Kentucky Fall Classic Saddlebred Show

Take a 6-minute
video tour of the Alltech Arena, as the Kentucky Horse Park prepares to host the Alltech National Horse Show, Nov 2-6.  Narrated by John Nicholson, executive director of the park.  Brought to you by Ky Forward.

Photo by Craig Brown

Lexington, KY - September 30, 2011 - Nine Olympic veterans, including four gold medalists highlight the talented roster of riders scheduled to compete at this year's Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2 - 6, 2011.

This year's debut event in Kentucky, designated a CSI-W 4*, will feature a big money Open Jumper division with over $370,000 in prize money, including the main event, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifier, on Saturday night. All in all, over $600,000 in prize money is up for grabs in November. "That brings this show on par or better than any show in North America, or any indoor show anywhere in the world," noted show manager Hugh Kincannon.

American Olympians McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Joe Fargis, Margie Engle and Todd Minikus will lead a stellar field of riders, representing eight different nations at this year's show.

Currently ranked number two in the Rolex World Rankings, two-time Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward will be joined by his Athens and Hong Kong teammate Laura Kraut. Joining this dynamic duo is veteran rider Joe Fargis who secured Olympic Gold in Los Angeles in 1984. Margie Engle and Lauren Hough, members of the United States Olympic team at Sydney, Australia are also scheduled to compete in Lexington.

Engle and Ward are currently ranked one-two on the list of all time grand prix wins in North America.

Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa, the Individual Gold medalist at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, leads the international list that also includes Nick Skelton, a six-time Olympic veteran for his home country of Great Britain. Pessoa is a three-time World Cup Champion, while Skelton, also a former World Cup Champion, has won Gold at the European Championships and just last month narrowly missed a second Gold, but took home the Bronze in this year's event.

Adding to the international flavor of this year's show are Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, Pablo Barrios of Venezuela, Ireland's Shane Sweetnam, Richard Maloney and Jonathan McCrea and a strong contingent from Great Britain that includes Skelton, and up and coming stars, Scott Brash and Ben Maher. Barrios has represented his country at the Olympic Games, while Sweetnam, Maher and Brash have all just completed a very successful summer on this year's FEI Nations Cup tour.

The national roster of top rider includes top competitors Kent Farrington, Charlie Jayne, Christine McCrea, Richard Spooner and Ashlee Bond, all members of the United States FEI Nations Cup efforts over the past two seasons. Spooner is among the top five in all-time grand prix victories.

The stars of the future will be well represented at this year's Alltech National Horse Show. Led by Katie Dinan, the Individual Gold Medalist at this year's North American Young Riders Championships in Lexington, the roster also includes Young Rider Team Gold Medalists Lucy Davis and Saer Coulter of California and Reed Kessler, one of the country's top junior riders, with multiple wins on the highly competitive European circuit this summer. Joining the group is Brianne Goutal a former ASPCA Maclay national champion, and Kirsten Coe, a World Cup qualifier winner in California just a couple of weeks ago.

All in all, thirty-five of the world's best show jumpers will take center stage when the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, gets underway on November 2 - 6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech 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.

For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.

LEXINGTON, KY (September 29, 2011) The Kentucky Horse Park will welcome four rare Marwari horses on permanent loan from Francesca Kelly, who imports this breed from India.  Three of the horses arrived Tuesday, September 27.

The horses came from Kelly's farm on Chappaquiddick Island off the coast of Massachusetts.  Francesca Kelly is a writer who is dedicated to preserving the breed and has increased the number of these horses outside their native India.  She is moving her herd to England and is allowing the park to keep three mares and a yearling. 

The Kentucky Horse Park is the only known location in North America where Marwari can be seen by the public.

John Nicholson, executive director of the park, stated, "We are delighted and honored that Francesca Kelly has chosen the Kentucky Horse Park as the keeper of the last, precious band of these rare equines on this continent. They will be treasured by our staff and enjoyed by the literally millions of park visitors who will see them in the upcoming years."  He continued, "We applaud the efforts of people like Ms. Kelly who dedicate their lives to preserving rare and endangered breeds."

The Marwari horse was used hundreds of years ago as warhorses known for their extreme endurance.  The Marwari are considered very brave and athletic horses. They are attentive and pick things up quickly through their senses. Visitors at the park during last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games watched "tent pegging" demonstrations using some of Ms. Kelly's Marwari.

The most noted fact about this breed is their extremely distinct ears.  The ears curve inward and sometimes touch or overlap when in front position.  The ears are the main characteristic that the registry uses to judge this breed.           

The breed is available in all colors but the albino is held in highest regard.  The albino Marwari is often used for religious purposes and ceremonies in its native home of India.  They often become very attached to their handler and can become protective of them.

The three Marwari mares are on view to the public during park hours.  The fourth, a yearling colt, will arrive later this fall.

Photos by James Shambhu. 

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

WHO:  John and Elizabeth Fort of Peachtree Racing Stable, Inc. and the Kentucky Horse Park

WHAT:  Memorial service for Kentucky Derby contender and stallion Invisible Ink

WHEN:  Friday, September 16, 2011, at 11am

WHERE:  Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions

WHY:  Invisible Ink was not the type of horse who would normally be buried at the Hall of Champions alongside some of the greatest of the racing industry’s stars.  However, the Kentucky Horse Park agreed with his owners, John and Elizabeth Fort, that Invisible Ink earned a place there, to stand as a permanent reminder that the heart of a champion beats in every horse, regardless of breed, discipline, or success on the racetrack or in the show ring.  All a horse needs is someone to believe in him. 

Beautifully bred Invisible Ink (Thunder Gulch-Conquistress, by Conquistador Cielo) stole the hearts of many who don’t normally follow Thoroughbred racing by winning a much-publicized battle against a life-threatening illness as a 2-year-old, thanks to the valiant efforts of his owners and a team of people who wouldn’t give up on him.  He went on to earn the respect of the Thoroughbred industry when he came back from that illness to place second in the Kentucky Derby (G1).  His career earnings were $465,088.

While John Fort admits that Invisible Ink may not have been an outstanding racehorse, he “has been a very special horse to us and to literally thousands of other people across the nation. I know because I have received their e-mails and phone calls. You're lucky in this business to come across a horse like Invisible Ink."  Even Paul Harvey told Invisible Ink’s story on is radio broadcast.

Invisible Ink died in Pennsylvania on July 7.  He will be buried at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions this week and remembered in a public memorial service.
 
Read more about Invisible Ink’s story in a beautiful tribute by Steve Haskin: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2011/07/07/the-loss-of-a-thoroughbred.aspx

HOW:  Media availability with John and Elizabeth Fort and John Nicholson. Members of the media should park in the main parking lot at the Visitor Center.  Golf cart shuttles will be available from there to the Hall of Champions beginning at 10:30am.  The public is invited to attend.

Editor's note:  Photos of Invisible Ink are available for use by the media by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Photos above (c) Louise Reinagel.

Lexington, KY - September 8, 2011 - The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that tickets, ranging from only $10 to $30, are now available for purchase, online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult (limit 2 child tickets for every paid adult).

Additionally, fifty percent of the net proceeds from the General Admission gate receipts will be donated to the various charities that are featured each day at the Alltech National Horse Show. 

Doors for each session open 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. All seats are General Admission and parking is free.

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.

In addition to the Alltech National Horse Show itself, those attending will be able to enjoy a fabulous sixty booth equestrian trade fair and wonderful educational opportunities for the entire family.

"We hope people will take advantage quickly of the availability of online ticket purchases at Ticketmaster," said Mason Phelps, Jr., President of the National Horse Show Association. "There is a real excitement about the Alltech National Horse Show coming to Lexington and I have no doubt that every session, especially the prime time events, will be a complete sell out. So, I would say that if you're planning on attending any of the night sessions or Sunday's ASPCA Maclay National Finals, please buy your tickets early."

Alltech National Horse Show Class Schedule

Wednesday, November 2nd (Charity: Shriners Hospital for Children)
8:00 AM
20 14 Hands Winery Regular Confirmation Hunter Model
10 Green Confirmation Hunter Model
22 14 Hands Winery Regular Confirmation Hunter
23 14 Hands Winery Regular Confirmation Hunter - Handy
12 Green Conformation Hunter
13 Green Confirmation Hunter - Handy
32 First Year Green Working Hunter
33 First Year Green Working Hunter - Handy
42 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter
43 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter - Handy
52 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter
53 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter - Handy
151 International-Open Jumpers $50,000 Welcome

First Group (Charity: Alltech Sustainable Haiti Project)
7:00 PM Evening Session
Exhibition and Opening Ceremonies
151 International-Open Jumpers $50,000 Welcome

Thursday, November 3rd (Charity: Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop)
8:00 AM
82 Bright Star LLC Amateur Owner Hunter 3
3"
83 Bright Star LLC Amateur Owner Hunter 3
3" - Handy
72 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter - over 35
62 Hill 'N Dale Amateur Owner - 18 - 35
73 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter - over 35 - Handy
63 Hill 'N Dale Amateur Owner - 18 - 35 - Handy
31 First Year Green Working Hunter U/S
41 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter U/S
11 Green Conformation Hunter U/S
21 14 Hands Winery Regular Conformation Hunter U/S
51 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Working Hunter U/S

1:00 PM Afternoon Session
34 First Year Green Working Hunter $7,500 Stake
14 Green Conformation Hunter $7,500 Stake
44 McNeil - Oare Second Year Green Working Hunter $7,500 Stake
24 14 Hands Winery Regular Conformation Hunter $5,000 Stake
54 Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter $10,000 Stake
161 Sleepy P Ranch $10,000 Junior Jumper

Thursday, November 3rd (Charity: Kentucky Horse Park Foundation)
7:00 PM Evening Session
163 Chansonette Farm $10,000 Amateur Owner Jumpers
152 Double H Farm $75,000 International-Open Jumpers

Friday, November 4th (Charity: Louisville Mounted Police)
8:00 AM
84 Bright Star LLC A/O Hunter - 3'3" $5,000 Stake
74 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter - 35 and older $7,500 Stake
64 Hill 'N Dale A/O Hunter - Under 35 - $7,500 Stake
81 Bright Star LLC Amateur Owner Hunter U/S
71 Suzanne Thoben Marquard A/O Hunter U/S - 35 and older
61 Hill 'N Dale Amateur Owner Hunter U/S - Under 35
92 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under
102 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 16 - 17
112 Large Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under

1:00 PM Afternoon Session
122 Greentree South Large Junior Hunter O/F 16 - 17
93 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under -Handy
103 Small Junior Hunter O/F - 16 - 17 - Handy
113 Large Junior Hunter O/F - 15 and under - Handy
123 Greentree South Large Junior Working Hunter O/F 16 - 17 - Handy
164 Chansonette Farm $15,000 A/O Time 1st Jump - Off

7:00 PM Evening Session (Charity: Kentucky Equine Humane Center)
162 Sleepy P Ranch $15,000 Junior Jumper Time First Jump- Off
153 Spy Coast Farm $60,000 International-Open Jumpers Speed

Saturday, November 5th (Charity: Lexington Mounted Police)
6:00 AM ASPCA Maclay Warm-Up - not judged

11:30 AM
91 Small Junior Hunter - 15 and under U/S
101 Small Junior Hunter - 16-17 U/S
111 Large Junior Hunter - 15 and under U/S
121 Greentree South Large Junior Hunter -16-17 U/S

1:00 PM Afternoon Session
94 Small Junior Hunter -15 and under $7,500 Stake
104 Small Junior Hunter - 16-17 $7,500 Stake
114 Large Junior Hunter - 15 and under $7,500 Stake
124 Greentree South Large Junior Hunter - 16-17 $7,500 Stake
165 Show Jumping Hall of Fame $50,000 JR/AO Championship

7:00 PM Evening Session (Charity: United States Equestrian Team Foundation) 
Opening Ceremonies
Special Presentations - Awards only154 Alltech National Horse Show $250,000 Grand Prix

Sunday, November 6th (Charity: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
7:00 AM
Maclay National Championship for the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship
Classes - Presented by Hadfield's Saddlery

Approximately 3:00 PM
FINAL ROUND
Classes - Presented by Hadfield's Saddlery

Tickets are on sale now online at www.ticketmaster.com

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.For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.

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

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

 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. .