Twenty years ago, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation presented the first ever driving tour of holiday

lights, aimed at engaging the local community. Today Southern Lights has evolved to attract over 120,000 visitors each year from across Kentucky and surrounding states and is regularly chosen as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Boasting over four miles of lights, Southern Lights continues to grow and improve each year, adding additional holiday displays along the driven route and expanding its indoor attractions. This year as part of the 20th anniversary celebration, we are featuring a new Wizard of Oz light display, complete with Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch of the West.

After driving through the lights, guests are invited to park and enjoy the attractions in the Park’s interior, which are designed to entertain every member of the family-from local crafts, model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa, to the ever popular exotic petting zoo. Perhaps the most exciting addition to this year’s anniversary celebration will be a

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation

N e w s l e t t e rKentucky Horse Park Foundation

N e w s l e t t e r

Proudly supporting the Kentucky Horse Parkwww.khpfoundation.org

Fall 2013

A Holiday Season to RememberSouthern Lights 20th Anniversary

Southern LightS

When: Nov.22-Dec.31 (Indoor activities closed Thanksgiving & Dec.24-31)time: 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Where: Campground entrance of the Kentucky horse Park

ticketS: Sunday-Thursday: $15.00 per car (up to 7 people)Friday and Saturday: $20.00 per car (up to 7 people)$30 extended Van (up to 15 people)$50 Mini Bus (up to 25 people) $75 School Bus$125 Motor Coach

visit from Santa’s reindeer. These live reindeer can be seen up close every

night throughout Southern Lights (except on November 28 and December 24-31).

The 2013 Southern Lights is presented by Toyota Motor

Manufacturing of Kentucky. Thanks to TMMK and all of our 2013 sponsors for making this event possible. For more

information about the Lights visit: www.khpfoundation.org or call 859-255- 5727. We look forward to celebrating Southern Light’s 20th anniversary with you and your family! ◆

Mrs. Nina BonnieMr. Alex BooneMr. Luther Deaton, Jr.Mr. Greg Goodman

Mrs. Mary GuinnessMs. Dell HancockMr. Greg SimonMr. Howard Simpson

advisory Council

officersKHP Foundation Chair

Caroline H. BooneKHP Foundation Vice Chair

Linda L. GreenKHP Foundation Secretary

Jane K. BeshearKHP Foundation Treasurer

Orson OliverKHP Commission Chair

Alston M. KerrKHP Foundation Executive Director

Laura Harrison Klumb

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511-8400

Phone: 859-255-5727 fax:859-254-7121foundation@khpfoundation.org • khpfoundation.org

Board of DirectorsMr. Rogers BeasleyMrs. Jane BeshearMrs. Caroline H. BooneDr. Andrew ClarkDr. Nancy ColeMr. Kip CornettMs. LuLu Lenihan DavisDr. Dave FishbackMr. George Jeffrey FiskMrs. Jennie GarlingtonMr. Clay GreenMrs. Linda GreenMr. Timothy HaymakerMr. Bill HilliardMr. William HintzeMr. William C. HurtMr. Andrew JacobsMs. Meg JewettMrs. Becky JordanMr. Bill JusticeMrs. Alston KerrMrs. Elizabeth LeBus LangMr. John LongMrs. Deirdre LyonsMr. Zeff Maloney

Mrs. Ann McBrayerMs. Kathy MeyerMrs. Judy MillerMrs. Misdee Wrigley MillerMr. Robert MorganMrs. Janie MusselmanMr. Allen NorthcuttMrs. Mary Jane NuckolsMr. Orson OliverMs. Lynn PedigoMr. P.G. PeeplesMrs. Catharine PetersonMs. Nicole PierattMrs. Michelle PrimmDr. Tom RiddleMr. William G. RobbinsMr. Walt RobertsonMr. Justin SautterMrs. Martha SlaughterMrs. Jenny SuttonMr. Dan StewartMrs. Donna WardMrs. Benny Bell WilliamsMr. Steve WilsonMs. Jane Winegardner

FolloW uS oN FaCeBooK: KeNTuCKy horSe ParK FouNDaTIoN

How Lucky Are We?

Every day I walk to the foundation office from the parking lot and think to myself how very lucky

I am to work at the Kentucky Horse Park. How lucky I am to be working in an environment where I am surrounded by hundreds of acres of green fields, white plank fences and many different breeds of beautiful horses. How lucky I am to work with dedicated, like-minded colleagues who love the park, love horses, and love Kentucky. I am blessed to work every day in a place that many people across the country and world dream of visiting just once during their lifetime. How lucky am I?

How lucky are all of us to have the Kentucky Horse Park in our lives?

And because we are so fortunate, it is our shared duty to support the park on a continuing basis.

Why is our continued philanthropic support necessary?  Because the needs of the Kentucky Horse Park are constant--from feeding the horses, to maintaining the barns, to attracting and educating our visitors.  Indeed, every day presents a fresh challenge at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation exists to help the park rise to the occasion.  We firmly believe the Kentucky Horse Park is the world’s leading equestrian destination because of the support of friends like you.

Whether you are an equestrian who competes at the Kentucky Horse Park, a frequent visitor who enjoys our grounds, or simply a lover of horses, we need your generous support of the park to continue.

Indeed, we are all very lucky to know and love the Kentucky Horse Park. Let’s “pay it forward” by continuing to give to the foundation that supports the park so well. ◆

Executive DirectorLaura Harrison Klumb

DireCtor’s Notes

Thanks to our 2013 Battle in the Saddle sponsorsPreSeNTINg SPoNSor TeaM SPoNSor

eVeNT SPoNSor

Battle in the Saddle Recap

Held on July 14, 2013, the inaugural Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Battle in the Saddle Celebrity Team Penning event was an overwhelming success-providing not only an entertaining evening but also a successful fundraiser for the park.

A total of fourteen teams competed for the title of champion team. Celebrities in attendance included Derek Braun, Calvin Borel, Patti Cooksey, Buck Davidson, Pat Day, Joe Harper, Kevin Huber, Charlie Lopresti, Chris McCarron, Mal McGuire, Coach Matthew Mitchell and Jorge Vasquez.

The winning team included Hall of Fame jockey, Chris McCarron, his daughter Stevie McCarron and local horseman Stuart Turlington. When

asked about his favorite aspects of the Battle in the Saddle, Chris McCarron mentioned the great amount of money that was raised for the park, stopping the clock with the winning time and taking the victory lap with his daughter. The winning team members each received a sterling silver belt buckle custom-designed especially for the occasion.

Merial’s team, led by local polo trainer, Jorge Vasquez and Drs. Hoyt Cheramie and Meg Green placed second, while Hagyard Equine Medical Institute’s team, comprised of international Three-Day Event rider, Buck Davidson and Drs. Barry David and Sam Schalnus finished third.

The Foundation is delighted to

report that the event raised over $30,000 in net proceeds, all of which will be directed towards supporting the Kentucky Horse Park. Cabby Boone, Chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, stated, “We were so happy with the response to this new fundraiser for the Foundation. Not only did we raise significant amount of money for the park, but we also made new friends and had a great time!”

The Foundation is busy making plans for the 2014 Battle in the Saddle and invites you to play a role. For more information on becoming a rider or sponsor, please contact the KHPF office at 859-255-5727. ◆

remembering Christine Comella BrownThe equestrian community has come together to honor the memory of one of their own, Christine Comella Brown, who died while riding her beloved horse on July 10. Christine’s friends and family have joined forces to raise funds to dedicate a portion of the all the gold Dedicated horse Path at the Kentucky horse Park in her memory. The KhPF has been overwhelmed and humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support we have received in Christine’s name.

a lifelong equestrian, Christine was an accomplished eventer and was a former Board member and officer of the MSeDa and former Chair of the u. S. eventing association, area VIII. her friends organized an effort to dedicate a portion of the path, initially with the goal of raising $10,000. To date, over $30,000 has been raised in honor of Christine.

Christine’s husband, Dr. Stuart Brown, shared the following: "The contributions raised through the Friends of Christine effort for the Dedicated horse Path at the KhP in her memory have touched me and Christine's family beyond words. Such a tribute in the setting at the KhP where she most enjoyed years of riding and competition with her cherished friends, both equine and human, could not be a more fitting and lasting honor. always on her mind, while participating in many events over the years, was the safety at the KhP for horses and riders who came to compete in a setting of unparalleled excellence for whatever level of competitor or horse. She would truly be honored that this effort was achieved to the benefit of generations of equestrians to come”.

Fundraising to create a horse path for the entire park began in 2012. The completed path will span from the alltech arena to the rolex Stadium and all competition sites in between, ensuring the safety of all of the riders and horses moving about the park. The section dedicated to Christine will be located from Cigar road, past the Dever office and barns 8-21, to the ramp leading to the hunter-jumper complex. The Foundation hopes to have construction on this section of the path completed in time for the 2014 Show season.

For more information about the all the gold Dedicated horse Path, or to contribute to the path in Christine Brown’s memory, please contact the Kentucky horse Park Foundation at 859-255-5727 or laura.klumb@khpfoundation.org. ◆

aBoVe leFT:Professional Polo player, Nacho Figueras, along with his wife, Delfina, strike a pose with Calvin Borel.leFT: Chris McCarron and Stuart Turlington celebrate their win.aBoVe: Patti Cooksey in full pursuit.

Keni Parks

Thanks to our 2013 Battle in the Saddle sponsors

James Sham

bhu

Please tell us about your equestrian background.

When did you first encounter horses? What is

your current involvement?

I found my love of horses at an early age. My grandfather was a great horseman and had me on a pony as a small child. My lifelong love began with my grandfather’s support. He taught me to ride, groom, respect, and love the horses that he so greatly loved. However, when focusing on college and career in Dallas, I was just busy and did not find the time to make riding a priority. Approaching my 40th birthday, I began to think about the gift I wanted and came immediately back to my love of horses, so I decided to get a horse for my birthday.

When did you first visit the

Kentucky horse Park?

In July 2000, we made the first visit to Kentucky Horse Park with Woody for Champagne Run Horse Trials. Our love of the Kentucky Horse Park began with the Show Office, decorating our Golf Carts so

we could find them, the concessions, campground, course walks, and a few victory laps. We made Champagne Run an annual competition and by 2004, we had 3 horses competing at the Kentucky Horse Park. We also made a few visits to Rolex - - and knew Lexington would be our equestrian home.

how often do you use the

Kentucky horse Park now?

Even though we have been living in Asia for many years, our horses continued competing in Dallas and Lexington in both Eventing and Dressage. We schedule trips to Lexington around the Kentucky Horse Park competitions so we can see our “boys” compete and cheer them on.

What makes the Kentucky horse Park special?

There are 4 items we love at the Kentucky Horse Park: 1) honoring the history of horses; 2) trail rides for family and friends when they visit; 3) quality of the show grounds; and

4) the people. We are a great example of a family that made one visit to Kentucky Horse Park in 2000 and were so warmly welcomed that we knew this would be the first of many, many visits.

Why do you feel inclined to support the Ken-

tucky horse Park from asia?

When the World Equestrian Games were announced for Lexington in 2010, we knew we had to buy our equestrian home before the world came to see Lexington. We bought a small horse farm in Lexington in 2008 and started the move from Dallas with 4 horses - - all of this while working and living in India and China. This took a “village” of support and dependence on the internet. We found our first horse home with Jolene Fullerton, Ancient Oak Farm, directly across from the Kentucky Horse Park, where she made room for 4 horses. There is no other place like the Kentucky Horse Park for an equestrian family and we support the Foundation as a “thanks” for all of our great experiences.

you chose to designate your gift for the dressage

complex. Why is this effort important to you?

While we started our experiences with the Kentucky Horse Park in the Eventing competitions, we are now focused on Dressage. Since both of the disciplines use the Dressage complex, we felt this was a great place to designate our gifts. We also have a retirement plan to compete in Dressage and spend many years in the Dressage complex.

What would you say to others who are consider-

ing supporting the Kentucky horse Park?

Regardless of where you are located, if you only visit once, or once a year, or many times, the Kentucky Horse Park delivers a great experience for all and especially the 4-legged members of our family. Giving is just a small way of saying “thanks” and being able to target your gifts to your passion makes the giving more meaningful. ◆

Home Away From HomeThe KHPF recently had the chance to chat with one of the Foundation’s most unique donors-Nancy Thomas. Thomas, who currently resides in Shanghai, China fell in love with the Kentucky Horse Park while competing here over a decade ago, and continues to support the park from abroad.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment partnered in 2013 to make substantial improvements to the Cane Run Watershed, an important water resource for the region that is also currently on Kentucky’s 303(d) list of impaired streams.

The collaboration is part of a longer-running project that began in 2006 and funded in part by a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to UK. In turn, $260,000 was given by UK to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation in March 2013, with plans to increase that to $465,000, according to the project lead, Stephen Higgins, PhD, director of environmental compliance for UK’s Agricultural Experiment Station.

"The partnership between UK and the Kentucky Horse Park is yet further evidence of the park's commitment to the environment and our determination to be a positive example for other equestrian facilities. This project, in addition to being the right thing to do for our land and our water, has also had a number of good practical effects, including much better drainage, both in the barn areas and around the rings,” said John Nicholson, Kentucky Horse Park Executive

Director. “Dr. Higgins has been super to work with and he has made a lasting contribution for the Horse Park. We are all grateful to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation for being the vehicle that allowed this great endeavor to move forward."

“Our latest work has been on installing all-weather surfaces on riding trails to reduce erosion and increase horse and rider safety.  We have also constructed a covered manure stack pad to store the muck out of the weather,” Higgins said. “We have fenced off riparian areas (the interface between land and a river or stream) and moved watering fountains to locations that are better for water quality. Other projects include bioswales (landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water), dredging the sediment from the pond, projects to reduce the sediment load, rain gardens, settling basins to capture eroded stone, and a wetland.”

The public awareness and

educational component is also an important part of the

scope of the project, he said, offering opportunities for education about environment and water issues to visitors.

PROJECT WEBSITE: http://www.bae.uky.edu/CaneRun/

Holly Wiemers, MA, is communications director for UK Ag Equine Programs. ◆

third AnnuAL goodgiving guide chALLengeThe Kentucky horse Park Foundation is excited to announce that we have been selected for the third year in a row to participate in the goodgiving guide Challenge, organized by Smiley Pete Publishing and the Blue grass Community Foundation.

last year, the goodgiving guide Challenge raised $429,842 for 68 local charities, and their goal is to raise over $1 million in 2013. The Challenge will run from November 1,

through December 31, 2013, promoting incentives to donate to your favorite charities. all donations must be made through goodgivingguide.net to qualify during the contest. We welcome you to show your support for the KhPF this holiday season! Follow the campaign on Facebook (facebook.com/khpfoundation), twitter (khpfoundation@khpfoundation) and through our emails. ◆

Kentucky Horse Park and UK partner to improve important Kentucky watershed

aBoVe: New landscaping, Covered muck storage and dredging the Pond are all part of the Cane run Watershed Project.

amanda g

umbert

Volunteer Spotlight - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tim Hoon

To kick off the holiday season, the 12th annual Southern lights Stroll will be held Thursday, November 21, 2013. The Stroll offers a sneak peak of the lights on foot. get set to run, walk or stroll your way through thousands of the dazzling lights. John’s run/Walk Shop has donated their services to oversee a competitive 5K race, complete with awards. additional activities include complimentary Mini express Train rides,

refreshments, drawings for prizes and more!

here are a few steps to join in on the fun:

Step 1: register. Pre-registration is just $15/adult and $10/child ($20/adult and $15/child on the night of the event at the Visitor Information Center). entry forms are available at www.khpfoundation.org. The first 500 registered adults receive a long-sleeved Stroll T-shirt and the first 200 children will receive a holiday themed gift.

Step 2: Stroll, amble, or run! The Stroll starts at 7 p.m. from the Visitor Information Center (VIC) and winds through the Southern lights route. Strollers and leashed dogs are allowed.

Step 3: get refreshed. after the Stroll, return to the VIC and enjoy free refreshments and partake in the 5K awards ceremony.

a food drive for god’s Pantry

and local animal shelters will be held in conjunction with this event. all participants are asked to bring non-perishable items to help the needy families and individuals of Central Kentucky and local animal shelters.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Timothy N. Hoon first came to the Kentucky Horse Park as a tourist, and

from that visit was inspired to get to know how everything worked around the park. He decided the best way to experience the park behind the scenes was to become a volunteer.

Originally from Louisville, Tim now resides in Marietta, Georgia, and has traveled to volunteer at the park several times a year since 2009. He has shared his time with almost every area of the park, including the International Museum of the Horse, the Hall of Champions, the Horses of the World show and the Kids Barn. He describes his favorite aspects of volunteering as “being close to the horses and being an ambassador for the park and representative for the state of Kentucky”.

Tim did not become passionate about horses until adulthood. He was introduced to horseback riding through a friend and soon joined a saddle club that trail rode. He now considers himself a “student of the equine community”. Tim continues his education volunteering at the park and encourages others to get involved,

stating, “Come in with an open mind, be very flexible and don’t have barriers onto what you can or cannot do. And you will do things that you would have never done before! No matter your age or background, the horse park can use you! There’s a spot for you somewhere!”

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is especially grateful to Tim, because in addition to donating his time, he has also chosen to donate financially. Tim has been a loyal member of the MOW Society for over a decade and recently became a member of the Champions’ Circle Society when he chose to designate the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation in his will. Such a generous display of support complements all of his hard work through the Kentucky Horse

Park Volunteer Program. Tim plans to retire to Kentucky, and

he hopes to spend his free time doing what he loves best—enjoying the Kentucky Horse Park and supporting its efforts! We look forward to having him as a full time member of the Kentucky Horse Park family!

For information about becoming a volunteer at the Kentucky Horse Park, contact Candace Rose at Candace.rose@ky.gov. For information about becoming a member of the MOW Society, contact the Foundation office at foundation@khpfoundation.org.

For information about becoming a member of the Champions’ Circle Society by making a planned gift commitment, contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org. ◆

PoNy PareNTS laNDFor the third year in a row, the Kentucky horse Park Foundation teamed up with Kentucky horse Shows, llC to host “Pony Parents land” during the uSeF Pony Finals. Parents of riders were treated to a special hospitality area to create awareness about the Kentucky horse Park Foundation and the all the gold Dedicated horse Path. KhPF would like to thank renie Murphy and all the donors and volunteers that made this year’s Pony Parents land possible!

use this form or save a stamp and donate online at www.khpfoundation.orgKentucky horse Park Foundation Donation Form

Enclosed is my gift for $

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone

Email

Please charge my gift of $______ to the following credit card

q VISA q Mastercard q AMEX

Card #:

Exp. Date

Cardholder

Signature

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation • 4089 Iron Works Parkway • Lexington, KY 40511-8400

Oc

t 2013

I would like my donation earmarked for the following: PleaSe CheCK oNe

q Man o’ War Society (annual operating support) q Nina Bonnie endowment Fund q International Museum of the horse

q Capital improvements q Wherever it is needed most q other __________________

all the gold Dedicated horse Path: Crossing at Nina Bonnie by rolex Stadium

DeDICaTeD horSe PaTh NeWSThis summer test footing was laid for the new path.

The KhP Mounted Police “test riding” the test strip by the Steeplechase section of the path.

haTS oFF DayThe KhPF was honored to be the beneficiary of the 2013 rood & riddle Kentucky grand Prix at hats off Day. Pictured at the event are alex riddle, harry deleyer (owner & trainer of Snowman), elizabeth letts (author of “The eight-Dollar Champion: Snowman, The horse that Inspired a Nation") and Dr. Tom riddle.

Volunteer Spotlight - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tim HoonKeni Parks

Shawn M

cMillan

Test strip being installed by the Steeplechase Course.

4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511-8400PHONE: 859-255-5727, FAX:859-254-7121foundation@khpfoundation.org khpfoundation.org

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONUS POSTAGE

PAID#599

LEXINGTON, KY

4089 Iron Works ParkwayLexington, KY 40511-8400

uPCoMINg eVeNTSoct. 29-nov. 3Alltech National Horse Show

nov. 1-dec. 31 GoodGiving Guide Challenge(Support the KHPF-go to GoodGivingGuide.net)

nov. 21 Southern Lights Stroll

nov. 22- dec. 31 Southern Lights

FolloW uS oN FaCeBooK: KeNTuCKy horSe ParK FouNDaTIoN

For a complete listing of all events at the kentucky horse park, please go to www.kyhorsepark.com

The Alltech National Horse Show will once again be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, October 29th-November 3rd. One of the oldest and most prestigious horse shows in the country, the ANHS offers a variety of hunter, jumper and American Saddlebred divisions with some of the best riders in the country. President of the ANHS, Mason Phelps, Jr., states “The show was ranked as the number one show in the United States by the North American Riders Group (NARG) and voted Horse Show of the Year by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. We are excited to once again showcase the best our sport has to offer in one of the most beautiful settings in the United States.” For ticket information visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com.

Cindy evans