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. 

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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.   

Presented by Alltech and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky

Hats Off Day is a special day to celebrate Kentucky’s horse industry at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentuckians are invited to the Kentucky Horse Park for a FREE day of family fun and educational activities to learn about the state’s amazing horse industry.

Hats Off Day provides something for everyone – fantastic entertainment for families, intense show jumping competition, a state-of-the-art facility for riders, and premium hospitality and enhanced benefits for sponsors.

Activities include all the regular features of the Kentucky Horse Park, plus free pony rides (1 per child), educational booths and interactive equine stations, equestrian demonstrations, and more, all leading up to the featured event of the evening, the Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.

The $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix is a premier show jumping competition with a 27 year history at the Kentucky Horse Park. Top level show jumpers are guaranteed to impress and thrill the crowd as they fly over 5 foot fences.

In addition to thrilling spectators over the years, The Rood & Riddle Grand Prix has served as a charity fundraiser since 2003 and raised over $350,000 for charitable organizations.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT HATSOFFKY.COM!

Our Beneficiaries

Since its inception in 1985, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has followed its mission to “expand and enhance the Kentucky Horse Park.” The Foundation has provided funding for many of the park’s facilities, such as show rings and barns for equine competitions, new horses, tack and carriages, safety equipment, costuming, educational programs, landscaping projects, signage, sound systems, special research projects, and special exhibits at the International Museum of the Horse.

The mission of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center is to provide humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for all of Kentucky’s unwanted equines, regardless of breed; To educate the public and raise awareness for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis; To work with and serve as a model for organizations with the same mission in other states: to save America’s equines from inhumane treatment.