Kentucky Summer Horse Shows Attracts Nation's Top Show Jumpers
Equestrian News Release

Lexington, KY - July 22, 2008 - The Kentucky Summer Horse Shows are fast approaching, with just one week left before the top hunter and jumper riders from across the nation gather at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The two-week event is a combination of two horse shows, the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, which will be held from July 30 -August 3, 2008, and the Kentucky Summer Classic, scheduled for August 6 - 10, 2008.

Jumper riders will have the opportunity to compete in two grand prix events. The first is the $40,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, held on Saturday, August 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Walnut Arena, at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. On Saturday, August 9, at 6:00 p.m., the Kentucky Summer Classic will host the $40,000 RV Sales of Broward Kentucky Classic Grand Prix.

The Kentucky Horse Shows are also the home of the Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The series offers $215,000 in prize money and a $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. During the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic will be held in the Walnut Arena at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. The second $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, during the Kentucky Summer Classic at 6:00 p.m. in the Walnut Arena.

After the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, which hosted the first two events in the Hagyard Challenge Series, Danielle Torano and Margie Engle are currently tied for the bonus. Engle plans to attend additional shows at the horse park this year. "I like the horse shows in Kentucky. I think they are run well, and the footing is always nice. There's plenty of places to go ride, and I like the countryside," commented Engle.

The Hagyard Challenge Series Leading Rider Bonus will be awarded to the rider who accumulates the highest money earnings throughout the challenge. The presentation will occur after the final event, the $50,000 World Cup qualifying grand prix on Friday, September 26, during the Kentucky National Indoor Horse Show.

Come watch the top riders in the country compete during the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park. The park will also be hosting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and is the home of the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please go to http://www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.


2008 KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOWS FAST FACTS

Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Show - July 30 - August 3, 2008
Kentucky Summer Classic - August 6 -10, 2008

What:
Two of the nation's premier equestrian competitions, featuring two grand prix competitions, one of which is AGA sanctioned. A World Championship Hunter Rider recognized hunter competition. The Kentucky Summer Horse Shows offer two Hagyard Lexington Classics, which are part of the summer-long $215,000 Hagyard Challenge Series. The competitions are also qualifying events for the Washington International Horse Show Championships and the North American League finals.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games(TM). Home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW - JULY 30 - AUGUST 3, 2008
A World Championship Hunter Rider Event
$20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
The $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
The $40,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix

KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC - AUGUST 6 - 10, 2008
The $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
The $40,000 RV Sales of Broward Kentucky Classic Grand Prix
A Member Event of the AGA Grand Prix Series

Hours:
8am - 5pm daily

Admission:
Admission is free to the public. The Kentucky Horse Park charges a $3.00 daily fee for parking.

VIP Seating:
Tables of six are available each week in the ringside spectator pavilion for both shows at a price of $1,000 per week. This will entitle table holders and their guests to exclusive seating in the pavilion, which provides daily continental breakfasts and complimentary lunches. Additionally, table holders receive a VIP parking pass and access to wireless internet service. Tables may be reserved by contacting Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $5.00.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show - Telephone: (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show - Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling - Email Tom Blankenship at Tomb@kentuckyhorseshows.com
Prize List Advertising - Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com
Vendors - Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com
VIP Tables - Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com

Website: http://www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
All outdoor competition arenas and schooling areas consist of a limesand base and mortar sand cushion. The Indoor Arena consists of sand and loam. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Stonelea: 135' x 285', Claiborne: 140' x 270'
Murphy: 140' x 290', Indoor: 145' x 285'
Walnut: 300' x 370'

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:
HOLIDAY INN NORTH-859 - 233-0512 - Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON - 859-259-1311 - Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA - 859-231-7551 - Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN - 859-231-0255 - Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES - 859-455-5000 - Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE - 859-231-5100 - Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN - 859-231-6191 - Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT - 859-253-4646 - Approximately 5 miles
RAMADA INN - 859-299-1261 - Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN - 859-293-2626 - Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN - 502-867-4888 - Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT - 502-863-4888 - Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES - 502-868-8000 - Approximately 6 miles

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: http://www.kentuckyhorseshows.com


Photo Credit: Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Pamina L, winners of the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo by: Jenny Ross Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.