The Southern Lights, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc., has returned to the Kentucky Horse Park!  The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation presents Southern Lights annually as a fundraiser in support of the Kentucky Horse Park for the enjoyment of the public.

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, with the exception of November 22 (Thanksgiving) and December 24 to 31. 

Special weekends or events will add to the holiday excitement throughout Southern Lights and include Breyer Weekend, November 30 – December 1, Frosty’s Family Fun Weekend, December 7 – 8, Kentucky Proud Weekend, December 14 – 15, and Military Night, December 18.

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

NOTE:  Complimentary Passes will be accepted Sunday – Thursday ONLY

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 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:  Avoid Interstate-75, exit 120, and Georgetown Road as traffic can get really backed up the last weeks before Christmas.  Instead, approach the Southern Lights gate (KHP Campground entrance) on Iron Works Pike from the east, from I-75, exit 115, and Newtown Pike.

Dates and Times –

November 16 through December 31, 2012

5:30 to 10:00 pm each evening

Driving tour only on Thanksgiving night, November 22, and December 24-31*

Breyer Weekend, November 30-December 1

Frosty’s Family Fun Weekend, December 7-8

Kentucky Proud Weekend, December 14-15

Military Night, December 18 - Free Admission per personal vehicle with military ID

*(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, with the exception of Thanksgiving night, November 22.)

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice.

Synchronized swimming has some serious competition from horses.  The Bluegrass Blast Open Drill Team Competition and 4-H Nationals is this Saturday, November 17, at the KHP’s Covered Arena. 

Following Friday night’s Fun Show with games to relax the competitors at 6 pm, Saturday’s drill team competition is all business, starting at 9 am, for multi-state teams from Novice Youth all the way to Adult with specialty divisions for Theatrical Theme, Gaited and Rodeo.  Check out yet another unique equine sport!

Contact:  (931) 445-5211, PO Box 93, Gainesboro, TN  38562, or find them on Facebook under Bluegrass Blast Drill Team Competition & 4-H Nationals

Admission -Included in Kentucky Horse Park admission, available in the Visitor Information Center

Location-      Covered Arena

Parking -       Main Parking Lot

Dates and Times –            Friday, November 16, 6:00 pm

                                                Saturday, November 17, 9:00 am

The Oleika Shrine Rodeo is coming to town!  This Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, at the KHP’s Alltech Arena, the dust starts flying at 7:30 pm.  

Events include Bareback Broncs, Saddle Broncs, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and Bull Riding.

Don’t miss the rootin’, tootin’ action brought to you by the Oleika Shrine Temple in partnership with Chrysler on Nicholasville.  For more information, go to www.OleikaRodeo.com.

Download a poster at:  http://oleikashrine.org/images/stories/2012oleikarodeoposter.pdf

Admission -

General admission - $10.00 in advance, or $12.00 at the door

Two-day pass - $15.00 in advance or $17.00 at the door.  

Free – Kids 10 and under

Location and Parking-

Alltech Arena

Dates and Times –

            Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, 2012

            Doors open at 6:00 pm

            Rodeo starts at 7:30 pm

More than 1,200 high school students from 312 schools across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s State Cross Country Championshipsthis Saturday, November 10, at the KHP. 

Students have competed in track meets all year to qualify for this final challenge on the beautiful fields and trails throughout the park.  Six races will be held throughout the day, with the first race going off at 9:15 am. 

General admission is $10.00 and admission is free for kids 10 and under.  It will be a beautiful weekend to come out and cheer on these deserving students! 

http://khsaa.org/sports/fall/cross-country/

Admission -

$10.00 – Adults

Free – Kids 10 and under

Location-

Walt Robertson Blvd. Paddocks and vicinity

Parking -

Parking off Walt Robertson Blvd. (follow directional signs past Alltech Arena)

Dates and Times –

            Saturday, November 10, 2012

The much-anticipated, annual Holly Day Market presented by the Junior League of Lexington is this weekend at the KHP’s Alltech Arena, November 9-11, with a preview party on November 8. 

Merchants, most not normally seen in our area, will be set along the arena concourse selling everything from jewelry, clothing, toys, books, art, food, and, of course, holiday decorations.  There is also a packed schedule of special events each day, prize drawings, and visits by Santa.  Get all the details at www.hollydaymarket.com.

Download a schedule of events at http://www.hollydaymarket.com/schedule-of-events/

Admission -

Thursday, November 8, Preview Party $35.00

Friday – Sunday, November 9 – 11, $8.00 per day

Location and Parking -

Alltech Arena

Dates and Times –

            Thursday, November 8, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

            Friday, November 9, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

            Saturday, November 10, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

            Sunday, November 11, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

With the return of the Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc., the Southern Lights Stroll once again debuts as its opening night on Thursday, November 15.  The only evening of the entire event when the public is allowed to experience a major portion of the lighted route on foot, visitors may choose to run, walk or stroll their way through thousands of dazzling holiday lights in the heart of horse country, on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park.

Now in its’ eleventh season, the Southern Lights Stroll has proven popular with casual walkers and families who bring out their children and pets to get photos and see the lights outside of a car, and with serious runners who come to compete in the 5K portion of the “stroll.” 

John’s Run/Walk Shop has donated their services to the competitive 5K race, and awards will be given to winners.  Additional activities include complimentary Mini Train Express rides, refreshments, prize drawings and more.  A food drive for God’s Pantry and local animal shelters will be held in conjunction with this event.  All participants are asked to bring non-perishable items to help the needy families of Central Kentucky and local animal shelters.

Pre-registration through November 10 is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids 7-12.  Registration after November 10 is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids 7-12. Walk-up registration on November 15 begins at 5:00 pm, and the stroll begins at 6:45 pm.  Check-in is at the park’s Visitor Information Center.  The first 500 registered adults receive a free souvenir t-shirt and the first 200 registered kids receive a free holiday ornament compliments of Breyer.

All proceeds of Southern Lights and Southern Lights Stroll support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.  The 2012 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. and the Holly and Ivy Sponsors are Kerr Brothers Funeral Home and Café Press Inc.  Additional sponsors are Pepsi, Breyer, Kentucky Utilities, SafetyTec, John’s Run/Walk Shop and the Mini Train Express Company.  In September, the American Bus Association (ABA) selected Southern Lights a Top 100 event for 2013, which is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. 

Southern Lights is open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm nightly from November 16 to December 31, 2012.  Indoor attractions will be open every night except November 22 and December 24 - 31. The cost is $15.00 per car Sunday through Thursday and $20.00 per car on Friday and Saturday.  Contact the KHP Foundation for more information at (859) 255-5727, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or www.khpfoundation.org.

The registration form is downloadable here:  http://khpfoundation.org/southern-lights-stroll.html.

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The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fulfills its mission to enhance, expand and improve the Kentucky Horse Park by fundraising within the private sector.  This partnership between private donors and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is what has enabled the incredible success of the Kentucky Horse Park.  Since its inception in 1985, the KHP Foundation has raised more than $25 million, which has funded critical improvements such as new facilities, research projects, new horses, landscaping ventures, and much more.

From Olympic show jumpers to elegant gaited riders, an array of equestrians will compete at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show, Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, held at the Alltech Arena on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park.

More than a world-class horse show, the week-long event welcomes the community with Halloween Trick-or-Treat night, a Military Day, a Fitness Friday and a 5K Countryside Canter and 1-Mile Fun Run. Inside the arena, visitors will find shopping venues, interactive exhibits, and Kentucky food and beverages. Highlights of the competition include the Puissance, the Alltech Grand Prix and the ASPCA Alfred Maclay Final.  Admission is included with Kentucky Horse Park admission during daytime events. Admission is $20 for adults on Thursday and Friday evenings, and $30 on Saturday evening.

Wednesday, October 31 – Not Your Ordinary Halloween Trick-or-Treat

Bring your family to trick-or-treat at the Alltech National Horse Show with some of your favorite cartoon characters, including Woody and Jessie from Toy Story, Shrek and Fiona, Cinderella and Spider-Man. No matter the weather, we’ll be trick-or-treating in the dry and warm Alltech Arena. Free for all and open to the public, this unique trick-or-treat starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

Thursday, November 1 – Military Day

Don’t miss a chance to thank our military heroes during the Alltech National Horse Show. Meet with local heroes and test your strength at the Army Activity Area at the Alltech Arena. Members of the military will receive half price admission to evening events with a military I.D. At 7 p.m. a Presentation of Colors will be performed by the Forest Hill Military Academy.

Friday, November 2 – Fit Friday

Pick up your registration packet for Saturday’s Countryside Canter 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run during events Saturday. While you’re at the Arena, receive a free health screening.

Saturday, November 3 – Family Fun Day and the Countryside Canter 5K

Two-legged athletes will race through the scenic Kentucky Horse Park during the Alltech Countryside Canter 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The races start at 8 a.m., but fun continues throughout the day with a balloon twister, face painting, pictures on a pony (1-3 p.m.) and your favorite cartoon characters. Pre-register online at active.com. All proceeds go to The All Glory Project.

More information is available at www.AlltechNationalHorseShow.com.

ADMISSION -

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

Night:              Free, Tuesday and Wednesday

$20.00, Thursday and Friday (1/2 price with military I.D. on Thursday)

                        $30.00, Saturday

LOCATIONAND PARKING -      Alltech Arena andAlltech Arena Parking Lot

DATES AND TIMES –

Tuesday, October 30

START CLASS # CLASS

8:00 AM 20 Regular Conformation Hunter Model

8:15 AM 10 Green Conformation Hunter Model

8:40 AM “Build Course”

8:50 AM 22 Regular Conformation Hunter O/F

9:20 AM 23 Regular Conformation Hunter Handy

9:50 AM 12 Green Conformation Hunter O/F

10:40 AM 13 Green Conformation Hunter Handy

11:30 AM 32 First Year Green Working Hunter O/F

12:15 PM “Drag Ring”

12:25 PM 33 First Year Green Working Handy Hunter

1:10 PM 42 Second Year Green Working Hunter O/F

1:55 PM 43 Second Year Green Working Hunter Handy

2:40 PM 52 High Performance Hunter O/F

3:15 PM 53 High Performance Hunter Handy

3:50 PM “Build Course & Walk”

4:30 PM 150 Open Jumper Training

Wednesday, October 31

START CLASS # CLASS

8:00 AM 31 First Year Green Working Hunter U/S

8:15 AM 11 Green Conformation Hunter U/S

8:35 AM 41 Second Year Green Working Hunter U/S

8:50 AM 21 Regular Conformation Hunter U/S

9:10 AM 51 High Performance Hunter U/S

9:30 AM “Build Course”

9:45 AM 34 First Year Green Working Hunter Stake

10:35 AM 14 Green Conformation Hunter Stake

11:30 AM 44 Second Year Green Working Hunter Stake

12:15 PM “Drag Ring”

12:25 PM 24 Regular Conformation Hunter Stake

1:00 PM 54 High Performance Hunter Stake

1:35 PM 82 Amateur Owner Working Hunter 3’3” O/F

2:20 PM 83 Amateur Owner Working Hunter 3’3” Handy

3:05 PM “Build Course”

3:40 PM “Walk Course”

3:55 PM 151 $50,000 Open Jumper Time First Round

6:05 PM Awards Ceremony

6:15 PM “Clear Ring”

6:30 PM 207 Three Gaited Open Stake

6:50 PM 209 Fine Harness Amateur Stake

7:10 PM 203 Five Gaited Open Stake

Thursday, November 1

START CLASS # CLASS

8:00 AM 72 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) O/F

8:40 AM 62 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) O/F

9:20 AM “Adjust Course”

9:30 AM 73 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) Handy

10:10 AM 63 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) Handy

10:50 AM “Adjust Course”

11:00 AM 84 Amateur Owner Hunter (3’3”) Stake

11:50 AM “Strip Ring & Drag”

12:05 PM 81 Amateur Owner Hunter (3’3”) U/S

12:25 PM “Build Course & Walk”

1:15 PM 161 $10,000 Junior Jumper Time First Round

2:20 PM “Walk Course”

2:35 PM 163 $10,000 Amateur Owner Jumper Time First Round

Thursday Evening

7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies

7:15 PM 152 $75,000 International Open Jumper Time First Jump Off

8:45 PM “Clear Ring”

9:00 PM 205 Three Gaited Amateur Stake

9:20 PM 211 Park Horse Amateur Stake

9:40 PM 201 Five Gaited Amateur Stake

Friday, November 2

START CLASS # CLASS

7:00 AM 92 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) O/F

7:40 AM 102 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) O/F

8:20 AM 112 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) O/F

9:00 AM “Drag Ring”

9:10 AM 122 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) O/F

9:50 AM 74 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) Stake

10:30 AM 64 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) Stake

11:10 AM “Clear Ring & Drag”

11:20 AM 71 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) U/S

11:40 AM 61 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) U/S

12:00 PM 91 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) U/S

12:15 PM 101 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) U/S

12:30 PM 111 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) U/S

12:45 PM 121 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) U/S

1:00 PM “Build Course & Walk”

1:50 PM 164 $10,000 Amateur Owner Jumper Time First Jump Off

3:10 PM “Walk Course”

3:25 PM 162 $10,000 Junior Jumper Time First Jump Off

4:45 PM “Adjust Course & Walk”

5:15 PM 153 $50.000 International Open Jumper Faults Converted

Friday Evening

7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies

7:15 PM 208 Three Gaited Championship Stake

7:35 PM 210 Fine Harness Open Championship

7:55 PM 213 E. S. Roadster Cup

8:15 PM 204 Five Gaited Championship Stake

8:35 PM “Build Course & Walk”

9:10 PM 154 $50,000 International Open Jumper Puissance

Saturday, November 3

START CLASS # CLASS

6:00 AM 301 ASPCA Maclay Warm Up (not judged) 90 seconds each

10:00 AM “Adjust Course”

10:20 AM 93 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Handy

11:00 AM 103 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Handy

11:40 AM 113 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Handy

12:20 PM 123 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Handy

1:00 PM “Adjust Course”

1:10 PM 94 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Stake

1:55 PM 104 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Stake

2:40 PM 114 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Stake

3:25 PM 124 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Stake

4:10 PM “Build Course & Walk”

5:00 PM 165 $50,000 SJHF Junior/Amateur Owner Championship

Saturday Evening

7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies

7:20 PM 155 $250.000 Alltech Grand Prix

8:50 PM Awards Ceremony

9:00 PM “Clear Ring & Drag”

9:10 PM 212 Park Horse Amateur Championship

9:30 PM 206 Three Gaited Amateur Championship

9:50 PM 202 Five Gaited Amateur Championship

Sunday, November 4

START CLASS # CLASS

7:00 AM Maclay Finals - First Round

3:00 PM Maclay Finals - Flat Phase

3:30 PM Final Work-Off (if necessary)

4:00 PM Awards Ceremony

The exhibit Losing Ground: The Greatest Threat sponsored by Equus Magazine and Equine Land Conservation Resource will open at the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on October 29, 2012. The exhibit will increase awareness and educate the public about the loss of horse lands, facilities and trails access in the United States. It demonstrates the value of horses, including their economic impact, to our communities and culture, and what can be done to protect these assets, not only for horse land owners, equestrians and equine enthusiasts, but for communities and the nation as a whole. Furthermore, it describes how 6,000 acres of open lands are lost to development every day.  These are the lands we need to raise, ride and care for our horses.  These are the hayfields, the competition grounds, the trails and the pastures that support our rich American equine culture. 

“It has always been the museum’s mission to look at pressing problems within the equine community, and the alarming disappearance of land for horses has to be near the top of the list,” says International Museum of the Horse Director, Bill Cooke.

The exhibit consists of an extensive mural that dramatically shows the threat of unplanned development on existing horse lands. A video film, produced by Post Time Productions and developed by ELCR, is the visitor’s first view of the exhibit which quickly draws the visitor into the story of American’s love for the horse and the threat to the very land needed to support our equine population. Three interactive kiosk stations allow the visitor to explore the following topic areas: why horses make ‘good neighbors’; loss of land and trails access; and a “call to action” that describes what individuals can do to get informed, organize and advocate locally and nationally for protection of horse lands, facilities and trail access with the help and resources of ELCR.

 As part of the exhibition, visitors receive a complimentary copy of a Losing Ground: The Greatest Threat an EQUUS special report on conserving land and trails for horses, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. “At EQUUS we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to preserve open space and trail access,” says EQUUS editor Laurie Prinz. “And we know that the first step in effective advocacy is informing Equestrians and the public at large about what's at stake. We appreciate that Pfizer has made possible a special publication highlighting land use issues.”

“As the only national organization working to conserve land for equine related use, ELCR is proud to partner with Equus magazine on this important project that will raise awareness of the need to protect our horse lands now, before it is too late,” says ELCR CEO, Anna Gibson. “The land we save in the next fifteen years will determine the future of our equine culture, lifestyle and landscape for future generations.”

Editor’s note:  Photos are available by contacting Holly Groshek, Director of Marketing and Membership, Equine Land Conservation Resource, (859) 455-8383 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information and networking resource for land and horse owner, organizations, agencies and all equine enthusiasts on issues related to farm and ranch land conservation, land use planning, farm and ranch land stewardship/best management practices, trail access and sustainability, liability and equine economic impacts.  For more information about the ELCR visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

About the Equine Network: The Equine Network provides, creates and distributes relevant content and services to passionate horse enthusiasts while connecting them to each other and the marketplace. The Equine Network is the publisher of award-winning magazines Horse & Rider, EQUUS, Dressage Today, The Trail Rider, Spin To Win Rodeo, American Cowboy, Practical Horseman and Horse Journal. The Equine Network also publishes a proprietary line of books and DVDs for sale through its store, HorseBooksEtc.com. The Equine Network provides emergency roadside assistance for equestrians through its recent acquisition of USRider, and is home to several websites, including: EquiSearch.com, Equine.com, MyHorseDaily.com, DiscoverHorses.com, AmericanCowboy.com and Horse-Journal.com.

The Octoberfest Horse Trials by Champagne Run farm in Lexington are this weekend, October 27-28.  Octoberfest is a fun schooling show for many new riders as well as experienced riders who will be bringing out green horses. 

Dressage and Stadium Jumping will be held on Saturday, and Cross Country will be held on Sunday.  Some 200-300 horses will be shown over the two days, some dressed up just for the special costume competitions (hey, it is Octoberfest after all!), creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for the new competitors.  www.champagnerun.com

Admission -

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

Parking -

Main Visitor Parking Lot

Location -

Saturday - Dressage in Dressage Complex (starts 8:00 am)

            Saturday - Stadium Jumping in Hunter/Jumper Complex (finishes by 5:30 pm)

            Sunday - Cross Country on Cross Country Course

Times –

Saturday, October 27, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (approx.)

            Sunday, October 28, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (approx.)

Of all the equestrian sports out there, none of them are as FUN as mounted games.  The US Mounted Games Association Championship Finale will be held at the park this weekend, October 27-28, 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 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!  www.usmga.us

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

Parking:  Main Visitor Parking Lot

Location:  Rolex Stadium

Times:           Saturday, October 27, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (approx.)

                       Sunday, October 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (approx.)