When equine all-stars come from around the world to the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (known as ?the Games? or ?WEG?), they will be welcomed in a state-of-the-art barn complex adjacent to the recently completed $45 million indoor arena. These cutting-edge facilities, which feature easy-to-use shower bays, more than 300 high-quality stalls and climate-controlled comfort, were constructed using funds provided by the generosity of donors to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.
Because the barn complex is an essential component in attracting events to the new indoor arena, the KHP Foundation was honored to be asked to oversee the fund-raising for construction. ?It is exciting for us to contribute not only to the ongoing needs of the Kentucky Horse Park, but to provide capital improvements that will increase the park?s use, and ensure our future success for generations to come,? says Frances Dulaney, executive director of the foundation.
This remarkable partnership between state government and the private sector began in 1985, and has since provided over $25 million to the Kentucky Horse Park. Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the foundation has been able to enhance the park through improved show facilities, landscaping projects, new horses, safety equipment, land surveys, sound systems and many other improvements, in addition to the completion of the barn complex.
What are the future goals of the KHP Foundation? The selection of the Kentucky Horse Park as the location for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games was truly the culmination of 30 years of growth and success at the park. The foundation views this honor as a challenge to continue the expansion and enhancement of the park?s facilities. In addition to capital improvements, the foundation is enthusiastically building the Nina Bonnie Endowment to ensure the maintenance of the park and safeguard its future, and hopes to raise $35 million in this multi-year effort.
?The Games will be the launching point for a new era of competition and events at the Kentucky Horse Park. With three barns complete, we are looking forward to construction of a fourth barn in our complex, and the eventual refurbishment or replacement of our existing barns,? says Dulaney. The foundation is also developing plans for a newly designed and landscaped Dressage Complex. The future holds many ambitious projects that will benefit visitors and competitors alike.
The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and expanding the Kentucky Horse Park. For more information, call (859) 255-5727 or visit www.khpfoundation.org.
From the 2010 Discover Horses magazine.
