Enrollment applications are now available for the Fall 2011 Semester of the Kentucky Horse Park Professional Horseman’s Course.  The course will be held from August 15 to December 16, 2011.  The deadline is July 15.

The Kentucky Horse Park’s Education Department offers a unique and hands-on educational opportunity unequalled by other equine schools.  Students will have the opportunity to study and work with more than 30 breeds of horses residing at the Kentucky Horse Park while acquiring the knowledge and skills to launch a productive career in the equine industry.  This program challenges students with daily hands-on practical interaction with horses in a variety of different environments, health issues and training levels, as well as broadens their overall level of equine understanding.

Classes and practicum work in stable management, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, marketing and career development all compliment the hands on side of the program to ensure a well-rounded education.  Students will also receive an introduction to - and be able to interact with - breeding practices, and disciplines of carriage driving, racing, and World Equestrian Games disciplines.  Former student Heidi Bruner from Indiana commented, “My expectations for this course exceeded everything I could ever imagine” and former student Amelia Clyatt from California stated, “The opportunities that have arisen and the knowledge that I’ve gained has literally changed my life.”

Through a comprehensive curriculum and small class size, which ensures adequate hands-on and individualized learning experiences, students will be prepared to seek entry level work or advance their current position in the industry upon graduation. Eighty-percent of the Spring Semester graduates achieved full time employment in the equine industry within two weeks of completing the course.

Applications must be received by the Kentucky Horse Park no later than July 15, 2011, for fall enrollment consideration.  To apply please contact Sheila Forbes at 859-509-1441 or Sheila.forbes@ky  for more information or to receive an application by email or mail.

Photos (c) www.jennifermunson.com

Meet the Ky Equine Humane Center’s adoptable horse of the week: Sophie.

She is a very cute, 2-year-old Mustang cross filly, 14.2-hands (and still growing) who LOVES attention. She was actually born at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center in August of 2008.

Sophie is currently working on her ground manners and is progressing nicely. Sh...e has been started under saddle and does well with obstacles. Sophie needs a home where she can get consistent handling to continue her progress.

For more info on Sophie or any of the other adoptable horses at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or

The Carriage Association of America is holding its first pleasure driving competition, the Carriage Classic,  this weekend, July 1-3 at the Kentucky Horse Park.  This USEF-sanctioned show will be held in the Alltech Arena. 

Horses and antique carriages from across the country are competing and being driven throughout the park for visitors to enjoy watching.  Included with park admission! 

This is just a little peek at a few of the single-horse carriages as they left the Alltech Arena after their first class this morning:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEVLa8UoLHE 

For more information contact the Carriage Association of America, which is headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park, www.caaonline.com

Photo by Lesley Ward

Carriage Association of America To Host a “Driving Show and More”

The Carriage Association of America (CAA) is pleased to announce the first CAA Carriage Classic, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, July 1–3. The event, which will take place mostly in the Horse Park’s Alltech Arena, will be part pleasure-driving show and part mini-Conference.

Participants and spectators alike will all find something to see, do, and enjoy at this year’s inaugural CAA Carriage Classic.

The pleasure-driving-show portion of the event will feature the standard pleasure-driving classes and a several “just for fun” classes, in a variety of divisions. The prize list for the show is available now, and entries close on May 15. You can download the prize list at www.caaonline.com (click on Calendar of Events), or you can contact the CAA office for a copy (call 859-231-0971, send a fax to 859-231-0973, or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

The event will also feature pleasure drives throughout the Horse Park (for those entered in the pleasure-driving show, or not), lectures, and social activities usually associated with a full CAA Conference. Also in the works are a few special events, such as an antique car show. More details on this portion of the event will be posted at www.caaonline.com as they become available.

The CAA was founded in 1960 and is the oldest and largest international organization devoted to the preservation and restoration of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs. The CAA has more than 3,000 members in all 50 states and in 40 other countries.

For more information on the Carriage Association of America or to join, visit www.caaonline.com, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call 859-231-0971.

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.

MEDIA ADVISORY
Cindy Rullman
859-259-4209
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Alltech National Horse Show Press Conference

WHO:  The Kentucky Horse Park and the National Horse Show Association  

WHAT:  Announcement regarding new details for the Alltech National Horse Show.  Speakers will be Jim Gray - Mayor of Lexington, John Nicholson - Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, Dr. Pearse Lyons, President and Founder of Alltech, Mason Phelps, Jr. - President and CEO of the NHS, John Walker - Board Member of the NHS and Chairman of the NHS Trophy Committee, and Hugh Kincannon, Co-Manager of the NHS.

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 11, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:  The Farmhouse at the Kentucky Horse Park

WHY:  The National Horse Show is the country’s most prestigious indoor horse show.  It is moving to Kentucky for the first time after more than a century in New York.  The National Horse Show Association and Alltech have recently announced that Alltech will be the title sponsor.

HOW:  Members of the media, please park in the designated Press Conference area at the Alltech Arena and you will be shuttled by golf cart to The Farmhouse.  Any members of the media who can't make it to the park are invited to join us via conference call. Please call 800-244-9194. Use code 532484#.

This event is open to credentialed members of the media.

Please plan to stay for another media opportunity immediately following at noon in the Alltech Arena as 4,000 fourth graders from Central Kentucky enjoy The Black Stallion Show as part of the Black Stallion Literacy Project.  (When you enter the Alltech Arena, look for the volunteer with a Media sign).

MEDIA ADVISORY
Cindy Rullman
859-259-4209
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

The Black Stallion Show Media Opportunity
 
WHO:  The Kentucky Horse Park, Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, The Little Foundation, UKHealthcare Children’s Hospital, Kentucky Bank and Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.

WHAT:  Four thousand fourth graders from the Lexington and surrounding counties are currently reading Walter Farley’s book, “The Black Stallion,” through a partnership between the Kentucky Horse Park, The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the Black Stallion Literacy Program.   Next, during a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park, the fourth graders will experience the book in a new way.  Notable scenes from the book will come to life as professional performers and horses from Arabian Nights (Orlando, Florida) will perform scenes from the childhood favorite and dazzle the audience with daredevil stunts in the Black Stallion Literacy Show.
 
WHEN:  Wednesdy. May 11, Noon 

WHERE: Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park
 
WHY:   The purpose is to inspire children to discover the joys of reading and the excitement of learning through the wonders of live horses and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books.  
 
HOW:  Members of the media, while there will not be an official press conference for this, please park in the designated Press Conference area at the Alltech Arena.  Inside the main doors to the arena, look for a volunteer with a "Media" sign. 

There will be a press conference at 11am at The Farmhouse regarding the Alltech National Horse Show, so please plan to attend both. 
 

For Immediate Release
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

Releases and High-Res Photos Available at
www.PhelpsMediaGroup.com 

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEDIA ALERT:

National Horse Show to Host Press Conference May 11, 2011

New York, NY- April 13, 2011 - The National Horse Show Association of America, Limited (NHSAA) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a press conference at the Kentucky Horse Park Farm House on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. All members of the press are welcome to attend this event to receive more information about this year's horse show.
 
The panel for the press conference will include Mason Phelps, Jr. - President and CEO of the NHS, John Walker - Board Member of the NHS and Chairman of the NHS Trophy Committee, John Nicholson - Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director, and Hugh Kincannon, Co-Manager of the NHS.
 
Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the upcoming NHS, and enjoy a light buffet lunch after the meeting.
 
Media Credentials Request Form
MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A LETTER OF ASSIGNMENT ON THE MEDIA OUTLET'S LETTERHEAD AND SIGNED BY EDITOR OR PRODUCER

Credentialed members of the media can pick up their credentials at the entrance Farm House entrance on May 11, 2011. Please have photo ID to receive credentials.

Your name: _______________________________________________________
Name of the media outlet you represent: ________________________________
Your telephone number: ____________________________________________
Your cell phone number: ___________________________________________
Your e-mail address: ________________________________________________
Your media outlet website: ___________________________________________
I will be covering the 2011 National Horse Show Press Conference as a:
Writer: _____
Photographer: _____
Photojournalist: _____

Please return this form with signed letter of assignment to:
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
12230 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 214, Wellington, Florida 33414.
Or FAX to: (561) 753-3386. Or EMAIL (with scanned letter of assignment) to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
 
The 128th National Horse Show will be held November 2- 6, 2011, at the new Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. In additional to a full set of  'AA'-rated hunter divisions, there will be Junior and Amateur Jumper Division with a Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classic, as well as Open Jumper divisions with a Grand Prix event. As always, the signature event of the National Horse Show will be the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. This prestigious horse show will be managed by Leo Conroy and Hugh Kincannon of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC.
 
One of the highlight events during the 128th National Horse Show will be the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. Junior riders compete throughout the year to qualify for the finals, which will include a warm-up, and will be limited to 200 entries determined by regional qualifying events. Kip Rosenthal and Cynthia Hankins will judge this year's top junior riders as they compete for the coveted title as the winner of the Maclay.   
The ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals have been held since 1933, and its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include Olympians: William Steinkraus (1941), Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), J. Michael Plumb (1957), Conrad Homfeld (1967), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), and Peter Wylde (1982).
 
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 aide to many worthwhile charities.
 
For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.
 
128th National Horse Show Fast Facts
 
What:
The 128th National Horse Show is a weeklong championship event featuring "AA"-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run November 2- 6, 2011, in the Alltech Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $5.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.
 
Additional Contacts:
Vendors  - Matt Morrissey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales - Kiki Umla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 904-606-5541
Advertising - Laura Reed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 859-321-7687
Sponsorship - Mason Phelps at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 561-753-3389 or Susie Web at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HOLIDAY INN NORTH - 859 - 233-0512 - Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT - 859 -977-5870 - Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON - 859-259-1311 - Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA - 859-231-7551 - Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN - 859-231-0232 - Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES - 859-455-5000 - Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE - 859-231-5100 - Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN - 859-231-6191 - Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT - 859-253-4646 - Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN - 502-570-0220 - Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN - 859-299-1261 - Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN - 859-293-2626 - Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN - 502-867-4888 - Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT - 502-863-4888 - Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES - 502-868-8000 - Approximately 6 miles

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.phelpsmediagroup.com
 

# # #

Phelps Media Group, Inc. (PMG), based in Wellington, Florida, is a public relations firm primarily focused on promoting events and people in the equestrian world.

The objective of Phelps Media Group, Inc.'s customized promotional plan for each client is to gain coverage in print, broadcast and televised media outlets. By delivering consistent international media attention to the people and events it represents, PMG creates public awareness of the client's message as well as a positive and recognizable image for the client. PMG's ultimate mission is to assure success for its clients' endeavors with the public.

Eventing Riders Coming From Around the World
2010 WEG Gold Medal Team Entered in Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup
 

Lexington, KY—April 11, 2011—It comes as no surprise that the entry list for this year's Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, boasts the names of many of the best horses and riders from around the world. A field of entries containing Olympic veterans, past Rolex Kentucky Champions and World Equestrian Games (WEG) veterans will converge on the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, when the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, returns April 28-May 1.

This year, the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup will debut alongside the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and it will feature the world’s best reiners including the four members of the Gold Medal team from last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, all of whom are entered to compete.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession.

The only CCI4* in the Western Hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event features the 14th championship for the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Pinnacle Cup, signifying the zenith in Eventing competition in the United States. The event draws 50-100,000 spectators and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts including a 60-minute live broadcast on NBC in the United States that will air from 2-3:00 pm on May 1.

As always, spectators at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event can look forward to rooting on their favorite horse-and-rider combinations as they compete in the three phases of competition: dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

Those expected to compete during this year's Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event include:

• William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain, an Olympic Silver and Bronze Team Medalist, winner of the inaugural HSBC FEI ClassicTM Series, 2010 Alltech FEI WEG Team Gold and Individual Silver Medalist, and defending Rolex Kentucky Champion
• Mary King of Great Britain, a 2010 Alltech FEI WEG Team Gold Medalist
• Mark Todd of New Zealand, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and 2010 Alltech FEI WEG Team Bronze Medalist
• Clayton Fredericks of Australia, a 2008 Olympic Team Silver Medalist and 2006 WEG Individual Silver Medalist
• Karen O'Connor of the U.S, a three-time Olympic veteran, 1999 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4* winner and two-time Rolex Kentucky CCI3* winner
• Phillip Dutton of the United States, a two-time Olympic team Gold Medalist for his native Australia and 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4* Champion
• Kim Severson of the United States, a three-time Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4* Champion and 2004 Olympic Team Bronze and Individual Silver Medalist
• Boyd Martin of the United States, a 2010 Alltech FEI WEG team member
• Bruce “Buck” Davidson, Jr. of the United States, a 2010 Alltech FEI WEG team member
• Jil Walton of the United States, a 1992 Olympic veteran

The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup includes a CRI5*, the sport’s highest level, as well as the first-ever World Championship Freestyle. The CRI5* offers $50,000US in prize money and will be the only Five Star Reining event in the western hemisphere in 2011.

The World Championship Freestyle marks the first time that the title of “World Champion” will be awarded in Freestyle Reining, a consistent crowd favorite. The event’s $25,000US prize money also marks the largest purse for a Reining Freestyle anywhere in the world.
Heading the list of entries are the four riders who led the United States to the team Gold Medal at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:

• Tom McCutcheon, who also won the individual Gold Medal
• Craig Schmersal, who also won the individual Silver Medal
• Tim McQuay
• Shawn Flarida

"In 2010, the world turned its attention to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games," said Christina Gray, Director of Competition for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. "We are ready for that attention again as we welcome back riders who participated in the Games as well as an impressive roster of Olympians, past Champions and legends in the sports of Reining and Three-Day Eventing."

Further information on the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, is available at the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org and for the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup visit www.KentuckyReining.com.

Follow Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone and the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup online at:
www.facebook.com/RolexKentucky
www.twitter.com/RolexKentucky
www.youtube.com/RolexKentucky
www.facebook.com/KentuckyReining
www.twitter.com/KentuckyReining
www.youtube.com/KentuckyReining

NBC Sports to Feature Live Telecast of Rolex Equestrian Championships Presented by Land Rover

Lexington, KY- Mark your calendar, plan the party and get the big screen ready! For the first time in its history, the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover will air LIVE on NBC Sports, Sunday, May 1, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT.
 
With the support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Equestrian Events, Inc., organizer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, NBC Sports will broadcast the final show jumping rounds LIVE, alongside taped highlights of the dressage and cross-country phases. One of the world's most prestigious equestrian competitions and America's only CCI4*, Rolex Kentucky returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, April 28-May 1. The event attracts tens of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers on telecasts worldwide.
 
"Those final rounds during show jumping are full of suspense and excitement - you just never know when rails will fall," said Lisa Ball, President of Equestrian Events, Inc. "We are thrilled that fans across the nation will be able to share in that excitement along with the thousands of fans here at the Kentucky Horse Park."
 
The 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will crown the 14th USEF National CCI4* Champion, and is the only North American leg of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM  Series. The world's best horses and riders will compete for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley, consecutively. (The term "consecutively" shall not be limited to wins which occur within the same competition year or same calendar year.)
 
Past winners of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event include United States Olympic Medalists David and Karen O'Connor, Kim Severson and Phillip Dutton, New Zealand's Blyth Tait and Nick Larkin, Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain and Andrew Hoy, Clayton Fredericks and Lucinda Fredericks of Australia.
 
To find out more about tailgating and ticketing packages available for the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, visit www.rk3de.org. Tickets may be ordered online, or by printing the ticket order form from the website and returning it via mail or fax 859-254-5116 to Equestrian Events, Inc. Tickets may also be ordered by calling 859-254-8123. Advance ticket sales close on April 10!
 
ENDS
 
Equestrian Events, Inc., (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event which quickly evolved into what is today the only four star three-day event in the Western Hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone.