Come visit Derby Days, the chance to meet past Kentucky Derby winners, Funny Cide and Go for Gin, right here at the Kentucky Horse Park on May 3 and 4.

Help us celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Funny Cide’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins, and Go for Gin’s 1994 Kentucky Derby win, by visiting with them in their stalls or catching them at the Hall of Champions Show.

View one of the largest collections of past Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown trophies anywhere, on display in the International Museum of the Horse, featuring the trophies of Triple Crown winners Affirmed and Seattle Slew.  The museum’s collection includes the amazing Calumet Farm’s eight Derby trophies, seven Preakness trophies, two Belmont platters and two Triple Crown trophies for Whirlaway in 1941 and Citation in 1948.

Racing fans and history buffs will further have the opportunity to visit the grave of Isaac Burns Murphy, probably the world’s greatest Thoroughbred jockey, who won the Kentucky Derby three times, and achieved an incredible lifetime winning record of 44%.  Kentucky Derby winners War Admiral, Bold Forbes and Alysheba, among other great Thoroughbred horses, are also buried on park grounds.

The Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop provides officially-licensed Derby merchandised including Daily Racing Forms and programs, and, of course, carries a variety of Derby hats, fancy to plain; scarves; ties; prints and notecards; and, books on Kentucky’s Thoroughbred racing heritage.

This family-friendly event also includes performances by two singer/songwriters, Taylor Dye and Dale Pyatt, and the Bittersweet Cloggers on both Friday and Saturday, and stick horse making and a coloring contest for the kids all day Saturday.

Each child (7-12) will receive a free return visit to the park just for visiting, and adult guests will be eligible for a drawing for one of several Family Season Passes.

Bring the family out to the Kentucky Horse Park for Derby Days to experience beautiful Kentucky scenery, horse culture and a lovely compliment to your Derby weekend!

Dates & Times -

Friday, May 3, 2013 – 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday, May 4, 2013—9:00 am-5:00 pm

Admission* –

Adults - $16.00

Children (7-12) $8.00

*Guests who show a wagering ticket from Keeneland, or here at the drive-thru booths at the Kentucky Horse Park, will receive up to 50% off of general admission on Friday or Saturday.

Photo by Steve Faust.

The annual Hippity Hoppity Hunt takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground on Saturday, March 30!  Little campers and their parents will enjoy the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, a petting zoo, crafts, inflatables and a lunch sponsored by Northside RVs. 

The Hippity Hoppity Hunt is open only to campers, so be sure to get your reservation in by contacting the KHP Campground at (800) 370-6416 directly or the reservation system at (888) 4KY-PARK or www.parks.ky.gov or going straight to the campground pages on this website at:

http://kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=571&Itemid=264

Date and Time:

Saturday, March 30 – 11 am – 3pm

Campground Fee:

$30.00 – Sunday-Thursday per night/1-8 people

$32.00 – Friday-Saturday per night/1-8 pepole

$26.00 per night/primitive with electric

$20.00 per night/primitive

The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation’s Antiques and Garden Show at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena will celebrate its 28th year with its show March 8-10, 2013. Highlights include nationally renowned Keynote Speakers* landscape designer Jon Carloftis, Hall of Fame interior designer Laura Bohn, and culinary artists Christopher Hirsheimer & Melissa Hamilton of Canal House Cooks; a special loan exhibit “Kentucky Revealed: Treasures from the Speed Art Museum”, a vintage car show, Designer Vignettes by Matthew Carter Interiors, Jennifer Schnabel Interior Design, Kimbrel/Birkman Interior Design, and J. Michael’s Design; daily complimentary lectures featuring regional experts, and on Saturday only, an Appraisal Fair* with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Bluegrass Auction & Appraisal.   

The festivities begin with a Gala Preview Party* on Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm featuring fine cocktails and culinary specialties from Catering by Donna, a silent auction, valet parking, and shopping opportunities.  The three-day show features more than 80 exhibitors of antiques, gardens, designer vignettes, silver, jewelry, collectibles and fine home furnishings, and hosts an A la Carte Café & Bar by Kentucky Horse Park Catering.  

The show’s complimentary daily lecture schedule begins March 8 at 2:00 p.m. with “Beauty & the Bluegrass:  Maine Chance Farm & Elizabeth Arden” with Martha Birchfield.  On March 9 at 10:30 a.m. “The Seasons of the Gardens & Flowers of the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion” with Beth Sebastion, Garth Vinson and Tim Depenbrock; at 2:00 p.m., “Antiques in the Market Place” with Taylor Thistlethwaite; and at 3:30 pm, “Gardens of Inspiration: Incorporating Ideas from Historic Gardens around the World into Your Own Garden” with Joseph Hillenmeyer.  On Sunday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m., “Short Stories of Early Kentucky Furniture, 1790-1820” with Mack Cox; and the final complimentary lecture will be at 2:30 p.m., “Kentucky in Prints” with James D. Birchfield.

*Denotes events requiring reservations, by calling the Blue Grass Trust at (859)253-0362 or going online at www.bluegrasstrust.org 

Dates and Times:

Thursday, March 7, 2013 – 7:00 – 10:00 pm – Gala Preview Party

Friday, March 8, 2013 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday, March 9, 2013 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, March 10, 2013 – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena

Admission:

Daily entry is $10.00; Run of Show ticket is $15.00 – available at the door

*Gala Preview Party $125 p/p; $95 young collector (35 & under)

*Keynote Lectures: Hirsheimer/Hamilton: $60 p/p; Laura Bohn: $40 p/p; Jon Carloftis: $60 p/p. Special See all 3 for $130.

*Appraisal Fair on March 9, 10 am – 4 pm: with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers Alexander Eblen, G.G., Director, Fine Jewelry and Time Pieces, and Rowley Kennerk, Director, Fine Arts; and from Bluegrass Auction & Appraisal LLC, Filson Graham, owner. Reservations required, call BGT @ 859/253-0362. $20 p/p, includes appraisal fee and daily show ticket. Limit: 2 items p/p, subject to approval. 

Road to the Horse International 2013 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the World Champion Colt Starting competition with the most extravagant competition yet in Lexington, Kentucky.

A competition untouched by others, tests skill, experience and colt training prowess, Road to the Horse dares four young, elite horse trainers, Guy McLean, Dan James, Sarah Winters and Obbie Schlom, to create a trusting partnership with an untouched 3-year-old Quarter Horse from the renowned 6666 Ranch in Texas.  Competitors have just three hours spread out over three days to build a working relationship with their colt.  Clinicians work through the process using their own natural horsemanship style giving spectators a chance to learn from the best in the world.  With disruptive sounds, exhilarating sights and adrenaline-pumping time constraints each competitor must face the final trial, an obstacle course.  Only one will walk away with the Colt Starting World Champion Title.

Unlike the team format of 2012, these horsemen and horsewomen will represent their countries as individuals.  Road to the Horse 2012 champions, Australians, McLean and James have their sights on once again being on top of the world.

Americans, Winters, 22, and Schlom, 18, will be the youngest ever competitors, marking only the second time another female competed in the event’s 10 year history.  In a battle of Australia versus America, will the title go back to Australia or will the challengers keep it at home?

True horse enthusiasts recognize Road to the Horse as the event of the year.  An event so big can only happen in one place; the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, Kentucky.  Meet horsemen and women from around the world at the Kentucky Horse Park for a truly unique experience.  Now, for the first time ever, Road to the Horse legends will meet in one arena.

“This is the greatest equine event, held in the greatest facility, in the horse capital of the world,” says award-winning producer, Tootie Bland.

The event will expand into the Alltech Arena, home to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Kentucky Horse Park on March 15-17, 2013.  The site boasts an on-site campground, nearby racehorse farms and historical sites.

Road to the Horse has become the hottest ticket in the equine world and historically sells out months in advance.  Don’t miss your chance to witness the World Championship of Colt Starting, much like the Super Bowl, being there is an experience that is unforgettable!  Tickets for this electrifying event are on sale now and going fast at roadtothehorse.com.

To learn more, go to www.RoadToTheHorse.com or call 325.736.5000.

2013 Competitors:  Guy McLean, Sarah Winters, Dan James and Obbie Schlom

2013 Clinicians:  Chris Cox, Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron, Curt Pate, Dan James, Glenn Stewart, Guy McLean, Jonathan Field, Ken McNabb, Martin Black, Richard Winters, Stacy Westfall and Tommy Garland

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena for competition and all clinicians

Nations Members park in the Alltech Arena lot

General parking in the Main Visitor Parking lot; shuttles will be available to the Alltech Arena

Dates and Times:

Friday, March 15, 2013

9:00 am - Doors open for Nations Members

9:15 - 11:30 - Clinician Meet and Greet

10:30 am - Doors Open to all Ticket Holders

12:00 pm - Clinics Begin

2:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies

6:00 pm - End of Day 1

Saturday, March 16, 2013

9:00 am - Doors open for Nations Members

10:00 am - Doors Open

10:30 am - Clinics Begin

12:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies

4:00 pm - End of Day 2

10th Anniversary Celebration Party - Alltech Arena Floor - Saturday 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Sunday March 17th, 2013

8:00 am - Doors Open

8:15 am - Cowboy Church - Section 101

9:00 am - Opening Ceremonies

3:00 pm - 2013 World Champion Announced!

Admission:

Tickets range from $80 to $200 (plus fees) and are valid for all three days

General Admission tickets or Nations Members tickets are available at

877-772-5425, or 888-695-0888, or at www.RoadToTheHorse.com.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is hosting a benefit trail ride March 13 and 14 in conjunction with the Road to the Horse event being held at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena March 15-17, relocating to Kentucky in 2013 from Tennessee.  All proceeds from the trail ride will support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation – a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park.

The “Ride the Park on the Road to the Horse” trail ride will provide participants with a unique opportunity to bring their personal horses and ride on many trails marked throughout the park especially for this event.  The trails will be open for the exclusive use of registered participants from 10 am to 4 pm both March 13 and 14, subject to weather conditions.  Riders can enjoy the trails at their own pace on this unguided exploration of the park grounds.

Dates and Times:

Wednesday and Thursday, March 13 and 14, 2013 – 10 am to 4 pm

Registration Fee:

$50 per horse/rider combination – allows unlimited access to trails on either or both days

$20 per night stabling fee

Registration:

Registration forms are available here - http://khpfoundation.org/Latest/2013-trail-ride.html

and are available by calling 859-255-5727 or by simply visiting www.khpfoundation.org.

For more information on Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com.

Thinking about remodeling? Or starting fresh on new home construction? Visit the New Home & Remodeling Marketplace to learn how local building professionals can enhance your lifestyle!

This third annual event is open to the public and designed with the consumer in mind who is planning to build a new home or planning a remodel project in their existing home.  Some 55 exhibitors, consisting of professional builders, remodelers and home product supply companies will be on site to meet and discuss ideas with show guests.  These are professional builders and remodelers backed with great reputations, customer recommendations and years of experience.

You should attend the show if you are looking to build. If you already have home plans, bring them to the show, if you do not have home plans the builders at the show will be there to guide you through the process.  If you plan to remodel instead of build, the show’s remodelers can assist you to make your vision a reality.

Even if you are not building or remodeling, the show’s product suppliers can show you how to freshen up your home with new lighting fixtures, bathroom/kitchen faucets, or new flooring among other options.

Show specials and door prize drawings will be offered by the exhibitors

Sponsors: Pella and Bath Fitters

For more information on the show, visit Home Builders of Lexington at  www.hbalexington.com.

Location and Parking:

Alltech Arena

Dates and Hours:

Friday, February 22, 2013 - 4 pm – 8pm

Saturday, February 23, 2013 - 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 11 am – 4 pm

Admission:

$5 Adults

Children 12 and Under are FREE