The Carriage Driving Event, one of several gatherings of its kind in North America, is devoted exclusively to recreational equine driving.  Since 2005 this three-day event has been held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Spectators may witness the excitement of carriage driving while being introduced to yesterday’s world, learning the history and art of this equine sport.  Carriage driving focuses on the welfare of the horse, attention to safety and building confidence.

Approximately 60 horses are entered to compete this year. Highlighting the event is a series of clinics, demonstrations and driving instruction featuring some of the nation’s most prominent clinicians and driving experts.  There will be a practice show on Sunday.

Guests of the Kentucky Horse Park will have access to view the events and watch the carriages meander throughout park grounds with the purchase of a general admission ticket. 

Dates and Times:

Friday-Sunday, May 3-5, 2013 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Admission:

Included in Kentucky Horse Park general admission, horse show-only rate available

Location and Parking:

Park wide, parking available in the Main Lot

For more information on the Carriage Driving Event, contact Mike Lyon - 931-686-8727.  Learn more at www.nationaldrive.net.

Admission

CRI3* Open FEI Reining - $18

Reining World Freestyle Championship - $25

Dates and Times

CRI3* Open FEI Reining – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Reining World Freestyle Championship – Saturday, April 27, 2013 – 5:30 – 7:30 pm

For more information, please visit the Kentucky Reining Cup website at www.KentuckyReining.com.

NOTE:  NBC stations will televise a wrap-up show of this event on Sunday, April 28 at 4 pm EDT.  Check local listings for details!

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Land Rover, returns to the Kentucky Horse Park. Come experience this iconic international event, celebrating its 35^th anniversary along with the park.

One of the most popular equine sporting events in the world, it will be an exciting weekend of fun leading up to Derby the following week. Here you can experience top riders of international horse sport with their best horses in the highest classes of eventing.

Defending champion, William Fox-Pitt, as well as Olympic veterans and other past Rolex champions are included among riders set to compete. The list of entries includes some of the best riders and horses from Australia, Canada, Ecuador, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States. These contestants are chomping at the bit to win their share of the $250,000 in prize money and a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing award.

The Sponsor Village and International Trade Fair will also be set up outside the Rolex Stadium for when you need to stretch your legs and shop the many offerings available. More than 175 merchants, corporate sponsors and food vendors will be ready to open at 9:00 a.m. on the days of the event selling clothing, horse related merchandise, jewelry, and artisan crafts.

The stakes are high and the award winning line-up is impressive. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is sure to be a tough competition for the riders and a thrilling sight for spectators!

Admission –

General admission (including parking) –

Thursday - $15

Friday - $15

Saturday - $35

Sunday - $30

Kids 12 and under - Free (when accompanied by an adult)

Dates and Times –

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 25, 7:00am - 4:00pm

Ticket sales begin at 7:00am

For more information, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org.

If you cannot attend in person, you can watch online at www.usefnetwork.com. 

Spring Bay Horse Trials

The Spring Bay Horse Trials are this weekend, April 6 and 7.  Spring Bay is the first United States Equestrian Federation competition in the area for the new year for riders from novice to preliminary level and for horses that may be new to the sport of eventing as well.  It is also a dual-site event with the trials being held at both the Kentucky Horse Park and the Masterson Station Park, a few miles away in Lexington.

Dressage and Stadium Jumping will be held on Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park, and Cross Country will be held on Sunday at Masterson Station Park.  More than 250 horses have been entered to compete over the two days, with seven states and Canada represented in the registrations. 

The Masterson Award will be given to the Junior Young Rider Preliminary Champion and the Foxmoor Trophy will be given to the Adult Amateur Preliminary Champion.

For more information, contact Mary Fike at 859/621-2479 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Admission -

Included in Kentucky Horse Park general admission, horse-show only rate available

Parking -

Main Visitor Parking Lot

Location -

Saturday - Dressage in Dressage Complex (begins 8:00 am)

            Saturday - Stadium Jumping in Claiborne and Stonelea Rings (begins 10:15 am)

            Sunday - Cross Country at Masterson Station Park (begins 8:30 am)

Times –

Saturday, April 6, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (approx.)

            Sunday, April 7, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (approx.)

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

The American Saddlebred Museum’s 2013 special exhibit is sure to entertain and interest horse fans and antique buffs alike. Entitled The Art of Selling with Saddlebreds: The Show Horse in Vintage Advertising, it will feature images of the breed on products, printed advertising and corporate collectibles dating from the late 1800s through the 1970s.

From cigarettes and tobacco to liquor, motor oil, hotels, fruits and vegetables, automobiles, jewelry stores and more, the Saddlebred was featured in advertising through the years to denote the highest quality. The 2013 exhibit assembles the largest collection of these items to have ever been displayed together. This unique exhibit offers a glimpse of yesteryear and the esteem the Saddlebred held in society and the marketplace. 

The exhibit runs February 15, 2013 to January 31, 2014, and admission to the American Saddlebred Museum’s Showplace for Saddlebreds and The Art of Selling with Saddlebreds exhibit is included with admission to the Kentucky Horse Park.  

For further information contact 859-259-2746 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

 Location:

The Showplace for Saddlebreds – American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop

Admission:

Included in Kentucky Horse Park regular daily admission - sold at the American Saddlebred Museum or the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Information Center.

January 2 - March 14, 2013:  Adult $10, Child (7-12) $5

March 15 - November 3, 2013:  Adult $16, Child (7-12) $8

November 4 – January 31, 2014:  Adult $10, Child (7-12) $5

Season Pass:  Adult $40, Child (7-12) $25, Family of Four $90

Children 6 and under:  Always free when accompanied by an adult

Dates and Times:

The Showplace for Saddlebreds – American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop is open –

Wednesday – Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm through March 14 and November 4 to January 31 (2014)

Daily, 9 am to 5 pm from March 15 to May 26 and September 3 to November 3

Daily, 9 am to 6 pm from May 27 to September 2 (an extra hour past KHP regular hours)