Horsesdaily News: Features Of The Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky's Bid For The 2006 World Equestrian Games

Features Of The Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park is located on 1,224 acres in the heart of the Bluegrass Country. Barns on the grounds include 1,100 permanent stalls. A modern Recreational Resort Vehicle campground features 261 sites. More than 800,000 people utilize the park every year, including competitors and spectators as well as tourists. Two beautiful museums on the history of the horse are located on the grounds, and visitors can also view the Park's movie on horses, Thou Shall Fly Without Wings, in the twin theaters at the Visitor Information Center.

The Park is also the home of 14 state and national equine organizations including USA Equestrian, which Nicholson considers a key point in the Park's bid. "That the host venue is the site of the national headquarters of our national federation is a great advantage," he said.

Every day is a 'show day' at Kentucky Horse Park, which features the daily Parade of Breeds Show, Retired Champion Shows, and Horse Drawn Tours. "We're like the Sea World of Horsedom as it is right now," said Nicholson. Those festive elements will be expanded upon for the 2006 WEG. "We have such a great advantage, because of where we are, to be able to do some really special things," he said.

Nicholson pointed out that Kentucky's Thoroughbred racehorse fame would also be a part of the Park's WEG celebrations. "It'll be such a wonderful place for horse people from throughout the world to visit because of all the beautiful farms," he said. "I know that the Thoroughbred community here will be excited to show off what they have, and that includes our two major sales companies, Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton." Nicholson noted that the Thoroughbred races in Kentucky begin just after the Games are completed so visitors will have the opportunity to attend the Keeneland Races. "It's going to be a real special time."