Education

The Education Department of the Kentucky Horse Park strives to be a vital member of the horse industry and the community at large by serving as a center for equine education and learning. There are a number of programs within this department which will greatly benefit from increased funding. Several of these areas of interest are highlighted below.

Mustang Troop: One of the park’s most rewarding efforts, the Mustang Troop allows at-risk teens the chance to work with once-wild Mustangs adopted from the Bureau of Land Management The youth learn to care for the horses and to ride them, all the while building their own self-esteem and sense of personal responsibility. The Mustang Troop provides good homes for the rescued horses and life-changing experiences for the young people who participate in the program.

The Kentucky Horse Park Literacy Program: First implemented in 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park Literacy Program promotes the love of the horse and the love of literacy by connecting a horse-themed book, a child and a horse. The Kentucky Horse Park’s dedicated staff and volunteers have created a program for Kentucky’s first-grade and fourth-grade school children with horse-themed books, live equine productions, hands-on horse experiences, teacher’s curriculum and much more!  For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please call the Foundation at 859-255-5727.

Horses of the World: Twice each day from March 15 through October 31, the Parade of Breeds offers guests of the Kentucky Horse Park an opportunity to learn about and get close to many breeds of horses. One of the most popular of the park’s tourist attractions, this live event captures the sound and excitement of the show ring. At each show, different breeds of horse demonstrate the special skills for which the breed is known--from jumping to reining to pulling carriages. Corporate Sponsorships with recognition opportunities are available.

Hall of Champions: Former home of the late racing legend John Henry, and current home to Cigar, Funny Cide and many more. The Hall of Champions introduces visitors to the excitement of the racetrack and offers retired champion racehorses a wonderful venue to serve as goodwill ambassadors for the sport.  

Other opportunities: The educational experiences coordinated by the Education Department offer a wide variety of workshops, classes, and seminars designed for novice and experienced horsepersons and for children, youth and adults. These programs provide information on horse care; leading, riding and driving skills; basic health care; and many other class-specific skills. In all cases, respect for - and proper care of - horses is emphasized.