Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is proud to join with Phelps Media Group, Rood & Riddle Hospital, and the United States Hunter Jumper Association as a co-sponsor of the first "Kentucky Experience." This program is a unique combination of Kentucky horse farm tours, seminars, and social events, all linked with the spectacular Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is an organization that funds veterinary research aimed at promoting the health and soundness of all horses and distributes information to further that cause.
In the last 30 years, the Foundation has provided $19.9 million to fund 299 specific projects at 40 universities.
"The Alltech National and the Kentucky Experience combination is a perfect showcase to demonstrate how Grayson-funded research is the friend of all horses, and therefore all horse owners and trainers," commented Edward L. Bowen, president of the Foundation. "We are associated with The Jockey Club of the Thoroughbred industry, but the research we have funded has created progress on a large range of problems which can afflict any breed or equine activity."
These include the development of tests for common diseases such as EHV, influenza, botulism, and EPM; increased knowledge of the musculoskeletal system; the use of cryotherapy as a tool against laminitis; the virus abortion vaccine process, and better understanding of placentitis.
"Any horse, especially an athletic competitor, is subject to tendon, ligament, joint, and bone problems," noted Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, veterinary consultant to the Foundation. "Likewise, laminitis and most diseases make no discrimination among the breed of their victims. We annually fund projects which address these issues." For additional information on the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation click here http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/
Grayson-Jockey Club is a 501 (c)(3) organization funded primarily by membership dues, other donations, and special fund raising events.
"We welcome as members anyone who cares about the horse and is willing to write a modest check," said Bowen. Membership levels begin at $100, but the Foundation also welcomes contributions of lesser amounts.
The Kentucky Experience will include free tours of famous Bluegrass area horse farms, a free tour of the world renowned Rood &Riddle Equine Hospital, free admission to all sessions of the Alltech National Horse Show, a free reception at the USHJA Museum, including an opportunity to meet some of the star riders of the hunter jumper world before the ring events on Friday night and an opportunity to meet Harry De Leyer, former trainer of Hall of Fame Showjumper Snowman!
This exciting experience will give anyone who signs up at roodandriddle.com/kyexperience free general admission tickets to the Alltech National Horse Show for the duration of the show.
"Our hope is that, by opening the doors of the horse show to everyone who signs up for the Kentucky Experience, people will get to experience the pinnacle of equine sport and the Horse Capital of the World" — said Dr. Tom Riddle of Rood & Riddle, the official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Pharmacy of the Alltech National Horse Show.
On the morning of Friday, November 1, 2013 the Kentucky Experience will open the gates of some of the Bluegrass region''s most famous horse farms to all participants as a part of the Kentucky Experience Bus Tours. All Kentucky Experience participants will board buses at the Kentucky Horse Park and then be taken to some of Kentucky''s most famous horse farms where they will be shown around the barns and grounds to see world famous Thoroughbred and Warmblood stallions.
Following the farm tours, participants will be walked through the world famous Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital to see the outstanding care given to horses of all breeds and disciplines. Participants will then be taken back to the Kentucky Horse Park where they will able to watch the horse show or visit the world class shops and restaurants that accompany it at their leisure.
The Rood & Riddle Sport Horse Symposium will be held on Friday afternoon at the Horse Park and Kentucky Experience participants will be given tickets to attend this always sold out event.
Friday night the United States Hunter Jumper Association will open the doors of its museum to host all Kentucky Experience participants for a light cocktail reception preceding a night of world-class showjumping in the Alltech Arena. During this reception, participants will have a chance to meet star riders from both the hunter and jumper world!
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