Illuminating the special relationship between human and
equine throughout history.
Visitors trace the evolution of the horse while ascending a 360-foot spiraling ramp through the permanent exhibits of The Legacy of the Horse. Adjoining galleries present important collections such as the history of the ASPCA, The Horse in Sport, Buffalo Soldiers, tributes to outstanding Thoroughbreds and farms, and an outstanding array of carriages. Most recently, the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries opened, housing an 8,000 square foot multimedia interactive experience which showcases the Arabian breed from its desert beginnings through its emergence across Europe and the journey through America.
Ongoing philanthropic support for the operations of the International Museum of the Horse is needed to maintain, improve and expand upon the permanent exhibits and collections of the museum while also attracting and creating new temporary and permanent exhibitions. Examples of just a few of the specific projects for which philanthropic support will make a difference include:
Private support will help update and improve upon this beloved core exhibit in the museum, which explores the history and evolution of the relationship between human and horse throughout time.
The museum constantly adds new exhibits to highlight issues and topics important to the equestrian world. For example, plans are being formed to include an exhibition centered around the horse in Kentucky, showcasing the horse’s development from the famous sire named Lexington to Kentucky’s current position as the Thoroughbred breeding capital of the world.
The museum houses one of the foremost collections in the world of equine related artifacts, art and historical documentation including rare books and archival material. Private support will help us to improve accessibility to the research center through such projects as upgrading storage facilities and digitizing collections in order to preserve this tremendous equine collection for future generations and more capably share it with the general public.
A project of the International Museum of the Horse, the CAAHI is an online, interactive archive to house and display photos, documents, artifacts, and oral histories of African Americans who have worked, and continue to work in equine industries. Through the project, the Museum seeks to engage a diverse audience to provide valuable input relating to the Chronicle.
“I truly believe the International Museum of the Horse is one of the most unique things in the world, and I feel it’s important to make sure it continues. It is my intention that my gift will help perpetuate the museum’s great standards of excellence for future generations.”
– James E. “Ted” Bassett, III (bequest designated for the International Museum of the Horse)
