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

Seasonal passes are available for 2013 and can be purchased in advance through the Kentucky Horse Park Group Sales office or upon arrival at the park.

Click here for the 2013 Event Pass Order Form

Seasonal Vehicle Parking Pass ($30.00)

• Allows vehicle entry into the Kentucky Horse Park main parking lot for the duration of the season.
• The Seasonal Parking Pass will not allow entry during some special events such as Rolex-Kentucky, Southern Lights, etc.
• Regular parking fees of $3.00/day or $5.00/event are waived.
• The Seasonal Parking Pass is a hang tag that must be displayed on the rear view mirror. The parking pass is transferable between vehicles.
• The Seasonal Parking Pass does not include park admission.

Seasonal Trailer Grounds Fee Pass ($75.00)

• The Seasonal Trailer Grounds Fee Pass is required for all competitors attending an equine competition who show out of their trailer and do not rent a stall.
• Day passes are also available for $20.00/day and may be purchased through the event office during the competition. Day passes are not available for purchase in advance of event.
• The Seasonal Trailer Grounds Fee Pass is a sticker that must be displayed in the license plate area of the trailer or rear lower left corner of the trailer. The Seasonal Trailer Grounds Fee Pass (sticker) is not transferable between trailers.

Seasonal Golf Cart License ($50.00)

• Required for all individuals who bring a privately-owned golf cart or similar vehicle (John Deere Gators, Mules, or other rural-rated vehicles) onto the park.
• Event licenses are also available for $25.00/event and may be purchased through Dever’s Show Services in the stabling area or the Kentucky Horse Park Campground Store. Event licenses are valid for seven days of occupancy. Event licenses are not available for purchase in advance of event.
• The Seasonal Golf Cart License is a sticker that must be displayed on the driver’s side front panel or windshield of the vehicle. The Seasonal Golf Cart License (sticker) is not transferable between vehicles.
• The Kentucky Horse Park does not allow four-wheelers, three-wheelers, or dirt bikes over 50cc on park grounds.

Combination saving options are available when passes are purchased together -

Season Vehicle Parking and Trailer Pass Combo is $90.00 – SAVE $15.00

Season Vehicle Parking, Trailer and Golf Cart Combo is $130.00 – SAVE $25.00

Order all passes at Kentucky Horse Park Group Sales: 859/259-4225 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The 2nd Annual Kentucky Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull will be held January 4 and 5, 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena with more than 100 pullers coming together for some Kentucky hospitality and good pulling. There will be three different ground-pounding, heart-racing sessions with eleven classes!

On Friday, January 4, 7:00 pm, the event will feature the Super Modified 4WD Trucks, Economy Hotrod Tractors, Super Modified 2WD Trucks and the Super Stock 4x4 trucks, followed by Chris Janson and Craig Wayne Boyd with the Killin’ Time Band in concert!

On Saturday, January 5, at 11:00 am, EST guests will experience the smoke-blowing action from the 8500 Pro-Farm Tractors, 2.6 Diesel Trucks, 10,000 Hot Farm Tractors, and the 4300 Light Pro-Stock Trucks!

The 2013 Kentucky Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull will wind down with the Saturday evening show starting at 7:00 pm with the Super Modified 2WD Trucks, Pro-Stock 4WD Trucks, Pro-Stock 2WD Trucks, and the 6000 Limited Light Super Tractors.

Special Happenings at the Pull:

On Friday night, there will be a concert by Chris Janson and Craig Wayne Boyd with the Killin’ Time. Polar Air will be giving away an air compressor and Bad Boy Blaster will be giving away a sand blaster to two lucky fans! There will also be a pedal pull for the children!

On Saturday afternoon, there will be a pedal pull for children.

On Saturday night, Polar Air will be giving away an air compressor and Bad Boy Blaster will be giving away a sand blaster to two lucky fans! There will also be a pedal pull for the children!

TNT Motorsports would like to thank you for your support!

Learn more at 270/849-5784 or at www.ktpa.webs.com.

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena

Dates and Times:

Friday, January 4, 2013 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, January 5, 2013 – 11:00 am

Saturday, January 5, 2013 – 7:00 pm

Tickets:

Friday, January 4, 2013, 7:00 pm - $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Saturday, January 5, 2013, 11:00 am - $15.00 in advance AND at the door

Saturday, January 5, 2013, 7:00 pm - $15.00 in advance AND at the door

You can still get tickets by calling the Kentucky Horse Park at 859/233-4303 or Amanda Cox at 270/849-5861.

The Southern Lights holiday lights event, put on annually by the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation as a fundraiser in support of the Kentucky Horse Park, is in its final weeks.

From 5:30 until 10:00 pm each evening, visitors will be awed by the dazzling display of majestic lights. The drive will begin at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground, and will proceed through an enhanced dreamland of dazzling lighted and often animated figures. While many displays represent the holiday season, favorites are customized to represent the Bluegrass state.

Inside the park, visitors will be able to leave their cars behind to see a multitude of holiday happenings including seasonal entertainment, the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop and holiday craft vendors, Santa Claus and Frosty, an exotic petting zoo, pony rides, camel rides, the Mini-Train Express and model trains, dollhouses, the International Museum of the Horse, and the Bit & Bridle Restaurant serving dinner and seasonal goodies.

The lights are on each night through December 31, and the additional attractions inside the park will be open each night through December 23.

For more info -

www.SouthernLightsKy.org or www.KHPFoundation.org or call 859/255-5727

Admission -

Personal Vehicle -       Sunday – Thursday      $15.00

    Friday and Saturday     $20.00

Extended Van              $30.00

Limousine                    $30.00

Mini-Bus                      $50.00

School Bus                  $75.00

Motorcoach                 $125.00

Additional Attractions (through December 23 only) -

Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop

Holiday Craft Fair

Pony Rides and Camel Rides ($)

Exotic Petting Zoo

Santa Claus w/visits from Frosty, pictures with Santa by Lexington Rotary Club ($)

Mini-Train Express

Live Entertainment and Children’s Activities

Bluegrass Railroad Club Model Trains

The Bluegrass Miniature Society Dollhouses

International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate

Bit & Bridle Restaurant, home of Santa’s Workshop

Location and Parking-

Enter at KHP Campground entrance, drive through lights,

Park in Main Visitor Parking to go to additional attractions inside park (thru Dec. 23)

Directions* to the Kentucky Horse Park: http://kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=610&Itemid=336

*Southern Lights Travel Tip: Come early and avoid I-75, exit 120, and Georgetown Road. Approach the Southern Lights entrance (KHP Campground) from the east, heading north from Newtown Pike or I-75, exit 115.

Dates and Times –

November 16 through December 31, 2012

5:30 to 10:00 pm each evening

Driving tour only December 24-31**

**(The additional Southern Lights attractions such as the KHP Gift Shop, craft vendors, Santa Claus, Mini-Train Express and model trains, Bit & Bridle Restaurant, International Museum of the Horse, dollhouses, pony rides, camel rides, and exotic petting zoo are open nightly through December 23.)

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice.

Military Night at Southern Lights is Tuesday, December 18. All military members who show their military ID will get free admission for one personal vehicle (up to 7 people) at the gate. So, we hope that all current and former members of the military bring out their families and enjoy Southern Lights, courtesy of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. With 3-miles of spectacular light displays, family activities, holiday shopping, museum, food and Santa Claus, it will be a fun evening to remember!

The lights are on each night, from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, through December 31, and the additional attractions inside the park will be open each night through December 23.

For more info -

www.SouthernLightsKy.org or www.KHPFoundation.org or call 859/255-5727

Southern Lights

Regular Admission -

Personal Vehicle -       Sunday – Thursday                  $15.00

Friday and Saturday    $20.00

Extended Van              $30.00

Limousine                    $30.00

Mini-Bus                      $50.00

School Bus                   $75.00

Motorcoach                $125.00

NOTE: Military Night with one free vehicle admission per legitimate military ID is December 18 only, there are no other military discounts

Additional Attractions -

Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop

Holiday Craft Fair

Pony Rides and Camel Rides ($)

Exotic Petting Zoo

Santa Claus with visits from Frosty, pictures with Santa by Lexington Rotary Club ($)

Mini-Train Express

Live Entertainment and Children’s Activities

Bluegrass Railroad Club Model Trains

The Bluegrass Miniature Society Dollhouses

International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate

Bit & Bridle Restaurant, home of Santa’s Workshop

Location and Parking-

Enter at KHP Campground entrance, drive through lights,

Park in Main Visitor Parking to go to additional attractions inside park

Directions* to the Kentucky Horse Park: http://kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=610&Itemid=336

Travel tip: if you come from I-75 or from Lexington, you might find the wait a little shorter if you approach the Southern Lights entrance (KHP Campground) from Newtown Pike or Exit 115.

Dressage lovers don’t have to wait until summer’s warm weather to enjoy their favorite sport. They have the Snowbird Winter Dressage Series at the Kentucky Horse Park to enjoy when they itch for that special “dance” between horse and rider.

The Snowbird Winter Dressage Series is a Kentucky Dressage Association and Mid-South Eventing Dressage Association sanctioned series for training, novice and USDF B and C open introductory level competitors that will be held on Saturdays on December 15, February 23 and March 23, from approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

Learn more at www.kentuckydressageassociation.org.

Admission:

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

Parking: 

Main Visitor Parking Lot

Location:      

Covered Arena

Dates: 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Times:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm, approximately

The Kentucky Horse Council will host the Kentucky Round-Up, a new family event featuring horse fun, learning and interaction on February 2, 2013 at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Kentucky Round-Up also includes an evening concert by country music star John Michael Montgomery.

The event has been designed to provide families with no horse involvement to be around horses, learn about their personalities, grooming, safety, and horse sports that kids can be involved with.  In addition, those who already ride horses will find advanced speakers, clinicians, vendors and demonstrations for their interest. Also taking place at the Kentucky Round-Upis the 4th Annual International Safety Symposium, sponsored by riders4helmets.com, attracting attendees and speakers from around the world.

In the evening, well-known Kentucky country music artist John Michael Montgomery will be in concert in the arena, with the Danny Frazier Band as the opening act.

Between the daytime activities and the concert, the Kentucky Horse Council will hold its annual Members' Awards Banquet to recognize outstanding industry contributors and volunteers.

"Kentucky Round-Up is a way for the Horse Council to address an issue which all of agriculture faces," commented Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council board.  "Less young people today are comfortable around horses and other livestock because the family farms are disappearing.  Getting the kids 'off the couch and into the barn' not only introduces them to the wonder of horses, but also has tremendous character and health benefits."

"We also hope to take these same families out to horse activities and farms throughout the year," said Ginny Grulke, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council.  "This is not just a one-day experience, but a continuing pathway to the horse."

For more information about Kentucky Round-Up, visit www.kentuckyroundup.com.

Admission:     Adults - $10.00 in advance, $15.00 day of show

                        Kids 12 and under - Free

                        (Complimentary tickets for youth and community groups is available by contacting the Kentucky Horse Council office 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.

Concert:          Adults/Kids - $25.00 in advance, $30.00 at the door

Location and Parking:           Alltech Arena

Dates:              Saturday, February 2, 2013

Times:            Demos, Clinics and Speakers – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

                        Concert – 7:00 pm