WHO:  Richard and Jeannette McGrath of Hearts Up Ranch

WHAT:  Press conference with Public Safety Administrative Officer Rick Curtis, representing Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Kentucky Horse Park executive director John Nicholson, and the McGraths. 

WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept 7, 4pm

WHERE:  Kentucky Horse Park's Alltech Arena

WHY:   Richard and Jeannette McGrath are 3,000 miles into a 4,000-mile coast-to-coast horseback journey to raise awareness and funds for Hearts Up Ranch, a serene, working ranch established in Jackson, Wyoming where "emotionally broken people can find peace with both God and themselves once again."  Their ride began on March 4, 2010.  They have traversed the deserts and mountains of the west, winter on the plains, and the flooding and storms of the spring on the same 4 horses (who will be resting and recuperating at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center, located at the Kentucky Horse Park before finishing the last segment of the ride in Virginia Beach). www.HeartsUpRanch.com.  

HOW:  Members of the media should go to the Alltech Arena.  Past the parking booth, take the roundabout to Cigar Lane, then turn left on Alltech Way.  The press conference will be held outside the main entrance (signs will be posted for alternate rain location).  For more information please contact Equestrian Influence Media Department, www.equestrianinfluence.com, 615-830-1001, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Watch an interview with the McGraths from the Kentucky Horse Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfElmeNDETk

Watch a video from WTVQ-ABC36 from the press conference:  http://www.wtvq.com/news/9551-4000-miles-on-horseback-to-heal

Photos from the Lexington Herald-Leader from the press conference:
http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/07/1873207/couple-rides-x-country-on-horses.html

Lexington, KY - September 6, 2011 - The Kentucky Travel Industry Association named the Alltech National Horse Show as part of their line-up of 2011 Fall Top Ten Festivals and Events. 

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America's oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social events calendars. For its 128th edition, the National Horse Show elected to move to the Kentucky Horse Park where it will be housed in the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor Arena. Now called the Alltech National Horse Show, the five-day event will offer $650,000 to the nation's top riders. There will also be children's activities, interactive exhibits, and special social events.

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association names its Top 10 Festivals & Events four times a year. To be eligible, festivals or events must be recommended or produced by a Kentucky Travel Industry Association member. A panel of impartial judges selects the winners for each season. Criteria for selection include popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy as well as cultural and historical significance.

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) is a nearly 900 member, statewide association representing all sectors of the state's travel industry. The Association's mission is to unite Kentucky's third largest industry through governmental interaction, communication and education. For more information on KTIA, phone 502.223.8687, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.KTIA.com.
 

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2 - 6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

This year's show, designated CSI4*-W, will feature a complete schedule of 'AA'-rated hunter divisions, including the Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter section. Also on the agenda, a big money Open Jumper division highlighted by the Sasco Creek Farm $50,000 Welcome Speed Class, the $75,000 Double H Farms Thursday's Jump-Off class, the $60,000 Spy Coast Farm Faults Converted Speed class on Friday and of course, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifying event. $100,000 will be up for grabs for the Junior and Amateur Jumper divisions, including the $50,000 SJHOF Junior/Amateur Championships, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, Chansonette and Deeridge Farm. The final Sunday is highlighted by the signature event of the National Horse Show, the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, presented by C.M. Hadfield's Saddlery.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America's oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association's primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

WHO: Clinicians from the Mounted Police in Lexington, Philadelphia, the U.S. Park Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

WHAT:  Sensory training clinic open to the public, for horses of all breeds and disciplines. Improve your horse's self-confidence and obedience to your aids.  Training is done in-hand and under saddle. Riders are encouraged to work at their own pace/comfort level. Safety and building the horse’s trust is our first priority. Your riding skills will also get a boost during the equitation session with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

WHEN:  Sunday & Monday October 16 & 17, 2011

WHERE:  Kentucky Horse Park

WHY:  This clinic will help horses remain composed and obedient when confronting unfamiliar stimuli and objects. 

HOW:  For information contact: Anne Anderson 859/299-5744 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  For registration, go to http://www.friendslexingtonmountedpolice.org/assets/pdf_files/2011%20Fall_Sensory_Clinic_cover_page_registration_forms_map.pdf  Auditors are welcome but must also register.

This weekend, come out for the Chris Cox Horsemanship Clinic, Jul 23-24, 9am to 5pm both days, 7:30 Cowboy Church on Sunday. Free admission! For more information call 888-814-6773 or www.chris-cox.com,  www.ridethejourney.com

Press Conference for High Hope Steeplechase

Who:  Hall of Fame Jockey and founder/director of the North American Racing Academy (NARA) Chris McCarron; leading Thoroughbred and steeplechase owner Ken Ramsey; Remi Bellocq, chairperson of the High Hope Steeplechase Committee

What:  A press conference announcing the return of High Hope Steeplechase on May 22, 2011, following a one-year hiatus to accommodate the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

 CORRECTION: The Spring Bay Horse Trials will be held April 9 only (not on the 10th as previously published). This will be the first event of the eventing season in this area.  Approximately 250 horses from across the nation will compete in Dressage and Stadium Jumping (Cross Country will be contested at Masterson Station Park on the 10th).  The public is invited, 8am-6pm; included with park admission. 

For more information contact Mary Fike, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Meet the Kentucky Equine Humane Center's adoptable Horse of the Week, Zamrite!

Breed: Thoroughbred
Color: Chestnut
Age: 7 years
Gender: Gelding
Height: 16.1
History: Racing

Humane Center Adoptable Horse of the Week, ZOE!

Breed: Reg. Paint
Color: Paint
Age: 8 years
Gender: Mare
Height: 14.3
History: Pleasure / Trail