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

WINTER 2015

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary this year!

Since its inception in 1985, the Foundation has contributed over $30 million worth of improvements, helping to make the Kentucky Horse Park the leading equestrian facility of its kind in the world. The Foundation’s sole focus is to support the work of the Kentucky Horse Park by providing annual operating support, capital project support, funding for special projects and programs, and an income stream as a result of the Nina Bonnie Endowment Fund. The Foundation has truly played an integral role in the park’s history.

“In January of 1985, soon after its appointment by then Governor Martha Layne Collins, the Kentucky Horse Park Commission determined that to fulfill its purpose, it would need to establish a partnership of state and private support,” remembers founding Chair, Nina Bonnie. “As anyone involved in the horse industry knows, horse farms are both labor and financially intensive. We wanted to showcase the park to the best of our ability, and we knew private support would be a necessity in accomplishing our goals,” she continued. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was then formed with the mission of being dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park.

By late August of 1985, it was announced that legendary Thoroughbred, John Henry, would be retired to the Kentucky Horse Park to join Forego and Rambling Willie. This prompted the complete restoration

of the old Walnut Hall Stud Farm’s stallion barn, establishing it as the new “Hall of Champions.” The Foundation hosted its first function, a benefit gala inside the historic Big Barn on the park’s grounds, to celebrate John Henry’s retirement and the creation of

the Foundation. The Foundation’s first official

fund-raising project was to complete the original indoor arena located off what is now named Lee Cholak Road. The Kentucky Legislature had appropriated money for the first phase, leaving the Foundation to raise an additional 2.5 million dollars to finish

the arena and build an additional 250 permanent stalls.

The Foundation’s influence continued to grow. Over the next three years, the Foundation would be responsible for raising over $775,000 to construct two new dressage arenas, two 50-stall barns, and two multi-purpose arenas. An additional

$600,000 was raised to finance the construction of six championship quality Polo fields. And that was just the beginning.

From there, the Foundation played a key role in building new show rings with world-class footing, renovating the Farmhouse into a restaurant and event space, and supporting landscaping and beautification projects. The Foundation helped the International Museum of the Horse obtain several incredible special exhibitions, including “Imperial China”, “All the Queen’s Horses” and “Gift from the Desert”. Before the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the Foundation raised the funds to construct a climate-controlled three barn complex next to Alltech Arena.

Celebrating Thirty Years!

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The barn complex under construction before the 2010 World Equestrian Games

The Stonelea Arena is just one of the arenas in which the Foundation has helped provide premier footing

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 DirectorsMs. Ann BakhausMr. Rogers BeasleyMrs. Jane BeshearMrs. Caroline H. BooneMs. Elizabeth CaldwellDr. 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 C. HurtMr. Andrew JacobsMs. Meg JewettMrs. Becky JordanMr. Bill JusticeMrs. Alston KerrMrs. Elizabeth LeBus LangMr. John LongMrs. Deirdre Lyons

Mr. Zeff MaloneyMs. Kathy MeyerMrs. Judy MillerMrs. Misdee Wrigley MillerMr. Robert MorganMrs. Janie MusselmanMrs. 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. Richard SturgillMrs. Donna WardMrs. Benny Bell WilliamsMr. Steve WilsonMs. Jane Winegardner

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Currently, KHP Foundation is putting the finishing touches on the All the Gold Dedicated Horse Path, which will allow horses and riders to travel safely – away from traffic - between Rolex Stadium and Alltech Arena and to all barns and venues along the way.

“Private support has been instrumental in making the Kentucky Horse Park what it is today, and private support will continue to be the park’s lifeblood moving forward. We simply cannot maintain and improve our facilities and attractions without the philanthropic contributions of private citizens and organizations. We thank those people who believe that the Kentucky Horse Park is a

worthy recipient of their generosity,” reflected Cabby Boone, current Chair of the Foundation.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation remains grateful to its earliest founders and its loyal supporters-all who have played an integral role in the Kentucky Horse Park’s history. As we look towards the future,

the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation remains committed to our mission, and we invite you to join

in the 30th anniversary celebration by making a gift to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. With your continued support we will be celebrating anniversary years together for decades to come!

If you would like more information to get involved or would like to make a donation online, please visit www.khpfoundation.org or call 859-255-5727. ◆

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is happy to report

that it raised over $22,000 for the park through the

2014 GoodGiving Guide Challenge! This exciting

online giving campaign compliments the 365 day-a-

year effort to raise much needed funds for the beloved

Kentucky Horse Park. Thank you for your support!

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The All the Gold Dedicated Horse Path upon completion will span from the Alltech Arena to the Rolex Arena and competition sites in between

Artifacts from the Imperial China Exhibition at the International Museum of the Horse in 2000

In Memoriam: Robert E. Murphy

The Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Foundation mourn the passing of lifelong horseman and supporter of the park, Robert E. Murphy, 84. Mr. Murphy

leaves a tremendous legacy to the equine world through his passionate works as a trainer and horse show organizer. He not only owned the prestigious West Wind Riding Center and Robert Murphy Stables, but he also co-founded the Kentucky Hunter Jumper Association.

Mr. Murphy organized the first hunter/jumper show ever held at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Robert Murphy Hunter Jumper Show, which continues to this day. “Robert had the first hunter show at the park. In those days we showed on the grass,” remembers Nina Bonnie, a former student of Mr. Murphy. She adds, “Robert just made riding fun for his clients and had a devoted following that remains to this day. I know how proud he was of his children and grandchildren who each have gone on to make major contributions to the sport of horse showing. The Murphy family has done amazing things for the park. Much of what you see today has a Murphy handprint on it.”

Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife, Marianne; daughter, Renie Ann Murphy; son, Robby Murphy; two grandchildren, Melissa Murphy and Robert Murphy III; brother, John Murphy; and two sisters, Ellen Glass and Catherine Murphy.

The family has set up a memorial fund through the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Contributions in memory of Robert Murphy may be made to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. ◆

Southern Lights Continues to ShineThe 2014 Southern Lights presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky welcomed a record number of families from all over Central Kentucky-making this the most successful year yet! Several specialty weekends were also held, including “Breyer Weekend”, “Frosty’s Family Fun Night” and the new “Toyota Night at the Lights” which featured ticket and food giveaways and fun photo opportunities from Toyota. Southern Lights is made possible through its wonderful sponsors, dedicated staff and committed volunteers. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation thanks you! ◆ Toyota Night at the Lights was a huge hit!

The Kerr and Zoller families enjoying their visit with Santa

TOP: Robert Murphy aboard “Miss Lennox”owned by Margot NaceyABOVE: Robert working a show at the park, 1979RIGHT: Robert with his wife, Marianne, son, Robby Murphy and grandson, Bobby Murphy

RIBBONS AND BOWS SPONSORS:

HOLLY AND IVY SPONSOR:

SHINING STAR PRESENTING SPONSOR:

The 47th running of High Hope Steeplechase will take place at the Kentucky

Horse Park on Sunday, May 17, 2015. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. with the post time at 1:00 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. Here’s a sneak peek at what you will find at one of the most celebrated events of the season!☞ Thrilling Races Enjoy

exciting races, including a timber race, featuring the finest horses and jockeys from the Steeplechase world. New this year, we will welcome an Arabian Flat Race, thanks to our presenting sponsor, HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.☞ Tailgating Reserve a

premium or preferred tailgating spot or purchase general admission tickets, so that you may enjoy the celebration in a festive environment. All tailgaters are welcome to bring their own food and beverages or purchase a High Hope Picnic Basket! ☞ Member’s Pavilion Join

us in the Member’s Pavilion for a very special High Hope experience. Ticket includes event admission, reserved seating atop the terrace at the finish line, an official event program, one preferred parking pass, Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, wine, beer, and soft drinks.☞ Lawn Boxes Reserve a lawn

box on the finish line for your party of 8. Bring your own food and beverages or purchase a High Hope Picnic Basket!☞ Terrier Racing All breeds

of terriers, dachshunds and Chihuahuas are welcome! Entries are taken the day of the event.☞ Children’s Activities Stick

horse races, face painting, bounce house, charity booth games, giveaways and more!☞ Vendor Fair A variety of

vendors will offer unique gifts, equine apparel and souvenirs.

Corporate tents and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information on the event or becoming a sponsor please contact Laura Klumb at 859-255-5727 or Candace Rose at 859-967-9444, or visit www.highhopesteeplechase.com ◆

THANK YOU TO KHP LITERACY PROGRAM SPONSORS:

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc.UK Healthcare Kentucky Children’s Hospital

KTAThoroughbred Charities of America

Les & Judy Smout FoundationDollar General Literacy Foundation

Rouse Family FoundationMill Ridge Farm

Nicoma Bloodstock

The Kentucky Horse Park Literacy Program will soon celebrate its fifth year of promoting the love of the horse and the love of literacy to Kentucky’s school children. This spring, the program will serve second and fourth grade students and consist of several components, beginning with an in-school program where students are given a horse-themed book of their own to read and keep, followed by a special “Literacy Day” field trip to the Kentucky Horse Park. These specially designed days give students the opportunity to visit each barn on the park while exploring an overarching theme related to the book that they read. As students travel around the park, they not only learn about their specific book, but they also are exposed to every facet of the Kentucky Horse Park, including the Horses of the World, the Mounted Police, the Kids Barn, and the Hall of Champions. This program is made possible by our 2015 Kentucky Horse Park Literacy Program sponsors. ◆

Save the Date for

High Hope Steeplechase!

Champions’ Circle Society Spotlight: Ted Bassett

James E. “Ted” Bassett, III, has been a significant member of the Kentucky Horse Park family

from its earliest beginnings. He was the first chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Board from 1980-1983, he was essential to bringing Forego and John Henry to the Hall of Champions, and he was instrumental in securing the Calumet trophies for the International Museum of the Horse. It is only fitting that Mr. Bassett is the newest member of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Champions’ Circle Society, the Society that recognizes those individuals who have made a planned gift commitment to the park.

He expresses his passion for the park openly and eloquently. “The Kentucky Horse Park is one of the real jewels of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It attracts nearly one million visitors each year and benefits not just the Thoroughbred industry, but the entire state with its beauty and attention to horses.”

Mr. Bassett’s endorsement holds great weight when one considers his fascinating life. His list of achievements include a degree from

Yale University, a Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation as a result of his service in the Marine Corps in World War II, an Eclipse Award, and a 42 year career at Keeneland that spanned its period of greatest growth.

His autobiography, Keeneland’s Ted Bassett: My Life, and the exhibit now on display at the International Museum of the Horse, Ted Bassett, A Kentucky Legend, both offer a more comprehensive perspective of a stunning career with such a significant impact on the Thoroughbred industry. When asked about where his love of horses first began, he laughs and says, “Well that was 100 years ago,” but then he quickly recalls the Shetland pony his father bought him as a child-Tony. “Tony was an important part of our family and he taught me about responsibility. When I became associated with Keeneland, my love of horses just increased.”

Favorite Kentucky Horse Park memories include the black tie gala held in the Big Barn to welcome John Henry to the park. The event was hosted by Governor Martha Layne

Collins and celebrated the first Thoroughbred of magnitude to take up residence on our grounds. He also fondly recalls his campaign to secure the Calumet trophies for the International Museum of the Horse. “It was

18-24 months of raising funds and overcoming legal obstacles to secure what has become a very important part of the museum’s collection,” he recalls.

His passion for the museum in particular was made evident when Mr. Bassett informed the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation of his intention to make a planned gift through a bequest designated for the International Museum of the Horse. “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,” he shares.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation formed the Champions’ Circle Society to recognize those individuals who have informed the foundation of their intentions to make a planned gift. For more information about planned giving or joining the Champions’ Circle Society, please contact the foundation office at 859-255-5727 or visit us on the web at www.khpfoundation.org. ◆

TRIBUTES CONTINUE FOR CHAMPION CIGAR

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has been overwhelmed by the tremendous response of Cigar fans from all over the world in support of the Cigar Memorial Fund. Their generous gifts will be used towards a commissioned statue and landscaping surrounding Cigar’s grave. Any funding that remains will be directed towards

the care of the Kentucky Horse Park’s resident horses. Renowned sculptor and former professional horse trainer, Douwe Blumberg, has been selected to create a bronze stature depicting the

champion and his Breeder’s Cup Classic win in 1995. The statue is expected to be completed by October 2015, with a tentative reception planned to honor Cigar over Breeder’s Cup weekend.

While we have made tremendous progress towards the statue installation costs, we have not yet reached our goal to complete the project. If you are interested in supporting the Cigar Memorial Fund, donations may be sent to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Donors may also make a gift by visiting www.khpfoundation.org or calling 859-255-5727. ◆

LEFT TO RIGHT: Ted Bassett, Former Governor Martha Layne Collins, Nina Bonnie and Lee Cholak

Betty NolanVolunteer Spotlight

Betty Nolan is one of the few volunteers that can say she volunteered at the Kentucky

Horse Park before there was an organized volunteer program. In 1991 she stumbled upon the park through an invitation from a friend to assist with the flower beds at the entrance to the park. The beautiful outdoor setting and Betty’s love for horses soon inspired her to get more involved with the park, and you could say her love for the park blossomed from there, having now achieved 700 hours of park volunteer service.

A Certified Emergency Nurse by profession and Retired Colonel US Army Reserve, Betty’s service to the park over the years has included assisting with many special events such as Hats Off Day, Kentucky Horse Park Literacy Program, Old Kentucky Nights and Tours, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and Southern Lights.

One of her most memorable times at the park was being involved with the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Her time during the games was well-spent, serving as an International

Museum of the Horse docent, Safe Kids/Equine Guelph volunteer and providing medical support through UK HealthCare. She also got to enjoy the games as a spectator. “It was amazing to see so many equestrian events held at our very own park that you don’t get to see regularly, particularly endurance racing, vaulting and para-dressage,” noted Betty.

Betty also supports the park through the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation’s

Man o’ War Society of Annual Giving. She was inspired to join the Man O’ War Society to support the Foundation’s mission. Betty reminisces about how the park has flourished since her first visit. “Each time I am at the park, I enjoy seeing donations to the Foundation at work - from first-class horse care to new museum exhibits to new signage around the park. All of it shows how much the park has grown.” ◆

Sunday, May 3Monday, May 4Saturday, June 6Saturday, September 5

There will be two sessions per

day. The weekend sessions

will take place from 8 a.m. to

noon and from 12:30 to 4:30

p.m. The Monday sessions will

be held noon to 4:00 p.m. and

4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

DATES SET FOR 2015The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is excited to announce Cross Country Schooling dates for 2015. On each of these dates, riders will have the opportunity to school the park’s renowned cross country schooling course on their own horses. Cost to participate is only $35 per horse/rider combination each session ($20 from each registration will help the Foundation maintain and improve the competition facilities at the park). For more information, please visit our website at www.khpfoundation.org. ◆

2015 SCHOOLING DAYS

JOHN CROWELL

JAMES SH

AMBH

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

Enclosed is my gift for $

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Address

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

q VISA q Mastercard q AMEX

Card #:

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Cardholder

Signature

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

FEBR

UA

RY 2015

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 __________________

Man o’ War Restoration Project ContinuesEfforts continue to raise funds to refurbish the Man o’ War statue, sculpted by Herbert Haseltine. The original statue stands at the site of the famous racehorse’s grave near the Kentucky Horse Park’s Visitor Information Center. Exposure to the elements for nearly 68 years has taken a toll on the statue and funds raised will help restore the original patina and provide a much needed layer of protection for the bronze itself. For more

information about donating to this important project, please contact the foundation office at 859-255-5727 or email laura.klumb@khpfoundation.org. Also as a reminder, the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop offers several sterling silver Man O’War pendants designed by Jane Heart, LLC, with a portion of the sales going to the restoration project. Find them online at www.kyhorsepark.com/shop

The Kentucky Horse Park and the Lexington Mounted Police Unit hosted the annual Mounted Police Colloquium and Civilian Sensory Clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park on Oct 13-18, 2014. National and International instructors are brought in to train both police and civilians in various types of training to include equitation, jumping, crowd control and sensory techniques.

At the Foundation’s January board meeting, KHP volunteer Tom Seidel was presented with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for giving over 10,000 volunteer hours to the Kentucky Horse Park. He is the first KHP volunteer to reach this incredible milestone!

The Kentucky Horse Park is pleased to announce the purchase of a new environmentally friendly tram and trolley that accommodates 55 occupants. The tram, which operates on liquid propane will be used for transporting guests across the park, especially during busy events such as Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event and the National Horse Show. The purchase was made possible by generous donations directed towards green initiative projects at the park.

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

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LEXINGTON, KY

4089 Iron Works ParkwayLexington, KY 40511-8400

UPCOMING EVENTSApril 23-26Rolex Kentucky Three-Day EventMay 3-4Cross Country-SchoolingMay 17High Hope Steeplechase

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For a complete listing of all events at the Kentucky Horse Park, please go to www.KyHorsePark.com

How would you like to have one of the best seats in the house for all three phases of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event this April? Here’s your chance! By joining the Man o’ War Society at the Cigar Member level and above, you are eligible for complimentary Rolex tickets and access to the Foundation’s hospitality tent. There is still time to join or upgrade your Man o’ War Society Membership to be included in the fun! For more information, call the Foundation office at 859-255-5727. ◆