LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2012) The Kentucky Horse Park is pleased to announce a new state-wide horse grooming contest to be held on March 31.

The contest will to provide 4-H Clubs, Future Farmers of America, United States Pony Clubs, and other youth groups an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work together in a safe and humane manner to groom and prepare horses for showing. Both senior and junior divisions will be offered, and champion and reserve champion awards will be given.

Participants will need to dust off their grooming supplies and get in groom-ready shape. The Kentucky Horse Park will provide the horses, and park staff will make sure the animals are all in need of a good grooming before the contest.

Teams of three will be assigned a horse and then given 30 minutes to brush, dust, detangle and polish their way to the champion groom team honors. The contest also will include a written test on general horse knowledge as well as a showmanship class at the end of the day, to show off all of the polished ponies.

This is sure to be good, “clean” family fun and a great opportunity to kick off the summer show season, which is just around the corner.

For complete details and a registration packet, please contact Sheila Forbes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 859-233-4305.