Kentucky Spring Horse Shows Focus on Future and 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Lexington, KY - The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, will be held this year during the weeks of May 7-11 and May 14-18, 2008. The shows attract the nation's very best hunter and jumper competitors, and this year the park is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to play host to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games(TM) (WEG).

In addition to the incredible prize money and action-packed grand prix excitement at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, exhibitors will experience history in the making as the park starts to undergo changes in anticipation of this immense international competition. Kentucky Horse Shows LLC, who produces approximately ten weeks of hunter/jumper horse shows at the Kentucky Horse Park, is involved with the improvements of the venue and works closely with the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows hope to attract new spectators and increase exhibitors' interest in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games(TM). Along with making history at the Kentucky Horse Park, the improvements of the show grounds will drastically influence the quality of future shows managed by Kentucky Horse Shows LLC.

The Kentucky Horse Park opened in 1978 and is owned by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Spanning 1,224 acres in the heart of Kentucky's horse country, the park relies heavily on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. The Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park. They contributed nearly $18,000,000 worth of improvements to the park since its inception in 1985. In addition to housing horses and providing such attractions as the Parade of Breeds, Hall of Champions, and the International Museum of the Horse, the Kentucky Horse Park is home to over 33 equestrian organizations headquartered in the park's National Horse Center.

The Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Foundation are currently organizing for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010(TM), which will be held at the park from September 25-October 10, 2010. Over 600,000 people are anticipated to attend, and the event will host over 800 riders and 900 horses, representing more than 60 different nations.

Alston M. Kerr, who is Chairman of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board, commented, "The Kentucky Horse Park is truly a magical place; a place where dreams are made and goals are reached. We have a magnificent public and private partnership between the Commonwealth of Kentucky, its fabulous contributors, the private sector, and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. These relationships have allowed the Kentucky Horse Park to expand for the future and improve the park for tomorrow."

Significant improvements are in store for the park. A new indoor arena will be constructed for the games, which will include a 22,000 square foot exhibition hall, allowing for three different events to be held simultaneously. The arena will have 6,000 to 7,000 fixed seats for equine events, and the layout will include seating for 10,000 on the ring's surface for concerts and community events. Additionally, the arena will be 210,000 square feet in size, with its oval shape measuring 355' by 155.'

Special Features for the arena will include custom lighting required for high-definition television broadcasts, a multi-use ring surface appropriate for any discipline, a separate tunnel for livestock management during rodeos, and nine luxury spectator suites. Other advancements include an enclosed and climate-controlled warm-up area, rigging points in the ceiling for special light bars and sound systems used during concerts, two layout options for non-equine events, top notch restroom and concession facilities, and seating for 200-250 guests at the event level.

Four new barns will be constructed and attached to the indoor arena with a covered walkway, and 400 stalls will be available. These barns and walkways will be heated with a forced air ventilation to improve air quality in the winter and summer, and they will include an auxiliary area, a vet check station, indoor and outdoor horse wash areas, and a show manager's office.

"Although we have ambitious goals, I am confident the guests of the Kentucky Horse Park will step up to the challenge," Frances Dulaney, Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Executive Director, has stated. "Over the past 23 years, donors to the foundation have brought enthusiasm and heartfelt generosity. I am continually impressed with our supporters."

"The successes of the past 30 years at the Kentucky Horse Park have recently been recognized with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010(TM) and the Special Eclipse Award," said Dulaney. "I think a makeover including new show facilities and barns is an exciting way to celebrate those successes."

Highlights of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows include two $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix CSI 3* classes, the $55,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix CSI 3*, and the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI 3*, a member event of the AGA Grand Prix Series

The $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classics are two of seven events in the Hagyard Challenge Series, a series of major show jumping competitions held throughout the summer at the park. The series offers $215,000 in prize money, and these first two classes count toward the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. The bonus will be presented at the conclusion of the $50,000 World Cup qualifying grand prix at the Kentucky National Indoor Horse Show on Friday, September 26.

For more information on the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Photo: The architect's design of the 2010 Kentucky Horse Park. Artwork courtesy of client.