Our Impact

Education

Standing at the forefront of equine education, providing
accessibility to all.

Our Impact

Education

Standing at the forefront of equine education, providing
accessibility to all.

Center for Equine Education and Learning

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

Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop

One of the Kentucky Horse Park’s most beloved outreach programs, the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop has been serving local youth since 1994. Developed by the Kentucky Horse Park’s Equine Education Department, this program serves at-risk youth through the channels of horsemanship and riding. The Mustang Troop program provides a horse camp-style experience for children from underserved communities who will likely benefit from this experience.

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The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop is supported by:

  • Alltech
  • Mrs. Deirdre Lyons
  • The Norman Foundation
  • Partners for Youth
  • Reeves International
  • USEF Opportunity Fund
  • YOT Full Circle Foundation
Field Trip Program

Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Program

The Kentucky Horse Park Field Trip Program promotes the love of the horse and the love of education by connecting children and horses. Through the generous support of its donors, the Field Trip Fund allows any Kentucky public school to visit the Park for a complimentary field trip. For information about sponsorships, please call 859-255-5727. To book a field trip, please call 859-259-4200 or email khpgroups@ky.gov.

The Field Trip Fund is supported by:

  • YOT Full Circle Foundation
  • Lawrence Family Foundation Fund
  • The Copia Foundation
  • U.S. Bank Foundation
  • Kentucky Horse Council
  • Summerhill, Inc.

Emerging Equine Profesionals

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is delighted to announce the launch of a new outreach and education program at the Kentucky Horse Park.  The Emerging Equine Professionals Program provides underserved youth from our community the opportunity to gain advanced training in equine studies while also serving as ambassadors for the Kentucky Horse Park.

Youth who have qualified for and completed the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop program are eligible to apply for this more advanced training experience.  Participants volunteer alongside Kentucky Horse Park equine professionals one day every weekend throughout the school year.  They gain advanced 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.
The Emerging Equine Professionals Program is supported by:

  • USEF Opportunity Fund
  • The Copia Foundation
  • Partners for Youth
Hall Of Champions

Hall of Champions

The Kentucky Horse Park’s beloved Hall of Champions serves as the permanent home for a number of racing legends and standardbred champions, including Western Dreamer, Won the West, Mr. Muscleman, and Marion Marauder.  Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world flock to the Hall of Champions.  During their visit, they not only meet these living legends, but they can also pay homage to the former residents who are buried there, including John Henry, Cigar, Go For Gin, and Funny Cide.

Other Opportunities

The educational experiences coordinated by the Education Department offer a wide variety of workshops, classes, and seminars designed for novice and experienced horse persons 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.

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