hunter - Handy
32 First Year Green Working Hunter
33 First Year Green Working Hunter - Handy
42 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter
43 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter - Handy
52 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter
53 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter - Handy
151 International-Open Jumpers $50,000 Welcome

First Group (Charity: Alltech Sustainable Haiti Project)
7:00 PM Evening Session
Exhibition and Opening Ceremonies
151 International-Open Jumpers $50,000 Welcome

Thursday, November 3rd (Charity: Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop)
8:00 AM
82 Bright Star LLC Amateur Owner Hunter 3
3"
83 Bright Star LLC Amateur Owner Hunter 3
3" - Handy
72 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter - over 35
62 Hill 'N Dale Amateur Owner - 18 - 35
73 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter - over 35 - Handy
63 Hill 'N Dale Amateur Owner - 18 - 35 - Handy
31 First Year Green Working Hunter U/S
41 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter U/S
11 Green Conformation Hunter U/S
21 14 Hands Winery Regular Conformation Hunter U/S
51 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Working Hunter U/S

1:00 PM Afternoon Session
34 First Year Green Working Hunter $7,500 Stake
14 Green Conformation Hunter $7,500 Stake
44 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter $7,500 Stake
24 14 Hands Winery Regular Conformation Hunter $5,000 Stake
54 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter $10,000 Stake
161 Sleepy P Ranch $10,000 Junior Jumper

Thursday, November 3rd (Charity: Kentucky Horse Park Foundation)
7:00 PM Evening Session
163 Chansonette Farm $10,000 Amateur Owner Jumpers
152 Double H Farm $75,000 International-Open Jumpers

Friday, November 4th (Charity: Louisville Mounted Police)
8:00 AM
84 Bright Star LLC A/O Hunter - 3'3" $5,000 Stake
74 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter - 35 and older $7,500 Stake
64 Hill 'N Dale A/O Hunter - Under 35 - $7,500 Stake
81 Bright Star LLC Amateur Owner Hunter U/S
71 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter U/S - 35 and older
61 Hill 'N Dale Amateur Owner Hunter U/S - Under 35
92 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under
102 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 16 - 17
112 Large Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under

1:00 PM Afternoon Session
122 Greentree South Large Junior Hunter O/F 16 - 17
93 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under -Handy
103 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 16 - 17 - Handy
113 Large Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under - Handy
123 Greentree South Large Junior Working Hunter O/F 16 - 17 - Handy
164 Chansonette Farm $15,000 A/O Time 1st Jump - Off

7:00 PM Evening Session (Charity: Kentucky Equine Humane Center)
162 Sleepy P Ranch $15,000 Junior Jumper Time First Jump- Off
153 Spy Coast Farm $60,000 International-Open Jumpers Speed

Saturday, November 5th (Charity: Lexington Mounted Police)
6:00 AM ASPCA Maclay Warm-Up - not judged

11:30 AM
91 Small Junior Hunter - 15 and under U/S
101 Small Junior Hunter - 16-17 U/S
111 Large Junior Hunter - 15 and under U/S
121 Greentree South Large Junior Hunter -16-17 U/S

1:00 PM Afternoon Session
94 Small Junior Hunter -15 and under $7,500 Stake
104 Small Junior Hunter - 16-17 $7,500 Stake
114 Large Junior Hunter - 15 and under $7,500 Stake
124 Greentree South Large Junior Hunter - 16-17 $7,500 Stake
165 Show Jumping Hall of Fame $50,000 JR/AO Championship

7:00 PM Evening Session (Charity: United States Equestrian Team Foundation) 
Opening Ceremonies
Special Presentations - Awards only154 Alltech National Horse Show $250,000 Grand Prix

Sunday, November 6th (Charity: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
7:00 AM
Maclay National Championship for the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship
Classes - Presented by Hadfield's Saddlery

Approximately 3:00 PM
FINAL ROUND
Classes - Presented by Hadfield's Saddlery

Tickets are on sale now online at www.ticketmaster.com

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.

WHO:  Richard and Jeannette McGrath of Hearts Up Ranch

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

WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept 7, 4pm

WHERE:  Kentucky Horse Park's Alltech Arena

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

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

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

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

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

Lexington, KY - September 6, 2011 - The Kentucky Travel Industry Association named the Alltech National Horse Show as part of their line-up of 2011 Fall Top Ten Festivals and Events. 

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 events calendars. For its 128th edition, the National Horse Show elected to move to the Kentucky Horse Park where it will be housed in the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor Arena. Now called the Alltech National Horse Show, the five-day event will offer $650,000 to the nation's top riders. There will also be children's activities, interactive exhibits, and special social events.

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association names its Top 10 Festivals & Events four times a year. To be eligible, festivals or events must be recommended or produced by a Kentucky Travel Industry Association member. A panel of impartial judges selects the winners for each season. Criteria for selection include popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy as well as cultural and historical significance.

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) is a nearly 900 member, statewide association representing all sectors of the state's travel industry. The Association's mission is to unite Kentucky's third largest industry through governmental interaction, communication and education. For more information on KTIA, phone 502.223.8687, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.KTIA.com.
 

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2 - 6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor 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.

The oxen are coming!

November 9-12, several teams of oxen will be at the park showing off their skills.

These impressive animals will conduct demonstrations on how they pull carts, plow, pull weighted sleds, manage an obstacle course, and more. Visitors can watch yoking demonstrations, washing, grooming, and visit with these beautiful, gentle animals and their teamsters.

Mark your calendar for something a little different at the park!  More information to come.

LEXINGTON, KY (September 1, 2011)  Enrollment applications are now available for the Spring 2012 Semester of the Kentucky Horse Park's Professional Horseman’s Course, Jan 17-May 4, 2012.

The Kentucky Horse Park’s Education Department offers a unique and hands-on educational opportunity unequalled by other equine schools.  Students will have the opportunity to study and work with more than 30 breeds of horses residing at the Kentucky Horse Park while acquiring the knowledge and skills to launch a productive career in the equine industry.  This program challenges students with daily hands-on practical interaction with horses in a variety of different environments, health issues and training levels, as well as broadens their overall level of equine understanding.

Classes and practicum work in stable management, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, marketing and career development, all compliment the hands-on side of the program to ensure a well-rounded education.  Students will also receive an introduction to - and be able to interact with - breeding practices, and disciplines of carriage driving, racing, and World Equestrian Games disciplines.  Former student Heidi Bruner from Indiana commented, “My expectations for this course exceeded everything I could ever imagine” and former student Amelia Clyatt from California stated, “The opportunities that have arisen and the knowledge that I’ve gained has literally changed my life.”

Through a comprehensive curriculum and small class size, which ensures adequate hands-on and individualized learning experiences, students will be prepared to seek entry level work or advance their current position in the industry upon graduation. Eighty-percent of the Spring, 2011 Semester graduates achieved full time employment in the equine industry within two weeks of completing the course.

Applications must be received by the Kentucky Horse Park no later than December 1, 2011, for spring enrollment consideration.  To apply please contact Sheila Forbes at 859-233-4305 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to receive an application by email or mail.

Photo top (c) www.jennifermunson.com.  Photo bottom by James Shambhu. 

                                                                 -30 -

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 that hosted more than one million visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 100 special events and horse shows in 2010.  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.   

WHO: Clinicians from the Mounted Police in Lexington, Philadelphia, the U.S. Park Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

WHAT:  Sensory training clinic open to the public, for horses of all breeds and disciplines. Improve your horse's self-confidence and obedience to your aids.  Training is done in-hand and under saddle. Riders are encouraged to work at their own pace/comfort level. Safety and building the horse’s trust is our first priority. Your riding skills will also get a boost during the equitation session with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

WHEN:  Sunday & Monday October 16 & 17, 2011

WHERE:  Kentucky Horse Park

WHY:  This clinic will help horses remain composed and obedient when confronting unfamiliar stimuli and objects. 

HOW:  For information contact: Anne Anderson 859/299-5744 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  For registration, go to http://www.friendslexingtonmountedpolice.org/assets/pdf_files/2011%20Fall_Sensory_Clinic_cover_page_registration_forms_map.pdf  Auditors are welcome but must also register.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 29, 2011)—The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse (IMH), in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, announced today that it will host the exhibition, The Horse, from October 22, 2011, through April 6, 2012. The IMH is a major lender to the exhibition.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring this world-class exhibition to Kentucky," said Bill Cooke, director of the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse. "The American Museum of Natural History is truly one of the world’s great natural history museums, and they did a masterful job in developing an exhibition that not only illuminates the timeless union between humans and horses, but does so in an amazingly entertaining way. We are excited that this will be our first blockbuster-level exhibition while schools are in session. I have no doubt that both teachers and their students will love The Horse."

From the horse’s earliest ancestors grazing on the plains of what is now Nebraska, to a magnificent contemporary Deborah Butterfield horse sculpture, the eternal bond between horses and humans is explored in the largest equestrian traveling exhibition ever assembled. The Horse graphically portrays the horse’s impact on trade, transportation, labor, warfare, culture, and sports.  It showcases spectacular fossils, models, dioramas, and cultural objects from around the world, including many from the American Museum of Natural History’s world famous collections.

The New York Times called this exhibition "charming and illuminating" and "an uplifting example of how horses enrich our lives."  The New York Post said, "You absolutely must see it."

The Horse is divided into six major sections: The Evolution of Horses; Horses and Hunters; Domesticating Horses; The Nature of Horses; How We Shaped Horses and Horses Shaped Us; and, An Enduring Bond. These themes are illuminated by more than 140 artifacts and cultural objects from around the world including a complete Samurai saddle from Japan, a full suit of 15th-century German horse armor, and Native American horse accoutrements. Bringing the exhibit to life are a stunning 220-square foot diorama that depicts the horse’s ancestors, a high-definition video that captures in slow motion the rippling muscles of a Thoroughbred race horse, and an interactive video of a life-size horse where visitors can investigate a horse’s pulmonary and digestive systems and other biological traits.

"This extraordinary, entertaining and informative exhibition is a perfect fit for the Kentucky Horse Park, which exists to celebrate man’s relationship with the horse; a relationship that has endured through the millennia," said Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson.  "This amazing and most beautiful of creatures has never lost its ability to look for the good – and bring out the best – in mankind as a partner, teammate and friend.  That’s why we never lose our fascination with them, and why we are so excited to have this exhibition coming to our park."
 
The Horse is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, United Arab Emirates; the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau-Ottawa; The Field Museum, Chicago; and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Curator of the exhibition is Ross MacPhee.

"The human-horse relationship was almost predestined," MacPhee said. "Puny but clever, enterprising humans needed an animate energy source that was both mobile and controllable — hence the domestic horse. What no one could have foreseen was that, over the millennia, while we molded the horse to our ends, the horse also molded us by changing the scale and scope of what could be carried, traded, fought over, or used to make life better — in short, civilization as we know it."

For more information on The Horse, go to www.amnh.org/exhibitions/horse/, www.imh.org, or www.kyhorsepark.com.

Admission to The Horse is included with park admission, or a "museums only" ticket may be purchased for $8 for adults or $4 for children ages 7-12, which also includes admission to the entire International Museum of the Horse, the Al Marah Arabian Horse Galleries and the American Saddlebred Museum.

Park Hours and Rates: Through November 6, the park is open seven days a week.  Admission is $16 for adults, $8 for children 7-12. From November 7 to March 14, the park is open Wednesdays through Sundays.  Winter admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 7-12. Children age 6 and under are always admitted free of charge.  Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse – a Smithsonian Affiliate, and the American Saddlebred Museum.

Editor's Note:  High resolution images from the exhibition are available for use with this release by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

Watch a video walk-through of the exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jill Thompson
Administrative Assistant, Rocky Mountain Horse Association
859-243-0260
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Tuesday, September 13 at 9 am, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary at the Kentucky Horse Park with the organization’s annual International Horse Show.  The RMHA’s 25th Anniversary International Horse Show will run until September 17th and culminate with Grand Championship classes in the Saturday evening performance. 

Admission to this event is included with park admission.  Several local vendors will be set up around the show ring concourse daily.  Events for the whole family are planned throughout the week.  Please join us anytime during the week of September 13-17th for family fun and entertainment at the Kentucky Horse Park to celebrate the Rocky Mountain Horse Association’s 25th anniversary.  More information available on RMHA website: www.rmhorse.com.

In 1986, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was founded as a non-profit organization in Kentucky.  The Association is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and breeding of the Rocky Mountain Horse.  Even though the Rocky Mountain Horse as a recognized breed is relatively new, the horses go back more than 70 years to a small farm owned by Sam Tuttle, in Estill County Kentucky.  Mr. Tuttle developed these horses which had a natural single foot (4-beat gait) for riding at the Natural Bridge State Park.  The name “Rocky Mountain Horse” is derived from the fact that Mr. Tuttle’s line of horse is descendant from a stallion originally from the Rocky Mountains.  This stallion bred to Kentucky mares and was the beginnings of the Rocky Mountain Horse.  There are over 19,000 registered Rocky Mountain Horses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia, and are also found in several countries throughout Europe. 

***This brief history of the Rocky Mountain Horse® is an excerpt from the book “Rocky Mountain Horses”,
courtesy of the author, Bonnie Hodge.  For more information contact Bonnie at www.wildfireenterprises.iceryder.net .