sustainabledressage

Recent posts talked about some not-so-common dressage prospects like the Mustang or the Mule. If you find yourself still considering breeds that might easily fall into the unordinary but want to learn as much as you can about them and see them up close and personal all at one time before making your decision, you might consider a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park in beautiful Lexington. There you’ll find the opportunity to see 24 of the park’s equine breeds side by side so you can get a better feel for their size and temperament and how a particular breed might (or might not) suit your needs.Now that autumn is upon us the park’s breed tour is held from November 1^st through March 14^th and starts at 1:30 pm for an Up Close and Personal Walk-Through Tour where you’ll see breeds ranging from Andalusian and American Saddlebred to American Sporthorse and Selle Francais. While at the park you might also enjoy the Horse Drawn Tour area where the “gentle giants” draft horses (Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, English Shires and more) showcase their talents. And yes, before you ask, these breeds can and have successfully competed in the dressage court. And if you plan your trip around Thanksgiving you can see the Southern Lights Stroll where guests begin with a driving tour through miles of lavish displays reminding visitors of the splendor and traditions of the season. Brightly lit arches and snowflakes guide visitors along the route between animated displays of Keeneland racecourse, show jumping, steeplechase and the spires of Churchill Downs. Lifelike horses on all sides depict the majesty and beauty of the pride of the Bluegrass. Visitors then leave their cars and begin the Southern Lights Indoor Section first stop, the petting zoo of exotic animals in the big tent in the main parking lot. Next is the lobby inside the Visitor Information Center which is decorated in holiday splendor.The Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop is full of special holiday gifts, both equine-related and non-equine items. Shoppers can also shop for items made by Kentucky crafters including: jewelry, dolls, ceramics, hats, paintings, candles, floral arrangements and more. And if you think the Kentucky Horse Park is a little out of range, consider the fact that it’s actually within a one day drive from over 75 of the US population. So what are you waiting for? Your next breed favorite might be waiting for you!