The first day of the schoolyear for Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) on Wednesday, August 15, marks the start a unique program called The STABLES, which incorporates horses in the curriculum. Located at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which offers equine-assisted activities and therapies at the Kentucky Horse Park, The STABLES is for students in grades 7-12 who struggle with academics or vocational skills and need additional support in a more individualized setting. The STABLES allows students to participate in a work program, recover credits and take ownership of their education.

“The goal is to help the students successfully transition to employment, post-secondary education or back into their home high school,” CKRH Executive Director Pat Kline said. “This program represents an exciting challenge for us, and we are confident these students will benefit from an environment that will enable them to work with horses.”

“The STABLES will provide an amazing learning opportunity for our students, and we could not be more excited to launch this new venture with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope,” said Fayette County Schools Superintendent Tom Shelton. “This is an example of the kind of partnerships our school district hopes to build as we seek to meet the individual needs of every single student we serve.”

The STABLES, which will use classrooms and designated common areas at CKRH, will offer an academic setting while addressing students’ mental health and behavioral barriers to learning. The academic focus will remain social studies, math, English and science; however, the application aspect at CKRH will involve job responsibilities, mentorships, job shadowing and exposing students to real work. Students will have a daily equine component that includes learning about the care and management of CKRH's herd of therapy horses, the CKRH facility and the equine industry. Opportunities for students will include animal care, showmanship, construction, culinary programming, administrative assistance, service industry, filming and task analysis of problems.

The STABLES replaces the FCPS' Rebound and AIM programs. CKRH, which has accommodated small groups of AIM and Rebound Students for the past two years, has written the curriculum and syllabus for all daily equine-related programming in The STABLES. The FCPS staff from those programs will relocate to CKRH, and CKRH will provide necessary staff support.

“Fayette County Board of Education has embraced forward thinking in encouraging our partnership,” said Rachel Baker, Director of The STABLES program. “My staff is so excited to be able to encourage and educate students with such a fresh new perspective. We know we are part of a true community partnership which allows our students, and in the future many schools in Fayette County, the opportunity to really experience education beyond the classroom while investing in the heart of their community.”


About CKRH
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, founded in 1981, is dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of people of all ages with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse. A PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, CKRH offers year-round activities, including a program for military veterans called Horses for Heroes. To learn more, visit www.CKRH.org and find CKRH on Facebook.

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Contact
Pat Kline, Executive Director
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH)
(859) 231-7066
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photo by Brian Roberts

UK BASKETBALL TICKETS AND MEMORABILIA, VISIT TO STAR THOROUGHBRED ZENYATTA WITH HALTER AVAILABLE AT JUNE 16 CKRH FUNDRAISER
Bids accepted by telephone until 4 p.m. on June 14

LEXINGTON, Ky (June 7, 2012 - originally released May 31, 2012)  Two lower-arena tickets to all home games to watch the reigning NCAA champion University of Kentucky men's basketball team play in 2012-13 and a halter worn by Zenyatta along with the opportunity to visit the Thoroughbred superstar will be offered to the highest bidder at the ninth annual Night Of The Stars, the annual fundraiser for Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), on June 16 at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington. CKRH is a 31-year-old program based at the Kentucky Horse Park that offers a variety of equine-assisted activities and therapies for people of all ages.

"A Call to Adventure" is the theme of this year's Night Of The Stars, which includes cocktails, dinner and silent and live auctions. The event begins at 6 p.m., and tickets are $100.

"We are thrilled to offer the UK basketball tickets, as well as shoes worn and autographed by Anthony Davis and other Cats' memorabilia, because interest in the team has never been so high," said CKRH Executive Director Pat Kline. "These items have definitely created a buzz for Night Of The Stars and generated tremendous anticipation for the event. And we truly appreciate having the donation of an opportunity to visit Zenyatta and own a halter she wore for a second year. In her unique way, Zenyatta continues to do great things for many people."

The UK tickets, made possible by the CKRH Board of Directors and friends, are the highlight of a package that includes a basketball signed by Coach John Calipari and a poster of the Lexington Herald-Leader's front-page headline proclaiming "GR8NESS."

Zenyatta, who is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss, has resided at the Farish family's Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Ky., since she was retired from a phenomenal racing career in which she won 19 of 20 races and earned more than $7.3 million. The visit to see Zenyatta, which was made possible by the Mosses and Lane's End, is for up to six people and will be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date. The package includes a halter worn by the champion and a photo opportunity with Zenyatta (for personal use only).

The live auction includes these other items:
- Game-worn, size 17 shoes worn by UK superstar Anthony Davis. Each shoe is signed and includes Davis' jersey number (No. 23); a photograph of the signing accompanies the shoes. (CKRH will receive 50% of the proceeds from the sale of these shoes.)
- Historic sixteenth pole marker from Keeneland, where some of the greatest Thoroughbreds in history have raced since 1936.
- Four-day trip to a working cattle ranch in Colorado or Wyoming with accommodations in fully furnished facilities.
- An 18-karat white gold pendant with a 4.15C amethyst focal stone surrounded by diamonds and more amethyst accent stones.
- Presentation of CKRH students and horses wearing elaborate themed costumes created by Shirley Gentry. The highest bidder for each horse will gain a year's sponsorship of that horse, along with a commemorative photo and plaque.

People who cannot attend Night Of The Stars but still want to bid on items in the live auction may do so by submitting their bid and their credit card information via email or phone to Vickie Parker at CKRH at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (859) 231-7066. The deadline to submit phone and email bids is 4 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, June 14.

Silent auction items include: halters worn by additional famous Thoroughbreds, including Horses of the Year A.P. Indy, Rachel Alexandra, Saint Liam and Tiznow; champions Bernardini, Street Sense and Thunder Gulch; Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus; Breeders' Cup Classic winner Drosselmeyer; and Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry (IRE), sire of Zenyatta and Street Sense. Street Sense and Thunder Gulch also won the Kentucky Derby. Bernardini is the sire of Zenyatta's first foal, who was born this year; Rachel Alexandra was bred to Bernardini this year.

The silent auction also features the use of prominent boxes at Churchill Downs and at Keeneland; a winter trip to Jackson Hole, Wyo.; tickets to Cincinnati Reds, Lexington Legends and UK football games; paintings and photography; items for children; items for home and office; Chinese antiques; jewelry; tickets to family-friendly attractions; gift certificates to popular area restaurants and businesses; items for equestrians; and a wide range of unique keepsakes.

Night Of The Stars relies on a group of invaluable sponsors that to date comprises: Gold Sponsor Charles T. Creech Inc.; Bronze Sponsors Cardinal Hill Health Care System, Caitlin Inc., Coolmore America and Kinetic Technologies; Consignor Sponsors Boehringer-Ingleheim Vetmedica Inc. and Milburn Equine, Equine Medical Associates PSC, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington Equine Surgery & Sports Medicine and Wickliffe Veterinary Pharmacy; Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event; Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital; Woodford Equine Hospital; and Chris and Linda Willson/Homes and Horse Farms Ky; and Table Sponsors Richard and Debbie Banas, Ann Banks, Stuart Bennett and Anita Britton, Castleton Lyons Inc., Central Bank, Darley, Diamond Creek Farm, Diane and David Goodnight, Juddmonte Farms, Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Kazee, Lightner-Sams Foundation, McCauley Brothers, Mike and Jeanne Owens, Walter and Sandra Palmer, Powell Walton Milward Insurance, Thoroughbred Times, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and WinStar Farm.  

About CKRH
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, founded in 1981, is dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of people of all ages with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse. A PATH International Premier Accredited Center, CKRH offers year-round activities, including a program for military veterans called Horses for Heroes and collaborations with such organizations as Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, Cardinal Hill and Hospice of the Bluegrass. To learn more, visit www.CKRH.org and find CKRH on Facebook.

Dancing horses, summer evening, outdoor dining.... sound irresistible?

Then join us for "Party at the Park" presented by the Kentucky Dressage Association and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, May 26 at the Rolex Stadium to watch FEI and CDI*** Dressage Freestyle.

Doors open at 5:30. $10 for adults; children 12 and under admitted free of charge.

www.kentuckydressageassociation.org

CONTACT:  Jessica Oldham Stith, High Hope Steeplechase: 859-967-9444; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.          Website: www.highhopesteeplechase.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lexington, KY, Friday, May 11, 2011 – The 45th running of the High Hope Steeplechase returns to the Kentucky Horse Park this coming Sunday, May 20th.  

High Hope Steeplechase remains area horse lovers’ only chance to enjoy the beauty and excitement of live Steeplechase racing in a family fun ambience complete with activities and entertainment for all ages in a country fair setting. 

Be sure to join us this year as High Hope Steeplechase and the Susan G Komen Foundation team up for the inaugural running of the Sportswomen’s Challenge Race for the Cure. 

This will be a one mile flat race for lady riders and their trusted sport horses, each sponsored by and carrying the racing silks of many well-known local thoroughbred farms.  

In addition to four top-tier jump races worth a total of $70,000 in purses, High Hope Steeplechase Day will also features great fun for the entire family, including:

• Kids’ Playground and Activities – including the annual kids Stick Horse Derby, face painting, clowns and much more.
• Terrier Races
• Equine Demonstrations
• Tailgating
• Great Food and Arts and Craft booths. 

Also on High Hope Day… the 4rd running of the “Catch a Riding Star” flat race featuring student-jockeys currently enrolled in the North American Racing Academy. 

Launched in 2006 by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System under the guidance of Hall of Fame and two-time Kentucky Winning jockey Chris McCarron, NARA is now part of Bluegrass Community and Technical College. 

NARA Graduates have gone on to win over 750 races and have purse earnings of over $10 million.

McCarron and many of the students will be on hand when High Hope Steeplechase is previewed during the May 17th Thursday Night Live festival at the 5/3 Bank Pavilion in downtown Lexington (http://www.downtownlex.com/thursday-night-live-concerts). 

High Hope staff will also be on hand to sell tickets for High Hope day. 

Proceeds from High Hope Steeplechase day will benefit Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and, this year, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.  To date, High Hope Steeplechase has helped raise over $1.5 million for worthy causes.

Tickets Information:

Track Side Parking ($25) 
Park on the top side of the steeplechase course beside the rail. Includes admission for everyone in the car and a program. Tailgating invited. 
Box ($125)
A box for 8 people overlooking the finish to High Hope. Includes table and 8 chairs, admission and parking.
Member's Pavilion ($75 single $125 couple)
Buffet lunch, drinks & admission
Preferred Tailgating ($225 - 250)
Corporate Tent ($2000)
20' x 20' tent close to the finish line of High Hope - includes two 8' tables and 40 chairs. Admission for 40 people and preferred parking. Great way to entertain friends and clients.

For tickets, information or to volunteer please contact the High Hope Steeplechase office at (859) 967-9444; email 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 visit us online at www.highhopesteeplechase.com.
 

Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center partners with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope
on innovative program that needs support

Lexington, KY (February 16, 2012) – “Beautiful.” “Balance.” “Strength.” “Friend." “I trust you.” These are just a few affirmations written in chalk that appeared last fall on the shiny coats of the horses of Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) at the Kentucky Horse Park. The words were written by survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse who participated in a unique pioneering collaboration between CKRH and the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center.

Called the BRCC/CKRH EAST Group, the innovative experience built upon the existing eight-week BRCC Building Blocks Group curriculum and provided equine-assisted skills experiences that capitalize on the long-established horse-human bond to promote healing. The name EAST (Equine Assisted Survivors of Trauma) fits perfectly with the collaboration's objective to provide survivors of sexual violence a new day filled with hope and promise.

The program resulted from CKRH’s desire to expand its mental health programming at its facility at the Kentucky Horse Park and BRCC’s commitment to offer cutting-edge healing opportunities to survivors of sexual violence.

Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) are based on a team approach by individuals who are licensed and credentialed in their respective professions. The pilot EAST Group therapy team consisted of Lee Ellis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a therapist at BRCC; Leigh Koetsch, B.A., a crisis counselor at BRCC; and Charlotte Easley, a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Asbury University who is interning at CKRH. Easley, who graduates in May, had interned at BRCC last year; with the support and encouragement of CKRH Program Director Denise Spittler, she approached Ellis and Koetsch about the collaboration. The four women worked enthusiastically to create a brave new model for healing and hope in Central Kentucky while realizing the potential power of the partnership – both inter-agency and with the equine.

“When Charlotte first approached me with the idea of a collaborative group to maximize healing for sexual trauma survivors, I immediately knew that it would be a fantastic way to enrich healing through the unique strengths of both BRCC and CKRH” Ellis said.

Easley, who has specialized training and certifications to provide equine assisted learning and psychotherapy, explained the program: “All EAST sessions consisted of non-mounted activities where group members partnered with their horses to complete tasks designed to put the skills learned in BRCC’s Building Blocks group into practice. The Building Blocks Curriculum was developed by BRCC and has been used successfully for group work many times. We just understood that adding the equine component would take the results to the next level.”

Over eight weeks, participants met as a group for the BRCC psycho-educational component, Building Blocks, and met individually with their therapists. Once a week they gathered at CKRH for the EAST Group, which combined psycho-education, skills building, and equine-assisted learning to create a personal journey of therapeutic healing. From walking to the field to catch and halter their horses to meditating, from serpentine walking to grooming, survivors participated in exercises designed to assist them in working through common symptoms of trauma, such as trust issues, relationship challenges, hyper-vigilance and post-traumatic stress.

Results of the initial program
Equine-assisted activities and therapies have been documented to be an effective experiential approach to emotional and intellectual growth. Based on pre- and post-surveys of the inaugural EAST Group, participants improved their coping and relational skills and reduced their traumatic symptoms by 33%. Responses included:
 “I gained confidence in my ability to handle stress.”
 “I feel calmer and more confident in how I handle my relationships.”
 “It helped me make relationship connections.”

In addition, participants gained confidence in working with horses and in their abilities to interact successfully with their horse and others:
 “I feel more confident in how I read people and relationships and learned from the horse about the signals I send.”
 “I learned a lot from group and the work with the horses. I think my horse made the difference.”
 
When asked about the value of the combined group and the ability to better manage emotions, symptoms and interpersonal relationships, the overall consensus was that adding the equine component enhanced the therapeutic process for clients:
 “The personality of my horse matched mine so well; he taught me so many things I could not have discovered on my own.”
 “Animals and music cut through the layers of my defenses faster than anything else – awesome combination.”

These results have encouraged continued collaboration between the two agencies in a commitment to provide the best possible services to survivors of sexual trauma in Central Kentucky. However, financial support is needed for the program to continue.

CKRH and BRCC need your help
CKRH (www.ckrh.org), which was founded in 1981, is dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse.

The Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center (www.bluegrassrapecrisis.org) provides free counseling, therapy and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, adult survivors of sexual abuse, and anyone impacted by sexual violence. In keeping with that mission, the EAST Group is offered to participants free of charge; however, the program needs financial help to continue. For BRCC and CKRH, the cost to provide a two-hour session for up to eight people is approximately $660. Therefore, both organizations invite businesses, individuals and others to support a person or a session at the cost of $660 OR sponsor an entire group for $3,300.

Every year at this time, we try to make the world a little nicer for someone. Please join us through these giving options!

 
Good Giving Challenge
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
Show your support for the Kentucky Horse Park through this new campaign that will help the foundation continue to provide enhancements for the park!
Contact Maria Jones, 859-255-5727
 http://khpfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&;view=article&id=126:goodgiving-challenge&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=206