Meet Michael, the adoptable horse of the week from the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC).

Michael is an 8-year-old, 16.1-hand Thoroughbred gelding. He is currently in the retraining program at KyEHC where is is going nicely and moves out well under saddle at walk, trot and canter. 

Because he raced extensively, the KyEHC veterinarian has suggested that Michael is sound for flat work or as a trail horse.  The trainer is recommending him for an intermediate rider.

This handsome boy is also very kind, gentle and inquisitive, and stands well for the farrier and grooming.

For more information on Michael or any of the other adoptable horses representing many breeds at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, contact them at 859-881-5849, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.KyEHC.org. 

Majestic is a 5-year-old Paint mare who is sound and looking for a home. 

As you can see, she is quite majestic, as her name implies, and at 15.1-hands she is a great size for just about any discipline. 

Majestic has recently been started under saddle and is progressing very well at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center's training program while she looks for a new home.  She was adopted several weeks ago but returned, due to NO FAULT OF HER OWN.

She's friendly, gets along with other horses, and would love to have a good home with someone who can see her potential. 

Imagine how great you'll look on her at horse shows and trail rides!

For more information on Majestic or any of the other horses who are available for adoption at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, go to www.KyEHC.org, call 859-881-5849 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

By Joanie Morris, NAJYRC

Lexington, KY - The dates and location of the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North have been designated. 

The competition will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park from July 18-22, 2012 - the week before the Olympic Games commence in London.

Adequan has returned as the title sponsor of this competition, and makes the dreams of young equestrians (ages 14-21) a reality. It is through the support of Adequan that this event has been able to grow - it now boasts nine FEI Championships.

Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Reining each offer a championship for Juniors and one for Young Riders. Endurance - which was added in 2011 as a championship, offers an FEI championship for Young Riders.

In 2011 both Vaulting and Para-Equestrian produced exhibition performances at the championship - both were very well received by the other athletes and spectators.

"We look forward to another excellent year of competition at the Kentucky Horse Park," said John Long, CEO of the USEF. "This is the showcase for our youth athletes in these five disciplines and it is a fantastic opportunity for them to compete in a championship of this caliber."

Other supporters of the only FEI Championship held annually in North America include: Gotham North, SmartPak, Equine Canada, Platinum Performance, Ariat, Howard and Martha Simpson, the United States Dressage Federation, the United States Eventing Association, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, Griffin Gate Marriott, Sallee Horse Vans, Hodges Badge Company, Phelps Media Group and the Alltech National Horse Show, the Mexican Equestrian Federation, Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC., Hagyard Equine Medical, WISE Equestrian, Equifit, Dever, Inc., Best of Flowers, and Hertz.

A huge number of people and farms made the first 75-mile Endurance ride possible: Barton Brothers Farm, Ben Koostra, Black Fences/After Hours Farm, Billie Steffie, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Chad Needham, Dunroven Stud (Steve and Martha Brown), Emmett Ross, Fayette and Scott County Police, Gaylord Highlander, Glenn Thompson, Kentuckiana Farms, Oscar and Eloise Penn, Secretariat Center, Spy Coast Farm, UK-Ag Department (Dr. Nancy Cox), Ulrike McGovern, Equine Monitors (Donna Shifflette) and Distance Depot.

And thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make this event a success.

ENDS
Please visit: www.youngriders.org for more information.

Mark the Calendar for the 2012 Event, to get involved, please contact Joanie Morris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 859.225.2052.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, please contact:
Marty Bauman, Press Chief, 508-698-6810, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lexington, KY — October 17, 2011— Ticket packages for the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, and Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, April 26-29 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, are on sale now.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM, is one of only six Four Star Three-Day Events in the world and the only one in the Western Hemisphere. Many of the world’s best riders will be competing with the hopes of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics. This is a rare opportunity to watch riders compete in Olympic level competition before the London Olympic Games begin!

The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup is the ultimate destination for Reining in the United States. A qualifier for the FEI World Reining Championship, the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup is expected to draw horses and riders from across the globe competing for $100,000 in prize money.

“2012 promises to be one of the most exciting events we’ve ever had,” said Lisa Ball, President of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup. “An Olympic year always adds a new level of excitement and this coming year will be no exception. And with the incredible success of last year’s inaugural Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, I recommend that all our fans act quickly and order their tickets right away!”

“Rolex Kentucky,” commonly known as the nation’s premier Three-Day Event, is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession.

Spectators can receive ringside hospitality packages for a custom world-class experience. Featuring prime locations and hospitality amenities, these packages include the “Patron Plus” and “Patron Club” options, both of which include admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, the International Trade Fair and all four days of competition. Also included are closed circuit televisions, dressage and stadium jumping commentary, a keepsake pin, and an official event program.

Advance sale ticket packages include four-day, three-day (Fri-Sat-Sun)and single day general admissions, as well as group sales and reserved grandstand seating. All general admission tickets include parking, admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and International Trade Fair. Reserved grandstand seating is sold separately from admission.

Once again this year, spectators may purchase reserved tailgating spaces along portions of the famed Cross-Country Course at the Kentucky Horse Park. The purchase of a tailgating space provides a reserved location for a passenger vehicle plus general admission for up to six people. Standard and Premium tailgating spaces are available at costs of $275 and $325. Tailgaters may bring their own food or there will also be concessions stands near the tailgating locations. Given the popularity of the tailgating when it debuted at last year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, it is sure to sell out and those interested are urged to reserve their spaces today.

The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup features the only Five Star Reining competition in the world in 2012 and the incredibly popular World Freestyle Championship. Action begins on Friday night with the CRI5* with riders guiding their horses through prescribed turns, sliding stops and flying lead changes in pursuit of $100,000 prize money.

On Saturday evening, riders will seek the title of World Freestyle Champion and their share of $25,000 in prize money as they entertain spectators with choreographed musical performances that electrified the Alltech Arena crowd during last year’s inaugural championship.

Advance tickets for the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup are $12 per person for Friday’s CRI5* and $20 per person for Saturday’s World Freestyle Championship. Hospitality options include the opportunity to purchase the use of luxury suites in the Alltech Arena for both nights of competition.

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org. For more information on the 2012 Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, or to purchase tickets, please go to www.KentuckyReining.com.

As of November 1, tickets may be ordered directly online, or by printing the ticket order form and returning it via mail or fax (859)-254-5116 to Equestrian Events, Inc. Tickets may also be ordered by calling 859-254-8123. To receive a printed ticket brochure, please send your name and mailing address to 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. .

Follow the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone and the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup online at:
www.facebook.com/RolexKentucky
www.twitter.com/RolexKentucky
www.youtube.com/RolexKentucky
www.facebook.com/KentuckyReining

www.twitter.com/KentuckyReining www.youtube.com/KentuckyReining

The Kentucky Equine Humane Center, which partners with the Kentucky Horse Park to help get horses adopted, really needs donations of hay to get their rescued horses through the winter. 

The Kentucky Equine Humane Center is the only equine shelter in Kentucky that accepts all breeds and all disciplines of horses who are at-risk.  Then they retrain and adopt them into new, loving homes. In the past 4 years, approximately 650 of Kentucky's horses, donkeys, ponies, mules and burros have come through the center. 

If you can help, please call Tanya Stallion, 859-881-5849 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

For more information on the important work being done for horses by Kentucky Equine Humane Center, go to www.KyEHC.org.

Written by: Kenneth Kraus/ PhelpsSports.com.
Client: Alltech National Horse Show
Release Date: 2011-12-14

Lexington, KY – December 14, 2011 - - Following an amazingly successful debut this year, the second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is set for October 31 through November 4, 2012. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, closed with great excitement, receiving unanimous approval from the horse show community. The Show was a great success with the thousands of attendees, in addition to nearly half a million viewers who watched the events unfold online.

More than 560 horses and 350 riders from nine countries, including nine Olympic veterans, competed this year, and according to Mason Phelps, Jr., the President of the National Horse Show Association, next year’s show will build on the excitement of the 2011 debut. “We couldn’t have been happier with our first year effort in Kentucky. But, that being said, we are already working on a bigger and better event for next year,” he said. “We expect bigger prize money, we’ve already added an extra competition day and the American Saddlebreds will return to the Alltech National Horse Show next year. So we are very excited about what lies ahead.”

The show’s debut this year will go down in the record books as one of the most successful in the history of equestrian events in the United States.

“The Alltech Arena is an ideal location for the National Horse Show, it is perfect for all the horsemen and horses, and it really captured the feel of Madison Square Garden,” noted legendary horseman George Morris after attending this year’s show. “The Alltech National Horse Show has brought back class, something that has been lacking in horse shows today.”

Next year’s show, scheduled for October 31 through November 4th, will build on the success generated during this inaugural run.

“It’s been fantastic. It’s been amazing. It’s been wonderful,” agreed Alltech President and Founder Dr. Pearse Lyons. “This inaugural event was a good beginning, but it was only the beginning. This show will continue to grow and next time around the city of Lexington will embrace this show more and we, in fact, will go all out to create a super experience for all who attend.”

“We hope that everyone will mark their calendars for next year,” added Phelps. “With what we learned during our first year, I can promise you that the Alltech National Horse Show in 2012 will prove to be an amazing event.”

Photos above:  (Top) Kent Farrington on Up Chiqui in 2011 Alltech National Horse Show; (Bottom) National Horse Show Association President Mason Phelps, Jr. and Dr. Pearse Lyons, President and Founder of Alltech. ©Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com.

Meet the Adoptable Horse of the Week: Donna!

As you can see, Donna is an exceptionally beautiful mare.  She is also sound, intelligent, young, and kind -- what a great combination!

She is only 3-years-old, 16.1-hands, and spent only a short amount of time on the racetrack, so she doesn't have any bad habits.

Donna is currently in the retraining program at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center where she is preparing for a new home and new career.  She is being recommended for low-level jumping or low-level dressage. 

If you'd like more information about the lovely Donna, call 859-881-5849 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  You can also visit their website to see other adoptable horses, www.KyEHC.org. 

Thoroughbred Horse Show Association Created to Provide Opportunities for Thoroughbreds beginning Show Careers

Lexington, KY –  A group of Central Kentuckians interested in creating opportunities to showcase the talent and competitive spirit of Thoroughbreds off the racetrack has created the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association. The association is working to develop shows exclusively for Thoroughbreds to give them valuable show experience while helping rescue organizations place Thoroughbreds in new homes. THSA members will be able to follow these horses in the shows because the horses must be entered using their registered names with The Jockey Club. 

“Adopting Thoroughbreds after they race is a significant issue and will become even more important if race-day medication is ended and additional racehorses need to find second careers,” said THSA founder Jan Roehl of Lexington. “Our logo of a horse jumping out of a paddock symbolizes these horses are not ready to retire.”

Shows are geared for Thoroughbreds just starting their show careers with entry-level divisions in multiple disciplines, including dressage, combined training, hunter/jumper, suitability for hunting and competitive trail riding. THSA already has scheduled shows in 2012 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for April 14-15 and October 6-7, and is working with rescue organizations and others to hold additional shows next year.

“Thoroughbreds off the track make very talented show horses, but they first need experience to develop their abilities and be seen by trainers who can take them to the next level,” said Roehl, who has spent much of her life working with Thoroughbreds in the show ring and on the racetrack.

Because Thoroughbreds that compete in THSA or affiliated shows must be entered using their registered name with The Jockey Club, THSA members will be able to follow the second careers of horses they admired at the racetrack.

“This is a great feature of THSA membership,” Roehl said. “Many of us would like to keep up with horses after their racing careers end and they become show horses. More often than not, Thoroughbreds off the track don't show under their registered names, so there hasn't been an easy way to follow them.”

Roehl said THSA is a membership-driven community designed to connect Thoroughbred owners to a large group of like-minded people who care about the future of these horses. The association's annual membership of $300 will finance shows and promote Thoroughbred adoption. THSA has launched a website at http://tbhorseshow.org where people may learn more and join the association.

Joining Roehl in THSA is John Prather, a veteran event coordinator and manager. Prather is a board member for Equestrian Events Inc., the governing body of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, and is on the board of Blue Grass Farms Charities. He was the main stadium manager at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information, contact Jan Roehl at (859) 421-8710 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Note:  Photo above of Party Leader, a retired Thoroughbred in retraining for a second career at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"The Horse" is the most recent blockbuster exhibition in the International Museum of the Horse here at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

"The Horse" beautifully explores how nature's most majestic creature has shaped our world through140 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.

Assembled by the American Museum of Natural History, "The Horse" is the largest travelling exhibition of equine art, artifacts and memorabilia ever assembled and it's on display through April 6, 2012.

Tickets to "The Horse" will make great Christmas gifts for the horse lover in your family, or for those who are simply interested in history and art.  It's also full of interactive exhibits for kids.

"The Horse" is included with Kentucky Horse Park admission for only $10, or you can purchase a "museum only" ticket for $8, which will also include the American Saddlebred Museum.  

To purchase tickets for "The Horse," call 859-259-4280 or stop by the Kentucky Horse Park Wed-Sun, 9am to 5pm.

Get more information on this fantastic exhibition,"THE HORSE."