US Equestrian held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 11, ushering in the construction of its new 35,000 square-foot office building at the Kentucky Horse Park. The new, two-story headquarters will replace the office space US Equestrian currently leases at the Kentucky Horse Park from the USA Equestrian Trust, Inc., with the lease expiring at the end of 2019.
At the ceremony, remarks were made by Bill Moroney, US Equestrian CEO; Laura Prewitt, Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director; Regina Stivers, Interim Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet; and Bob Quick, President and CEO, Commerce Lexington. The speakers shared their enthusiasm with media and guests about the new US Equestrian headquarters remaining at the Kentucky Horse Park and in Lexington, Ky., the city considered to be the horse capital of the world.
“On behalf of US Equestrian, my sincere appreciation goes to the leadership of the Kentucky Horse Park and Commission and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Moroney said. “In particular, thank you to Secretary Parkinson, Secretary Stivers, Tandy Patrick, Laura Prewitt, Jonathan Lang, and everyone on their teams. From the very first discussion, everyone has embraced our vision and worked with us to keep US Equestrian here at the Kentucky Horse Park.”
The US Equestrian groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated by Bob Quick, President and CEO, Commerce Lexington; Tandy Patrick, chairwoman of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission; Bill Moroney, US Equestrian CEO; Regina Stivers, Interim Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet; and Laura Prewitt, Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director (Taylor Pence/US Equestrian)
“We are thrilled that US Equestrian will continue to call the Kentucky Horse Park their home. As the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States, it is especially fitting that US Equestrian continues to be part of the Kentucky Horse Park family here in Lexington, Ky., the horse capital of the world,” Prewitt added.
The new building, designed by integrity/Architecture and constructed by D.W. Wilburn, will house approximately 140 employees and be completed in the fall of 2019. The two-story headquarters will have an open concept design to improve workflow and a large lobby with Olympic memorabilia and other sport- and breed-related information, along with a ShopUSEF retail store. It is expected to generate cost savings to US Equestrian that will be used to enhance and develop its programs and initiatives for over 100,000 members. In addition, the new headquarters will remain in close proximity to many US Equestrian affiliates and licensed competitions. As the National Governing Body of equestrian sport, US Equestrian will have signage displaying the USOC Member Organization marks, which include the Olympic rings. Signage will be placed on the front of the building as well as near the Kentucky Horse Park main entrance on Iron Works Pike.
The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and its mission is to provide access to and participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Since its inception in 1917, US Equestrian has been bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. US Equestrian trains, selects, and funds the United States Equestrian Team, which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games. Visit usequestrian.org for more information.