12.30.15
Posted in 2018 Games, Breeders Cup, My Thoughts, Thoroughbred Racing, World Games 2010 Foundation at 11:10 pm by Thomas
As I look back on 2015 I am reminded of why this site came into existence, ten years ago this month the announcement was made that Kentucky had won the right to host the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. As Lexington Kentucky is consider the Horse Capital of the World I dubbed them the Kentucky World Equestrian Games and launched this site as a means to put my talents to use supporting those and future Games. The 2010 Games are of course a bit more then 5 years in the past now though I still believe their impact is felt in this region.
The big example for this year was the 2015 Breeders Cup, which myself and others feel has a direct connection to the 2010 Games, even those who say the Breeders Cup would have eventually come to Lexington with out us hosting the Games can’t deny that the Games at the very least brought it here sooner then it otherwise may have naturally occurred. I actually tend to disagree with that as it doesn’t really make sense that it should take the Breeders Cup 31 years to come to Keeneland considering the history and importance of this track but I know there are individuals who can make the argument why Keeneland hadn’t and my response to them then is, then why now, what changed, after a moment of their puzzlement, I say, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is what happened.
Though we didn’t win the bid in 2014 to host the 2018 Games, Bromont’s win was still viewed as a plus because it again brought the Games to North America, so we were disappointed to hear recently that there are some questions about the integrity of the final proposal in regards to the final document submitted by the Mayor of Bromont. The current information on the investigation can be found here. Our hope is this is more a technicality in that not all the details were clearly documented as opposed to a more blatant omission of who was ultimately responsible for the financial requirements of the Games.
Looking forward to 2016, we hope we can be more involved in continuing the case to our new Governor to submit a bid for the 2022 Games. On a personal note we are leading our county 4-H Horse Program and are looking forward in being involved in the next generation of horse industry leaders.
Happy New Year 2016!
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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11.01.15
Posted in 2022 Games, Breeders Cup, My Thoughts, National Horse Show, World Equestrian Games at 8:08 pm by Thomas
The 2015 Breeders Cup is in the books and by all indications it was a Hugh success and the talk has already begun about Keeneland hosting it again within the next 10 years. At the same time the Breeders Cup was going on, the National Horse Show was also going on at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.
I will let the sink in, that is 2 signature horse events going on the same week in Lexington, Kentucky, amazing when you thinks not all that many years ago no one could imagine the National Horse Show leaving New York and coming to Kentucky. What maybe even more telling was the fact that even though Lexington is considered the Horse Capital of the World and that is especially true for the Thoroughbred breed, Keeneland wasn’t considered for the Breeders Cup because it wasn’t thought the track and the surrounding infrastructure was up to the task of what many in the Thoroughbred World consider the signature event for Thoroughbreds, more so then the Derby because that is looked upon as a single race largely geared towards the public persona of the breed, and truth be told I can’t think of another event of any kind that does for its particular subject what the Derby does for the Thoroughbred Racing. The Breeders Cup is much more about the trainers and their business and as such the event is much more like the Oscars for Thoroughbred Horse Racing then is the Derby.
If it isn’t obvious, what I am saying is that these are two really big events in the horse world and yet they have only recently come to Kentucky, and of course I have a theory on that. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games paved the way for these events by demonstrating both the logistical capabilities and the personal strengths of Lexington. I will of course have my detractors on that theory but even they can’t totally say the Games played no role in those events coming to Lexington just based on the public record. Ultimately whether you want to believe my theory or not Lexington and the Commonwealth of Kentucky continue to strengthen our claim as the Horse Capital of the World and I very much suspect that will bring the World Equestrian Games back to Kentucky in that not too distant future.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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10.11.15
Posted in 2010 Games, 2022 Games at 9:36 pm by Thomas
This weekend marks the 5th anniversary of the closing of the 2010 World Equestrian Games, or what we of course more affectionately call the Kentucky World Equestrian Games. Its even crazier to think that this December will mark 10 years since the announcement of us winning the bid to host the Games in the first place. Early this year I really believed we would be working on hosting the 2018 Games at this point but that wasn’t meant to be but that has created impetuous for us to land the 2022 Games, though that push is on hold until after the November elections when we know who our next Governor will be.
The last memory I have of the Games on this weekend 5 years ago was being part of the Closing Ceremonies and Lyle Lovett signing our credentials, which are hanging on the wall beside me as I type this. I am not a Lyle Lovett groupy but it was a nice closing note on an amazing event in my life that made for a perfect memory of the Games. Of course I still believe I will get to make new memories of another World Equestrian Games and maybe even Lyle will make those games as well.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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10.08.15
Posted in Split Rock Jumping Tour at 7:17 pm by EPR
Split Rock Jumping Tour Changes Schedule for Friday
FEI Grand Prix Moved Earlier to Beat Forecasted Rainstorm
Lexington, KY – October 8, 2015 – The Split Rock Jumping Tour has announced a change to its Friday schedule, moving its FEI Grand Prix earlier in the day. With heavy rain forecasted for Friday afternoon, the start time for the Grand Prix is being moved up to 11:30 am. The Bourbon International CSI 3*, the second show of Split Rock’s new international jumping series, is being held at Split Rock Farm in Lexington, KY, October 9-11.
“The weather forecast is calling for some heavy rain on Friday afternoon so in the best interest of our horses we are adjusting our schedule,” said Derek Braun, Founder and President of the Split Rock Jumping Tour. “By moving our FEI Grand Prix earlier in the day, we can allow our riders to show their top international horses before the rain moves in.”
With the change, Friday’s competition schedule will now start at 8:00 am with the $2,000 Kingsland Child/Adult 1.10m class, followed by the $2,000 Brook Ledge High Junior/Amateur 1.40m class. The $40,000 Hollow Creek Farm CSI 3* Grand Prix will begin at 11:30 am, to be followed by the $5,000 L.V. Harkness 1.40m class.
This past summer, Split Rock installed new all-weather footing. The footing was installed by Equestrian Services International (ESI), recognized as the leading provider of horse show footing. “We were committed to providing world-class footing for our world-class field of horses and riders,” said Braun. “Now, given Friday’s forecast, we can proceed throughout the weekend knowing that no matter what comes Friday afternoon, our ring can handle it.”
The Split Rock Jumping Tour, a new international show jumping show series is creating an “unparalleled show jumping experience” for competitors, sponsors and spectators in the U.S. The Tour’s inaugural event, the Lexington International CSI 3* held in May, received rave reviews and hosted some of the world’s top competitors representing 14 countries. Over 3,000 spectators came to enjoy the world-class competition, and discovered first-hand how the Split Rock Jumping Tour is truly revolutionizing the sport of show jumping.
In addition to the chance to see many of the sport’s top horses and riders competing in world-class show jumping competition, spectators also have the chance to enjoy a variety of boutique shops and food vendors, a Children & Family Festival, a Beer and Wine Garden with live music, as well as free raffles!
The Split Rock Jumping Tour has partnered with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation in which a portion of proceeds from all sales of Split Rock Jumping Tour Hospitality packages will go directly to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation to support their programs. Split Rock will also provide staff and patients of the Center with free tickets to attend both horse shows. For more information please visit:
https://ukmarkey.org.
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09.29.15
Posted in Competitions, Split Rock Jumping Tour at 9:29 pm by EPR
Split Rock Jumping Tour To Light Up Lexington With Bourbon International CSI 3*
Lexington, KY – September 24, 2015 – The Split Rock Jumping Tour, the high-end show jumping event that debuted in May, is again attracting some of the world’s top riders to the “Horse Capital of the World” for the second leg of its 2015 series. The Bourbon International CSI 3* will be held October 9-11 at Split Rock Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.
After a successful launch in May with its premiere event, the Lexington International CSI 3*, Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) Founder and President Derek Braun, a successful international show jumping rider, is continuing to evolve his vision of creating an “Unparalleled Show Jumping Experience” for riders, owners, sponsors and spectators that is unique among horse shows in the United States.
With a world-class venue, top prize money, extravagant awards, and its unique full-service Rider Hospitality Experience, the SRJT is set to welcome an international group of world-class show jumpers to Braun’s Split Rock Farm for a fall spectacular. In addition to a superlative VIP experience, the three-star distinction from the FEI allows riders to earn world-ranking points on American soil.
A solid mix of decorated veterans is coming to compete including: U.S. Olympic veteran and ten-time American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year Margie Engle; 2011 Pan American Games double Gold Medalist Christine McCrea of the U.S. and her husband, Jon McCrea; Olympic veterans Sharn Wordley of New Zealand and Russia’s Liubov Kochetova; plus Irishmen Conor Swail, who won both the New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and the American Gold Cup Qualifier as well as several classes at Spruce Meadows in July, and Richie Moloney, who recently won the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping American Gold Cup.
An array of other well-known names will also be heading to Lexington including Meagan Nusz, the 2015 Tryon CSI 3* Grand Prix winner; USET and Grand Prix veteran Molly Ashe-Cawley; 18-year-old Eugenio Garza Perez of Mexico, the 2013 North American Junior and Young Riders Championships Gold Medalist; and 19-year-old Venezuelan rider Emanuel Andrade, who competed at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy and the Furisiyya Nations’ Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
Other notable American riders among the competitors include Heather Caristo-Williams, who tied with Pablo Barrios for first place in the FEI Jumper Classic at HITS Saugerties in September; Paige Johnson, winner last March at the Winter Equestrian Festival; and home-town girl Callie Schott who is representing the second generation of a Lexington equestrian family.
“We’re thrilled to have so many top riders coming to our second Split Rock Jumping Tour event. Our lineup is shaping up to host one of, if not the most, competitive grand prixes in America” Braun said. “The feedback we received for our first event was through the roof and we are committed to continuing our efforts to raise the bar for show jumping in the U.S.”
In addition to the chance to see so many of the sport’s top horses and riders competing in a world-class show jumping competition, SRJT attendees will enjoy a variety of boutique shops and food vendors, a Children & Family Festival, a Beer and Wine Garden with live music, as well as free raffles and giveaways.
The Split Rock Jumping Tour has partnered with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation in which a portion of proceeds from all sales of Split Rock Jumping Tour Hospitality packages will go directly to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation to support their programs. Split Rock will also provide staff and patients of the Center with free tickets to attend the horse show. For more information please visit: https://ukmarkey.org.
Further information on the Split Rock Jumping Tour, including a detailed schedule and how to order tickets, is available on line at the Tour’s website at SplitRockJumpingTour.com or by emailing info@SplitRockJumpingTour.com.
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07.07.15
Posted in Kentucky Horse Park at 7:49 pm by EPR
KENTUCKY HORSE PARK EXPECTS HEAVY TRAFFIC FOR EVENTS
Ichthus Music Festival and Traveling Vietnam Wall Among Week’s Scheduled Events
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 6, 2015) – During the coming week, July 8 to 12, the Kentucky Horse Park expects to experience heavier than normal traffic due to several special events scheduled to take place at the facility. In addition to two scheduled horse shows, the USMGA World Team Challenge, July 9-12, and the Champagne Run Horse Trials, July 10-12; the park will be hosting the much anticipated return of the Ichthus music festival to the Bluegrass, July 8-11, and the Traveling Vietnam Wall, July 9-12.
Ichthus guests who are camping should enter the park via the KHP Campground entrance. Ichthus day-ticket holders should park in the main visitor lot, following the signs designated for Ichthus entry. It is suggested that all Ichthus patrons use Newtown Pike, and Interstate-75, Exit 115, to approach the park on Iron Works Pike from the east.
All other park visitors, including horse show participants and competitors, should enter the park’s main entrance. Delays can be expected during peak times.
The Traveling Vietnam Wall is expected to arrive at the park on Wednesday, July 8, at 3:30 p.m., escorted by an honor guard of approximately 500 motorcyclists from I-75, Exit 120. Traffic will be stopped at the main entrance to allow unimpeded entry for the wall and escorts. The Traveling Vietnam Wall will be available with free admission and parking to all visitors 24 hours per day, from noon on Thursday, July 9, to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 12.
Any additional traffic information will be updated on the park’s website in the News section, at www.KyHorsePark.com.
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07.03.15
Posted in Kentucky Horse Park at 9:39 pm by EPR
KENTUCKY HORSE PARK TRANSITIONING TO BLACK FENCING
Fence Maintenance Costs will be Redirected to Key Operational Needs
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2, 2015) – The Kentucky Horse Park will soon be transitioning almost 30 miles of white plank fencing to black fencing. The white fencing has been in place since the iconic facility opened in 1978. The park is making this transition due to the economic and operational realities of maintaining white fencing versus black fencing.
“We realize the significance of this change and fully understand and appreciate the tradition of the white fencing at the park,” said Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Jamie Link. “But the reality is that white fence paint costs about three times as much as black paint, white fencing requires repainting at least twice as often as black fencing, and white fencing requires more routine maintenance and resources to keep it at an appropriate level for the Kentucky Horse Park.”
The park anticipates an average cost avoidance of more than $50,000 per year with this change. With the cost difference of the paint, as well as the labor required to maintain and paint fencing, the park would rather devote its very limited resources to its horses and guests.
“We plan to begin the fence paint transition very soon,” Link said. “We will start with pressure washing, scraping or replacing damaged boards and then apply black paint when the wood surface is adequately prepared. The entire project will take several weeks, perhaps a few months, as weather and resources allow.”
The Kentucky Horse Park joins most every other horse farm and equine facility in central Kentucky and beyond that utilizes black plank fencing. All fencing directly around horse show rings, however, will remain white for better visibility and safety purposes.
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06.30.15
Posted in 2018 Games at 9:38 pm by Thomas
The 2018 World Equestrian Games in Bromont are less then 38 months away and preparations are well under way. COJEM2018 (Comité Organisateur des Jeux Équestres Mondiaux) is the organizing committee NPO of the 2018 Games which has already been at work for more then 6 months to get the ball rolling after the tough but successful Games last year in Normandy France. Now coming to what many consider the France of the West, for only the second time outside of Europe adds a level of pressure to be as successful as Lexington was in hosting the 2010 Games.
One of the early decisions on logistics that I applauded was the decision to exclude all none event required vehicles from the venue grounds and shuttling all spectators and non-essential staff from staging areas around the city. This is one of the ideas I am pushing for Lexington’s next bid for the Games because traffic logistics is always the largest headache with these kind of events because of how it can strangulate the overall logistics as well as being a security night mare.
In order to provide the best experience for the participants, the Teams will be allowed to drive into the venues and all efforts are being made to provide them accommodations within a 30 minute drive of the their venues. Most spectators are expected to seek accommodations in Montreal and public transportation will be setup to get them from their hotels to the venues.
I will continue to compile more of the information I am getting and provide further updates.
For those interested in volunteering you can sign up at this link.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
Permalink
05.10.15
Posted in Show Jumping at 3:19 pm by EPR
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An International Roster of Champions Will Light Up Lexington, May 22-24
Lexington, KY – May 8, 2015 – There’s a new buzz in the air around Lexington, KY, “the Horse Capital of the World,” as anticipation builds for the debut of the Split Rock Jumping Tour, May 22-24 at Split Rock Farm. The vision of veteran show jumper Derek Braun is about to come to fruition. Promising an “unparalleled show jumping experience” for riders, spectators, and sponsors, the Split Rock Jumping Tour plans to deliver a revolutionary sporting event.
A CSI3* international event at a world-class venue that includes a pristine grass jumping field, top prize money, extravagant awards, and the promise of a unique full-service Rider Hospitality Experience, the Split Rock Jumping Tour has drawn an international group of top competitors, with entries continuing to roll in. Along with a superlative experience, the three star distinction from the FEI allows riders to earn world-ranking points here on American soil.
Among the high-profile show jumpers will be:
- the youngest Olympic equestrian ever and Longines Rising Star Award recipient Reed Kessler;
- Olympic veteran and 10-time American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year Margie Engle;
- Olympic veteran Pablo Barrios of Venezuela who is representing Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as part of the All-Inclusive Entry Sponsor Package provided at Split Rock;
- Irish Olympic veteran Kevin Babington; and
- most recent winner of the $1,000,000 Great American Million Grand Prix, the first alternate to the 2012 Olympic and 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. teams, Charlie Jayne;
Joining them in the field are2011 Pan American Games Individual and Team Gold Medalist
Christine McCrea; 1999 Pan American Games team Silver Medalist and the top U.S. finisher at the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games Alison Robitaille; and the first alternate to the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. team, Candice King.
Alongside these venerable names will be a galaxy of young show jumping stars, including 2013 NAJYRC Junior Individual Gold Medalist Eugenio Garza Perez of Mexico; winner of the 2012 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Amateur-Owner Eastern Division, Meagan Nusz; Ali Wolff, who recently rode the only double-clear at the Nations’ Cup in Mexico to help clinch the win for the United States; and the winner of the 2015 Nutrena Spring I Grand Prix at Wellington, Kaitlin Campbell.
In addition to the chance to see many of the sport’s top horses and riders competing in world-class show jumping competition, spectators will also have the chance to enjoy a variety of boutique shops and food vendors, a Children & Family Festival, a Beer and Wine Garden with live music, as well as free raffles and cash giveaways!
The Split Rock Jumping Tour has partnered with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation in which a portion of proceeds from all sales of Split Rock Jumping Tour Hospitality packages will go directly to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation to support their programs. Split Rock will also provide staff and patients of the Center with free tickets to attend both horse shows. For more information please visit: https://ukmarkey.org.
Further information on the Split Rock Jumping Tour, including a detailed schedule and how to order tickets, is available on line at the Tour’s website at www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com or by emailing info@SplitRockJumpingTour.com. |
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04.13.15
Posted in Amerberway Equine, Competitions, Spy Coast Farm's Young Horse Show at 6:57 pm by EPR
| Midway, Kentucky – April 11, 2015 – Amberway Equine, a leading supplier of barn and arena products for private and professional equestrian facilities, has renewed its sponsorship of Spy Coast Farm’s Young Horse Show, scheduled for May 9 in Lexington, Kentucky. Amerberway Equine is just one of the sponsors of the show, which is part of Spy Coast’s Young Horse Show (YHS) Series, an age-appropriate competitive series for young horses that provides a suitable environment for them to begin their careers, embracing and rewarding the pre-eminent qualities of sport horses, aged yearling through five, that have been bred specifically for the Olympic disciplines.”We are delighted to sponsor the Young Horse Show at Spy Coast Farm again this year,” said Brian Lynch, owner of Amberway Equine. “The shows are very important to the U.S. sport horse industry in that they demonstrate and recognize the top quality horses that are being bred in this country.”
The 2015 YHS season consists of a total of nine qualifiers in nine different States. Each show includes five divisions including free jumping, in-hand, and under saddle classes in dressage and jumping. Schooling classes under saddle for six and seven year-old sport horses has also been introduced this year. Horses may compete in more than one division and/or class within their age group. The last qualifier and YHS Final will be held on November 6-7 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina. The YHS was created in 2009 by Jean Yves Tola, the directors of the North American Studbook, and other professionals from the sport horse industry including equestrian entrepreneur, Mark Bellissimo, and Lisa Lourie of Spy Coast Farm.
 Amberway Equine has locations in Wellington, Tryon and Midway, Kentucky, just outside Lexington. Amberway is also present at many of the biggest horse shows around the country. Following its 12 weeks at Winetr Equestrian Festival, Amberway was at the Global Champions Tour in Miami and is now heading to the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.
About Amberway Equine
Amberway Equine is the one-stop destination for equine products for the private facility, large and small boarding facilities and racing operations. Amberway carries a wide selection of barn and arena products like StableComfort by Promat, Pavesafe Rubber Pavers, Stall Grid, HDPE Fencing, EquiLumination Equine Lighting, Lucas Equine Horse Stalls & Gates, Arena Footing, Cool Barns Fans, Kraft Horse Walkers, Treadmills, Therapeutic Solutions, Fly Spray System and other quality equine equipment. Amberway works with customers from conception to completion and is always available to design, consult, supply and install.
A visit to Amberway’s design center in Midway, Kentucky or to one of its mobile design centers at horse shows across the country provides an opportunity to experience their products first hand. For more information about Amberway or to set up an appointment, please visit www.AmberWayEquine.com, call 248-431-1875, or email info@AmberWayEquine.com.
For more information about Spy Coast Farm’s Young Horse Show Series, please visit www.spycoastfarm.com/initiatives/young-horse-shows |
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03.29.15
Posted in Announcement, Attractions, Competitions, Show Jumping at 9:27 am by EPR
Lexington, KY – March 26, 2015 – The Split Rock Jumping Tour, the new international show jumping show series held at Split Rock Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, “the Horse Capital of the World,” has launched the online entry system for its inaugural FEI 3* event, The Lexington International CSI 3*, held May 22-24.
Competitors and their teams may now complete online entries on the Split Rock Jumping Tour website at http://splitrockjumpingtour.com/competitor. Details of the All-Inclusive Entry Packages and classes available can be found within the prize list and show schedule, both also located on their website.
“We are excited to have the ShowGrounds Live online entry system on our website and we encourage competitors to register early, as entries will be limited,” said Derek Braun, Founder and President of Split Rock Jumping Tour. “One of the biggest perks of the online entry system is easily selecting one of our All-Inclusive Entry Packages with the option to add on additional amenities for convenient registering and check-out.”
Convenient online entries and All-Inclusive Entry Packages are just a few of the ways in which the Split Rock Jumping Tour is committed to creating an unparalleled experience for each competitor and their team.
The Lexington International is sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as a 3* international competition that will allow riders to earn FEI points without having to travel to Europe. Featured classes include the $100,000 FEI CSI 3* Grand Prix, $40,000 FEI CSI 3* Grand Prix, $35,000 FEI CSI 3* Speed Cup and $15,000 Under 25 Young Rider Cup, all of which will all take place on pristine grass in The Rock Jumping Field.
Additional classes rounding out the class roster will be the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper, Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper, 1. 40m Jumper, 1.30m Jumper, 1.20m Jumper and the 1.10m Jumper.
The Split Rock Jumping Tour is modeled after successful European shows and will give competitors, sponsors and spectators an “Unparalleled Show Jumping Experience” by changing the way show jumping is presented in the U.S. Split Rock offers a world-class venue with a pristine grass jumping field, top prize money, extravagant awards and numerous first-class amenities for riders, horses, sponsors, and spectators, with close attention paid to every detail. All riders are required to dress in formal attire, and riders receiving ribbons will be required to ride their horse into the arena for the ribbon presentation and participate in the award ceremonies.
The Split Rock Hospitality Experience will include private ringside tables, top-of-the line dining, Gala tickets, lounge seating, music, dancing, access to the VIP Spa Indulge Zone, and exclusive boutique shopping. The Split Rock Jumping Tour has partnered with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation in which a portion of proceeds from all sales of Split Rock Jumping Tour Hospitality packages will go directly to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation to support their programs. Split Rock will also provide staff and patients of the Center with free tickets to attend the horse shows. For more information please visit: https://ukmarkey.org.
Further information on the Split Rock Jumping Tour is available online at the Tour’s website at www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com or by e-mailing info@SplitRockJumpingTour.com.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marty Bauman at Marty@SplitRockJumpingTour.com or by calling 508-698-6810 extension 10.
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02.17.15
Posted in Equine Welfare at 12:26 am by EPR
For Immediate Release by Kenneth Kraus
for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Releases and High-Res Photos Available at
PhelpsMediaGroup.com |
Media Contact:
Susie Webb
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386 |
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| Brooke USA, World’s Largest International Equine Welfare Charity, Joins Forces with Phelps Media Group
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Wellington, FL – February 13, 2015 –
Phelps Media Group, the nation’s leading equestrian public relations company, today announced the signing of Brooke USA to their impressive roster of world-wide clients.
Brooke USA is the American fundraising arm of the Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity that also helps people and has been assisting working animals: horses, donkeys, mules and their owners in developing countries for more than 80 years. The organization’s president is Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Great Britain’s heir to the throne, Prince Charles.
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| Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and
Prince Charles visiting the Brooke’s work in Eqypt. |
While the Brooke is headquartered in London, Brooke USA has been based at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for the past two years.
A unique charity, Brooke USA focuses on raising awareness and funds for programs that alleviate suffering among working animals, which in turn improves the lives of the families that count on those animals for their daily survival. It is estimated that there are more than 100 million working equines in the developing world. Approximately 80% are suffering from chronic dehydration, exhaustion, malnutrition and outright abuse. Poor families count on these horses, mules and donkeys as their lifeline, and as such, the animals are required to perform difficult, grueling tasks and back-breaking labor under some of the world’s harshest conditions. At the same time, the poor families need these animals just to survive their daily routines.
The Brooke is in constant outreach to those families and to the working animals who serve them diligently.
Last year alone, the Brooke reached more than 1.4 million working horses, donkeys and mules, benefitting several million people in 11 of the world’s poorest countries. Their goal is to reach at least two million animals each year by 2016.
Her Royal Highness has said, “Having seen for myself the wonderful work the Brooke does in their clinics in Cairo and in Pakistan to help the suffering working animals, it makes me incredibly proud to be the President of this unique charity and to follow its course with enormous interest.”
“Phelps Media Group is equally proud to represent Brooke USA in the incredible work they’re doing, away from the spotlight of the type of horses we’re all used to working with,” said Mason Phelps, Jr. the President of Phelps Media Group International. “If we can help get the word out, here in this country, regarding the hard and challenging work this amazing charity does, then we’ve done our job. We’re delighted to have Brooke USA join our growing family.”
Petra Ingram, the CEO of the Brooke said, “The purpose of Brooke USA is to support the world-wide programs of the Brooke in alleviating the suffering of the working equines, thus improving the lives of the families who need them,” she noted. “Americans have a close affinity with horses and at the same time, are exceedingly generous to the poor, so we believe this will be an excellent partnership.”
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| This exhausted and overloaded donkey in Pakistan is an
example of the animals Brooke USA is working to save. |
Brooke USA supports the overseas work of the Brooke, including a world-wide staff of approximately 1,000 people across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central America. They provide free veterinary care for the animals and better husbandry skills for the owners.
For more information about Brooke USA, visit their website at: www.BrookeUSA.org.
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02.03.15
Posted in National Horse Show at 8:30 pm by EPR
Lexington, KY – February 3, 2015 – – The National Horse Show announced today a new sponsorship with Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) that brings them on board as the title sponsor of this prestigious and long running show. The overall event will now be known as the CP National Horse Show. The showreturns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, onOctober 27th through November 1st, 2015.
With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s show has been designated a CSI-W 5* show by the FEI. The International Open Jumpers will compete for over a half a million dollars in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.
The CP National Horse Show, for the fourth year in a row, received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was again named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in back to back years.
Hunter Harrison, the CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway and Chairman of the Board of the National Horse Show Association of America said of the new sponsorship, “The National Horse Show, one of America’s really special equestrian events, is a great showcase for Canadian Pacific as we continue to increase our participation in the United States.”
“The National Horse Show is honored with the title sponsorship from Canadian Pacific,” said Mason Phelps Jr., the President of the National Horse Show Foundation. “CP has been so generous to the National Horse Show and CEO Hunter Harrison is really to be commended for his support of show jumping worldwide and here in Lexington. The National Horse Show and horse show enthusiasts from around the country owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hunter, his family and to Canadian Pacific.”
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| Hunter Harrison, the CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway and Chairman of the Board of the National Horse Show |
“I think the title sponsorship gives us a chance to really step up and the National Horse Show is a great place to do it,” Harrison continued. “It’s a wonderful show with a great deal of tradition and the venue in Kentucky will help us establish a better position in the world of show jumping in Lexington, the horse capital of America.”
This year, in addition to the CP National Horse Show, Lexington will draw people from around the globe for the 2015 edition of the Breeder’s Cup.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canadian Pacific owns approximately 14,000 miles of track across Canada and into the United States, stretching from Montreal to Vancouver, and as far north as Edmonton. Its rail network also serves major cities in the United States, such as Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago, and New York City.
Canadian Pacific is noted for their excellent and reliable service. What used to arrive today now gets there yesterday. We’re helping our customers become more competitive and grow their businesses with faster and more reliable transit times.CP knows that their customers want a service that provides the greatest assurance their goods will be on shelves, not stuck en-route.
The CP National Horse Show kicks off in Lexington on October 27th and runs through November 1st, 2015 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY
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01.01.15
Posted in My Thoughts at 12:44 am by Thomas
Happy New Year to all horse and non-horse people a like. I hope 2015 brings you much success and joy, and for us horse people, many sunset rides.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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12.07.14
Posted in My Thoughts at 9:15 pm by Thomas
It was 9 years ago that it was announced that Kentucky had landed the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, to be named later the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, and I launched my endeavor to support those Games. This blog in its current format however wasn’t deployed until the 20th of that same month and I would of never imagined that 9 years would go by so fast. My hope of course is that in another 3 years we are talking about our successful bid for the 2022 Games as well as counting down to the 2018 Games in Bromont.
I would be a miss if I did not honor another anniversary on this date, the 73rd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor which thrust our country into World War II and the Greatest Generation that gave their all to protect this Great Country. Without that Generation, some of which were my Grand Parents and friend’s Grand Parents I suspect things would be very different today and I doubt I would have the luxury to create this blog or maybe, the internet would not exist at all. So my hat is off and I salute all those that have come before me to make this country the great nation that it is.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO
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11.02.14
Posted in Competitions, National Horse Show, Show Jumping at 9:59 pm by Thomas
Wanted to give a quick shout out to Beezie Madden and CORTES ‘C’ on their win Saturday in the $250,000 Grand Prix at the 2014 National Horse Show here at the Kentucky Horse Park. I also send congratulations to Abigail Wexner, CORTES ‘C benefactor(I prefer over owner) on this win and all that she does in supporting the Equestrian World.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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