Last year was my first time visiting not only Lexington, but also the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. As only a sport horse enthusiast would appreciate, one of my top “bucket list' items was to compete, or have a horse compete, at the state’s Horse Park. The entire experience exceeded my expectations. From the moment my plane descended over the endless rolling acres of perfectly fenced fields into Bluegrass Airport, I knew I was somewhere special. The hospitality of the locals and their genuine love of the region’s connection to the horse were truly unique in comparison to any other event I have ever attended.
Lainie DeBoer of Forest Lake, Minnesota, trained and piloted my former gelding, Asland's Magic, to many wins including the Huntfield Derby held at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Although this year I do not have a horse to show, I have already booked my tickets to return a different week to attend the USHJA Pre-Green Championships and the International Hunter Derby. The distance may be far from my Northwest home, but observing the best hunters in the country and visiting with my horse show friends from across the country in an environment that embraces the equestrian culture makes the entire trip well worth the time and investment!
Salut!
Kristin
BLUEGRASS REGION
The Bluegrass Region is an eight-county geographic region in the Kentucky. It makes up the northern part of the state where a majority of the state's population has lived and developed its largest cities. By 1800, planters noticed horses that grazed in the Bluegrass Region were hardier than those from other regions; this is due to the high content of calcium in the soil. Within decades of increased settlement, the remaining herds of bison had moved west. Thoroughbred horse breeding was developed here, as well as other quality livestock. (1). Subsequently, as the Thoroughbred industry matured, so did the quality and the number of equine affiliated services including specialists in veterinary medicine, barn managers, air and land transport and much more.
Beautiful pasture and home within the Kentucky Horse Park.
A NEW HOME
In recent years, the sport horse industry has recognized the benefits of the regions equine amenities. Hunter/jumper farms have steadily moved from the Northeast as well as other areas, to Lexington. The preferable location is typically within close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park. In 2012, a flurry of press was generated when the family farm of the youngest Olympian in show jumping history, Reed Kessler, relocated from New York to a Lexington.
Today, both the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Hunter Jumper Association(USHJA), along with the popular Wheeler Museum, are headquartered at the expansive Kentucky Horse Park. The facility is Kentucky’s largest state owned tourist attraction (2). It also boasts incredible ammenties for the most scrutinous hunter/jumper competitors including multiple rings throughout the property, exceptional footing and miles of hacking around the famed Rolex Three-Day Eventing Course and beyond.
A glimpse of the KY Horse Park, as seen from above the Walnut Arena.
WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE NAMED
Barns from across the country are adjusting their annual calendars to travel to the Kentucky Horse Park. Coveted events including the US Pony Finals, USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships and the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program Championships are now hosted during the summer at this picturesque venue. For the first time since departing Madison Square Garden, our distinguished National Horse Show and the prestigious Maclay finals have finally settled at a perfect locale with the necessary details to finally call home. Lexington is now associated with the names of the illustrious champions that remain etched in our memories for years.
Jennifer Bliss, the 2014 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) National Developing Professional Champion, piloted her Poker Face to a Top Ten finish in last year's USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. (photo credit: Shawn McMillan)
IMPORTANT LEXINGTON DATES & DESTINATIONS
- USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program Championships:
August 11-13 LINK
- US Pony Finals:
August 3-9 LINK
- USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships:
August 13-15 LINK
- CP National Horse Show: Home of the Maclay Finals
Oct 27-Nov 1 LINK
- Wheeler Museum:
Current Exhibit: A Sporting Tradition
Located at the USHJA headquarters, the Wheeler Museum aims to collect, preserve and share the history of the hunter/jumper sport. Its purpose is one of both preservation and education. The current exhibit is called “A Sporting Tradition: Iconic Horse Shows across the United State’s and features photographs, artifacts, and other memorabilia to showcase some of the most historically significant and storied competitions that featured hunter and jumper classes across the United States. (3) LINK
- Keeneland
A trip to Lexington would not be complete without a visit to the breathtaking Keeneland. Keeneland was founded in 1936 and includes the Keeneland Racecourse, a Thoroughbred horse racing facility, and a sales complex. It is also known for its reference library (4) and visitors may choose either a guided or self-guided tour. A stop to the gift shop filled with stylish equestrian lifestyle themed apparel and accessories is a must. LINK
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluegrass_region
2) http://www.kentuckytourism.com/things_to_do/horses/horse_park.aspx
3) http://www.ushja.org/wheelermuseum/currentExhibit.aspx
4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeneland
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