KHP Foundation Summer 2026 Newsletter

The KHPF is delighted to host the thirteenth annual Battle in the Saddle Event on August 28th. Battle is Back!

Foundation Barns Coming Soon!

The KHPF will sponsor the completion of barn renovation at the Park, ensuring the Park’s status as a leading equestrian sport horse facility.

Horse Trials Series

The Kentucky Horse Trials Series is well underway, organized by the KHPF.

Dear Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Family,

Summer is one of the busiest and most exciting seasons at the Kentucky Horse Park. As visitors, competitors, and families gather from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we are reminded of the special role the Park plays in celebrating the horse while connecting people through education, recreation, sport, and unforgettable experiences. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is proud to help strengthen that mission every day.

This edition of the newsletter highlights the many ways your support continues to make a difference. From educational opportunities like the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop and the Emerging Equine Professionals Program to events that showcase the Park as a world-class equestrian destination, we are investing in programs that enrich lives today while preparing for tomorrow.

As the summer season draws to a close, we are also looking ahead to exciting opportunities on the horizon, including the beloved Battle in the Saddle and the return of Central Kentucky’s favorite holiday tradition, Southern Lights. These signature events bring our community together while helping advance the Foundation’s mission to enhance and preserve the Kentucky Horse Park for future generations.

We are deeply grateful to our family of donors whose generosity makes this work possible. Your commitment allows us to preserve the Park’s remarkable legacy while embracing new opportunities that will shape its future. As always, thank you for joining us on this ride.

With Regard,

Clay Green, Chair

2026 KHP Foundation Board of Directors and

Advisory Council

OFFICERS

Clay Green, Chair

Andrew Jacobs, Vice Chair

Nicole Pieratt, Secretary

Orson Oliver, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

W. True Baker, DVM, DACVS

James C. Baughman, Jr.

Jane Beshear

Demetria N. Blair

Derek Braun

Stuart E. Brown II, DVM

Elizabeth Caldwell

Dan Crumb

LuLu Lenihan Davis

Barclay de Wet

Tawana Edwards

Jennie Garlington

Hutton Goodman

Bill Hilliard

Mollie Jameson

Lamon Harkness Jewett

Becky Jordan

Bill Justice

Teri Kessler

Deborah H. Long

Lisa Lourie

Deirdre Lyons

Jennifer S. Madden

Zeff Maloney

James M. Miller

Judy Miller

Janie Musselman

Maegan F. Nicholson

Mary Jane Nuckols

Katherine O’Brien

Eloise Penn

Elizabeth Robbins

Walt Robertson, Jr.

Walt Robertson, Sr.

Amy Dix Rock

David B. Rudder

Justin Sautter

Martha Slaughter

Deborah Spike-Pierce, DVM, MBA

Donna Ward

Alison Zeitlin

Marian Zeitlin

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Nina Bonnie

Alex Boone

Caroline Boone

Luther Deaton, Jr.

Greg Goodman

Linda Green

Mary Guinness

Dell Hancock

Misdee Wrigley Miller

Greg Simon

Battle in the Saddle is Back!

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hopes you will join us for the Battle in the Saddle Team Penning event on Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Covered Arena. In this beloved event presented by Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation, teams compete against each other to determine who has the skills and bravery needed to pen a group of cattle in the fastest time. And all of this fun is in the name of charity – to raise funds to support the Kentucky Horse Park!

Event and Table Sponsorships, as well as individual VIP Dinner Tickets, are now on sale. General Admission is FREE! To reserve a sponsorship or purchase VIP tickets, please contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org.

TEAM SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

AWARD SPONSORS

BOOT & SACK RACE SPONSORS

Rolling Out The Welcome Mat at the “Foundation Barns”

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board of Directors is delighted to announce it has committed $2,000,000 to serve as Naming Rights Sponsor of the highly anticipated, newly constructed barn complex. Through the support of the KHPF, the Park will raise the bar significantly in terms of its ability to accommodate the equine competitors and horses that visit on an annual basis.

The Barn Complex Naming Rights Sponsorship includes six of the new steel barns (2 complete, 2 coming in Fall 2026, 2 coming in Spring/Summer 2027), and an additional five original barns constructed of wood frames, for a total of 11 barns.

The “Foundation Barns” will become an integral part of the competitor experience, and the KHPF is delighted to play such a significant role in the longterm future of the Kentucky Horse Park.

KHP Foundation Awards Grants to Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to support the Park by awarding grants through a formal application process. A few of the projects funded during the past several months include:

Beautification by Jon Carloftis ($150,000): Funding to support the beautification of the grounds surrounding the Visitor Information Center, parking lot and Park entrance.

Electrical Pedestals ($15,997) : Funding to purchase six electrical pedestals to be rented to events requiring electrical service in locations not serviced by normal outlets.

Washing Machines ($8,510): Funding to purchase two industrial-strength washing machines. One will be utilized to wash Breeds Barn costumes. The other will be utilized to wash horse blankets and saddle pads for all barns.

Purchase of Percheron ($4,500): Funding to purchase a three-year old Percheron Gelding. The horse is already broken for driving and will replace one of the older Percherons in the Big Barn that will soon be retiring.

Field Trip Fund-Fall 2025 Season ($3,236): Funding to reimburse the Park for Kentucky school groups that attended the Park in Fall 2025 for a field trip.

Stall Supplies ($2,529): Funding to purchase stable supplies for the Breeds Barn, including stall fans and muck bucket carts.

These grants were awarded through a formal application process, administered by the KHPF Grants Committee, composed of members of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board of Directors. The Grants Committee makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors upon their review of all applications. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to report that these awards were approved unanimously by the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board of Directors at its October 2025, January 2026, and April 2026 meetings.

Taking Strides with Galloping Green

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is galloping full ‘green’ ahead with our sustainability initiative for the Park. Read on for the details!

Beautification by Jon Carloftis: One of the initial goals that evolved from our meetings about being ‘green’ was to start from the ground up with gardens. Reaching high, yet staying local, we contacted the master of gardens, Jon Carloftis, and after meetings and approved proposals, are thrilled to have him realize our garden goals. As seen by the landscape plans adjacent, he started with the Visitor Center, the walkway to Man o’ War Fountain, and the surrounding area this Spring, planting over 2,250 plants and containers.

With a vision that goes beyond plants and flowers, his design welcomes everyone who walks through the Visitor Center’s archway to enjoy the outdoors, by arranging

greenery and seating areas in a way that invites a stroll into and a seat among the wonders of the Park. Now just a few months after the initial planting, the Jon Carloftis Gardens at the Kentucky Horse Park promise to not only enhance the aesthetic but continue to elevate our arboretum aspirations.

See the Trees: The Galloping Green Team continues to evolve a tree plan for the Park. Along with identifying hundreds of trees and multiple species, over 125 physical tree markers can be found throughout the Park.

Increasing the Park’s tree canopy is also in the works. Consulting with arborists to determine location and management, more trees will be planted in the coming

with the Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC).

Some of the efficiency solutions that Schneider is exploring with the Park include refurbishing the Man o’ War Fountain, increasing the installation of LED lighting, developing an EV charging depot, and studying rainwater capture as well as solar energy concepts.

Students Shine the Light on KHP Possibilities: To wrap up a busy year of progress, working closely with the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, the KHPF’s Galloping Green Team assisted in developing and executing a two-phase assignment where

months. Soon after, we will create a map of the trees that can be seen throughout the Park, so whether you choose to come see the sights, sit under or search for certain types, you can also learn the scientific and common name of the carbon-dioxide absorbing and oxygen producing trees.

Addressing Energy Solutions: Analyzing the opportunities to use less energy and reduce environmental impact while providing the same or better level of service, the Galloping Green Pillar we’d identified as “Energy Efficiencies,” is in process at the Park. We are pleased to report that after the steps taken by the KHPF, the KHP, and Carbon Hoofprint in the spring, summer and fall of 2025, the State selected Schneider Electric to proceed

students created innovative sustainability concepts. The results were impressive and included many creative yet practical concepts. For example, a Visitor Center parking lot that embraces green space, parking availability, and stormwater capture; a riparian buffer system from the Visitor Center to the Rolex Arena that addresses stormwater, sediment, manure as well as rainwater retrieval and reuse. Inspired by the possibilities, we intend to explore some of these innovative ideas as potential plans that work within the Galloping Green Initiative as it coincides with the Park’s strategy.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Equine Professionals

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to play an important role in nurturing the future of the equine industry. Founded in 2024, the Emerging Equine Professionals Program provides underserved youth from our community the opportunity to gain training in equine studies while also serving as ambassadors for the Kentucky Horse Park.

The program is an offshoot of the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop which has been in existence for over three decades. Youth who have qualified for and completed the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop program are eligible to apply for this more immersive training experience.

Participants volunteer alongside Kentucky Horse Park equine professionals one day every weekend throughout the school year. They gain equine training and exposure to job opportunities in the horse industry. They also serve as Park Ambassadors at public events and Parade of Breeds shows. Ultimately, the experience is designed to encourage career development, improve communication skills, foster a sense of responsibility, and nurture self-esteem and confidence.

This summer, our Emerging Equine Professionals are serving as Counselors in Training at youth riding and Mustang Troop camps. They are receiving a stipend for their time and gaining invaluable leadership skills.

The Emerging Equine Professionals Program is supported by the United States Equestrian Federation Opportunity Fund, the Copia Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, and Partners for Youth.

A word from our Education Supervisor, Angel Antonaccio:

This year, our Emerging Equine Professionals Program expanded to four participants. They have gained hands-on experience at the Kentucky Horse Park through horse care, riding, driving, and work in various barns. During Spring Break Camp, participants worked with different types of horses, drove our Miniature Horse, Jack, participated in riding lessons and a trail ride, and assisted with equine dental procedures. Now, they are giving back as counselors during Mustang Troop Camps, helping younger riders develop their horsemanship skills. At the end of this year’s camps, three graduates will qualify to join the Emerging Equine Professionals Program.

To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Bartlett at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org.

Mustang Troop Celebrates Successful Summer

The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop program celebrated another successful summer. This special outreach program of the Kentucky Horse Park has been in existence for over 30 years, providing children from underserved communities with the opportunity to attend a summer horse camp experience free of charge. During their time in the program, local youth gain the experience of caring for a horse while building self-confidence, developing social-emotional skills, and learning about vocational opportunities in the horse industry.

The Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation worked with public schools in Fayette, Scott, Woodford, and Madison Counties to see the program to fruition.

In June, the Park hosted two week-long sessions, serving 21 students. In July, individuals that had completed the beginning session, either this summer or last, were invited to participate in a two-week advanced camp.

During their time at the Park, Mustang Troop participants had the opportunity to ride at least once a day. They learned all of the basic horsemanship needed to care for horses. In the arena, they learned how to steer and stop, and were introduced to trotting. In the classroom, they learned about anatomy, horse breeds, colors, markings, and careers you can have in the equine industry. While in the classroom, participants also completed arts and crafts that they were able to take home as keepsakes.

To support the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop, or learn more, please visit our website at www.khpfoundation.org.

A Tribute to the Gutsy Gelding

The Kentucky Horse Park unveiled a bronze statue of the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champion, Funny Cide, on April 30, 2026. The tribute sits outside the iconic Hall of Champions barn, where the beloved “Gutsy Gelding” spent his 15-year retirement until his passing in 2023. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was honored to support this effort through the generosity of donors who revered this special horse. Created by artist Shelley Hunter, whose work already lines the Park’s Memorial Walk of Champions, the memorial honors his historic legacy as the first New York-bred gelding to win the Derby. The Kentucky Horse Park hosts visitors year-round who view the memorial and celebrate the legacy of the everyday fan-favorite. Visitors to the Park during the past year had the opportunity to see Shelley at work as she served as an artist-in-residence, utilizing the Tack Shop as her studio as she sculpted this stunning tribute.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is grateful to have played a role in honoring and remembering one of the Park’s most beloved resident Champions.

Kentucky Horse Trials Series in its Second Year

In its second year of operation, the Kentucky Horse Trials Series eventing competitions continued to draw new people to the Park. The Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials (May) and Kentucky Summer Horse Trials (July) both grew in participant numbers - a testament to the appeal of this special venue.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is enormously grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Park and to offer the equine community additional reasons to spend time at the KHP. Not only do thousands of competitors, family members and friends visit the Park for these events, but dozens of staff and officials and hundreds of volunteers join the KHP Foundation team, raising the profile of the competitions and the Park.

Looking ahead, the next competition in the Kentucky Horse Trials Series is Oktoberfest, which will be held the weekend of October 30-November 1, 2026.

The KHPF encourages those interested in competing in October to make their plans now.

The KHP Foundation is dedicated to supporting the equestrian community and to promoting the Kentucky Horse Park as a premier destination for equestrian

events and educational activities. We look forward to welcoming competitors, fans and volunteers to these events as we celebrate the spirit of eventing.

For more information, please contact Briana Moreno, briana.moreno@khpfoundation. org or visit www. khpfoundation.org.

TRIBUTE GIFTS

Making donations to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation in honor or memory of a loved one is a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone while supporting the Park. Our sincere thanks for the following tribute gifts which were made since June 1, 2025:

IN MEMORIAM

In memory of Dr. Bryan Boone

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Jameson

In memory of Joseph Allen Bryant III

The Bryant Family

In memory of Gene Carter

Mr. Carl Reisacher

In memory of Sharon Lynn Meschonat Cromwell

Ms. Marie Carnevale

In memory of Pete Dueben

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Dadds

Mr. Carl Reisacher

In memory of Carolyn Franxman

Mr. & Ms. Jeffery Egger

In memory of Galahads Reflection

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Saltzman

In memory of Go For Gin

Ms. Susan Ward

In memory of Sarah Elizabeth Heard

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Hampton

Ms. Michelle LaBeau

Ms. Missy Council

In memory of Francis & Margaret Infalt

Mr. Brian P. Infalt

In memory of Kelso

Ms. Phyllis Boehme

In memory of Man o’ War

Ms. Marie Carnevale

Ms. Ronelle Ingram

In memory of Michelle Morehead

Her Friends at KDA and Fairview Farm

In memory of Anne K. Montgomery Hever Foundation

In memory of Bruce Pieratt

Mr. John Hudson

In memory of Point Given

Mr. and Mrs. David Allen

In memory of William G. Robbins

Mr. & Mrs. William Robbins

In memory of Rocky Bal Boa

Ms. Patricia C. Reavy

In memory of Greg Swinford

Mrs. Marilyn Swinford

In memory of Sandy Scott Walker

Mr. and Mrs. James Baumgardt

IN HONOR OF

In honor of Kandace Alexander

Ms. Vickie Novak

In honor of Ina Brown Bond

Mr. & Mrs. Austin Musselman

In honor of Nina Bonnie

Mr. Joe Fargis

Dr. Victoria Phillips

In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Craig Fravel

Mrs. Billie Jo Setzer

In honor of Gingside

Ms. Nancy Specht

In honor of Tara Hamby

Mrs. Doris Cueva

In honor of The Player

Mr. Bob Gorsky

Ms. Ellen Zachary

In honor of Shamrock Jake

Ms. Nancy Specht

A community of

Signature Statue Preserved for Future Generations

If you’ve visited the Kentucky Horse Park this summer, you might have noticed the iconic Man o’ War statue’s patina looks significantly different. The Park’s signature focal point received a carefully curated restoration, funded in part by the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Emily Lozen, Director of the International Museum of the Horse, worked with Prometheus Art conservators on the project, researching reports from the 1990 and 2016 renovations, the Memoirs of Herbert Hasteltine (the sculptor), and IMH collections. While Man o’ War was nicknamed Big Red, Haseltine described him as “golden chestnut with a metallic sheen.”

Emily explains that the sculpture itself is a random mix of bronze, brass, nickle, tin, and other unknown metals and alloys. Haseltine wrote the sculpture was cast with scrap metal and full of casting holes and was saved by “expert chasing.” There are several areas of repairs, welds, and chasing added throughout the years, which can be seen when viewed up close.

When the sculpture was moved to the Park in 1977, it was the typical verdigris/green color one would expect from oxidized bronze. In 1990, restorers removed the oxidized layers to reveal the golden chestnut color, but they then applied a new patina leaving Man o’ War a “ripe avocado” green. Records indicate that was done to preserve the sculpture, but it was not the original color. In 2016, the sculpture was again stripped to the golden color. Once the conservator and staff saw all of the flaws

and issues, they decided to use a very dark purple/red patina to hide everything. The issues were covered well, but so were all of the finer details like his mane, the muscle and vein outlines, and especially his incredibly rare and unique glass eyes.

Emily and a team of experts reviewed this historical data and decided to return Man o’ War to his original color. Emily explains, “While the golden chestnut patina is definitely different, it is the original coloring as Haseltine intended. In addition to preserving the sculpture, I felt it was our responsibility to respect Haseltine’s art and choices. I also think this improves the sculpture; the finer details make Man o’ War even more impressive.”

Man o’ War was unquestionably the most famous Thoroughbred who ever lived. The Kentucky Horse Park pays tribute to this truly legendary horse through this memorial and grave site, located in a place of honor, near the entrance to the park. He is buried alongside the Triple Crown winner War Admiral, who was his most famous son, and several of Man o’ War’s other noteworthy sons and daughters. The peerless AfricanAmerican jockey, Isaac Burns Murphy, is also buried nearby.

Guests are invited to stop and pay homage to this equestrian legend the next time they visit the KHP.

Southern Lights Returns to the Kentucky Horse Park

Presented by Friends of Coal

For years, the Kentucky Horse Park has stood as THE place to celebrate the holidays in Central Kentucky, and 2026 will be no exception when Southern Lights presented by Friends of Coal returns for its 32nd year. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation invites you to mark your calendars for this signature event which will be open nightly Friday, November 27 through the end of the year.

Last year, more than 25,000 vehicles visited the Southern Lights Holiday Festival. Featuring a stunning driving route and a Holiday Village with attractions for all ages, Southern Lights has truly become a beloved tradition for families from across the Bluegrass and BEYOND.

Guests enjoy an evening of entertainment, including the driving route, visits with Santa, pony and camel rides, an exotic animal petting zoo, food trucks and other vendors.

Visitors interested in a sneak peak at the lights are invited to join us for the Southern Lights Stroll on Saturday, November 21. Be one of the first to experience this year’s stunning displays as you race or stroll through the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information about the Southern Lights Stroll or the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, please visit our website at www.khpfoundation.org.

Thousands of Kentucky School Children Experience the Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park was delighted to welcome thousands of school children from across the state this past school year through the Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Fund.

The Field Trip Fund, made possible by the generous support of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and its donors, invites all Kentucky public schools to visit the Kentucky Horse Park free of charge. During the fall and spring semesters, the Park was delighted to welcome over 5,000 children through a scheduled field trip and is serving even more children this Summer.

Since its inception in 2016, the program has allowed more than 35,000 Kentucky school children to visit the Park. During their time at the Park, students tour the International Museum of the Horse, meet retired racehorse champions, and are introduced to horse breeds from around the world. They gain exclusive access to one of the world’s most renowned equine facilities, and they are given an experience that otherwise would be unavailable to them.

To learn more about supporting this effort, please contact the KHPF office at 859.255.5727.

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Donation Form

Use this form or save a stamp and donate online at KHPFoundation.org

I would like my donation earmarked for the following: PLEASE CHECK ONE

Trail Rides Benefiting the Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation hosted a beautiful spring trail ride on June 6 with 114 guests in attendance. Riders enjoyed a six-mile trek throughout the Park’s greenspace, including its world-famous cross-country course and old steeplechase course. Proceeds from this event benefit ongoing programs at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Fall Trail Ride will take place on Saturday, September 12. To learn more and register, please visit our website, www.khpfoundation.org.